JULY 13TH, 1864: Flag Officer Barron, CSN, wrote Secretary Mallory from Paris: "In the course of this week...I hope to have the pleasure of reporting the Rappahannock at sea...She is strictly watched by Federal cruisers in the channel: Kearsarge at Dover, Niagara at or off Cherbourg, and Sacramento off Ushant.
"This disposition of the enemy's ships increases the risks and affords decided chances of capture; but if we be permitted to leave port with the number of officers and men on board I shall assuredly encounter all the chances and risks, knowing your anxiety and great importance of keeping a sufficient number of vessels afloat to keep up the rates of maritime insurance in the United States, and a wholesome dread of our active and enterprising little Navy amongst their commercial marine."
Despite Barron's strong efforts, however, the Rappahannock remained in port until the war ended. Not only was the U.S. navy extremely vigilant, but there were also the unending efforts by Union spies and agents in Europe which caused the Confederacy problems.
--Old B-Runner
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