Use Those Cruisers-- Part 1

FEVRUARY 22ND, 1864: Confederate Secretary of Navy Mallory wrote Flag Officer Barron, CSN, in Paris: "If you could raise the blockade of Wilmington, an important service would thereby be rendered, a service which would enable neutrals to carry a great deal of cotton from that port.... //// A dash at the New England ports and commerce might be made very destructive and would be a heavy blow in the right direction. A few days' cruising on the banks might inflict severe injury on the fisheries. //// The interception of California steamers also offers good service.... Unless you determine to strike a blow which necessarily requires a combination of your force, it would be judicious to send the ships in opposite directions to distract the enemy in pursuit." //// Mallory wanted Barron to send his cruisers. //// More to Come. --Old B-Runner