Lt. William Cushing's report continued: "Nine steamers passed in all, three of them being fine, large blockade runners." His group captured a fishing party and a courier, gaining valuable intelligence on river obstructions and fortifications. The night of the 24th, he and his group returned to the Union fleet after being discovered and hotly pursued.
Only Cushing's ingenuity enabled the Union sailors to throw the Confederates off track and cross the bar to safety. As late as the 28th, the Confederates were still searching for Cushing and his men.
Cushing received a letter of commendation for this action from Secretary Welles, but called special attention to his officers Acting Ensign J.E. Jones and Acting Master's Mate Howarth whom he selected "because of their uniform enterprise and bravery." he also singled out David Warren, coxswain, William Wright, yeoman and John Sullivan, seaman, who were awarded Medals of Honor for their part in the expedition.
A Brave and Daring Cushing. --Old B-Runner
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