Confederate Cruiser CSS Rappahannock Preparing for Sea?

FEBRUARY 29TH, 1864: The U.S. consul at Calais, France, sent Captain Winslow of the Kearsarge a detailed description of the CSS Rappahannock with the idea that the Confederate ship was planning to begin a cruise on the high seas soon.

The Rappahannock had been purchased by Commander Matthew Fontaine Maury in 1863 and brought to Calais in November for repairs.

Late in January, Flag Officer Barron, CSN, had ordered it to rendezvous with the CSS Georgia to receive the Georgia's guns. The Georgia went to the appointed spot, but the Rappahannock never left Calais, a victim of lack of crew and the French government. It finished her career as a depot for men and supplies in France.

Old B-Runner