Capture of Blockade-Runner Calypso-- Part 1

From the June 14, 2013, UNC Libraries Civil War Day By Day.

The report of Commander Bankwood of the USS Florida of the capture of the Confederate staemer Calypso, June 11, 1863. From the ORN. I'll be using my paraphrasing of the report.

The USS Florida was at its station, six miles off the Western Bar of the Cape Fear River at 3 P.M. on the 11th, when a strange sail was seen. Bankhead made General Signal 1116 and was answered and went off in pursuit.

The unidentified ship altered course immediately and much effort was made to catch the ship, including more canvas sails and burning "slush") in the furnaces. The Florida got within range of its rifled gun and on the third shot the ship appeared to stop

By 6 P.M. the Florida closed in and discovered people quickly abandoning ship.

More to Come. --Old B-R'er