NOVEMBER 27TH, 1864: Blockade-running British steamer Beatrice was captured by picket boats of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron off Charleston, S.C.. The prize crew accidentally grounded the Beatrice near Morris Island and she soon was a total wreck.
Rear Admiral Dahlgren noted the ship was captured by small boats and not seagoing vessels, adding: "The duty is severe beyond what is imagined. I the launches the men may be said to live in the boats, and all of them are, in these long nights, exposed to every hardship of sea, wind, and weather; in the stormiest nights they are cruising around close int o the rebel batteries."
The Federal Navy spared no efforts to tighten the blockade now that final victory was coming into sight.
Bad enough to be out on a full-sized ship, but imagine in a little launch.
--Old B-R'er
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