AUGUST 13TH, 1864: Reports of the Tallahassee's destructive success created much alarm in northern seaports. This date, John D. Jones, president of the Board of Underwriters, wired Secretary Welles from New York: "Confederate steamer Tallahassee is reported cruising within sixty miles of this port. She has already captured six vessels.
"Will you please have the necessary measures taken, if not already done, to secure her capture?"
Half an hour after receipt of this message, Welles replied: "Three vessels left New York Navy Yard yesterday afternoon; more leave to-day. Vessels left Hampton Roads last night; more leave to-day. Several vessels leave Boston to-day and to-morrow. Every vessel available has been ordered to search for the pirate."
In addition this date, Captain C.K. Stribling, Commandant of the Philadelphia Navy Yard, despatched three ships "in pursuit of the pirate."
However, Commander Wood and his Tallahassee continued its havoc, burning the schooner Lamont Du Pont and bark Glenavon.
--Old B-R'er
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