Getting Those Cruisers Out and About

APRIL 6TH, 1864: Sec. Mallory wote Flag Officer Barron, CSN, in Paris regarding possible operations of ships being fitted out in France: "If the vessels about to go out to sea can be united with the two you sent off [CSS Florida and Georgia], they might strike a blow at the enemy off Wilmington, during the summer, and then separate to meet for a blow at another point." //// Along with that, he wanted the ships to continue commerce raiding to keep Union warships chasing after them. //// However, Mallory's hit-and-run cruise was not to happen. The Florida was captured before the year was out, the Georgia was sold and the CSS Rappahannock never ventured to sea under Confederate colors. //// --Old B-Runner