Timely Blockade Intelligence; They're Running

AUGUST 14TH

On this date Rear Admiral Bailey advised Lt. Cmdr McCauley of the USS Fort Henry "that the steamers Alabama and Nita sailed from Havana on the 12th, with a view of running the blockade, probably at Mobile, but possibly between Tampa Bay and St. Marks [Florida]; also that the steamers Montgomery (formerly Habanero), the Isabel, the Fannie, the Warrior, and the Little Lily were nearly ready to sail, with like intent....the Isabel, which sailed on the 7th, has undoubtedly gone either to Bayport, the Waccasassa, or the Suwanee River. You will therefore keep a sharp lookout for any of these vessels...."

And that they did. Within a month, four of the seven were captured. Admiral Bailey was commander of the East Gulf Blockading Squadron at the time.

--Old B-R'er