MAY 6TH
Commander North, CSN, wrote Secretary Mallory concerning Confederate ships being built in Scotland and England: "For the first time I begin to fear that our vessels stand in much danger of being seized by this Government. I have written to our minister in France to know if this ship can be put under the French flag."
Not sure what ship he is referring to. Obviously, the Union's efforts at preventing Confederate ships from being built by Britain is getting more successful.
CSS Florida, Lt. Maffitt captured the brig Clarence off the coast of Brazil. He intends to use the Clarence for a raid Union shipping either at Hampton Roads or Baltimore. The CSS Alabama was also operating off Brazil at this time. Two Confederate cruisers in one area, best to stay away.
MAY 7TH
The Charleston Mercury reported: "The guns of this famous ironclad [USS Keokuk] now lie on the South Commercial wharf. They consist of two long XI-inch columbiads, and will be mounted for our defense, valuable acquisitions, no less than handsome trophies of the battle at Charleston Harbor."
Confederates had particular difficulty getting at the guns as the turrets had to be removed first and this dome underwater and at night, sometimes under protection of gunboats and other times not.
The Bounty of War. --Old B-Runner
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