JULY 10TH, 1864: The CSS Florida, commanded by Lt. Charles M. Morris, captured and burned the bark General Barry with cargo of hay and straw. This is its third capture in three days. This action took place just 35 miles from Maryland's eastern shore as Morris continued his dashing raid on Union shipping.
Shortly after this capture, Morris gave chase to the bark Zelinda and captured her in ballast. He reported: "Put and officer and prize crew on board of her, with orders to follow us, went in chase of a schooner to teh eastward. Found her to be the Howard...with a cargo of fruit belonging to English merchants. Bonded the schooner for $6,000, and put all of the prisoners (sixty-two in all) on board...."
Morris then removed the Zelinda's provisions and burned her.
The Florida made yet another capture that day, the mail steamer Electric Spark; her passengers were transferred to the passing British ship, Lane. Seeking to create the impression that he had made a tender of the Electric Spark, Morris scuttled her during the night rather than putting her to the torch. The prize yielded a quantity of cash in addition to other important articles, including mail.
Realizing that Union warships by this time would be in hot pursuit, turned the Florida on an easterly course into the Atlantic, where its vastness was of great aide in hiding commerce raiders.
Six Captures in Three Days. --Old B-Runner
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