From J. Gregory MacKenzie's Ahoy- Mac's Web Log.
The CSS Chicamauga was originally the blockade-runner Edith, a sister ship to the CSS Tallahassee which had also been a former blockade-runner. The ship upon entering Confederate service was placed under the command of Lt. John Wilkinson.
On Pctpber 26, 1864, the Chicakamauga ran out to open sea from Wilmington, NC, but grounded on the bar, backed itself free and was successful thes second try.
The USS Dunbarton and two other blockaders gave chase but were soon outdistanced.
In a brief cruise, the Chickamauga captured six prizes off New York. Four of them were the Mark L. Potter, Emily L. Hall, Albion Lincoln and Shooting Star.
Alarm was quick to spread up and down the coast. Admiral Porter was informed by Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy, of the new raider: "It is reported that four privateers are out of Wilmington. Three have actually committed depredations, namely Tallahassee, Chickamauga, and Olustee." The Olustee was actually the Tallahassee Porter dispatched nine ships to locate them.
More to Come. --Old B-R'er
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