DECEMBER 5TH, 1864: In his fourth annual report to Lincoln, Welles noted the great impact on the Confederacy made by Union seapower. Of the tireless blockaders, he wrote: "The blockade of the coastline...greater in extent than the whole coast of Europe from Cape Trafalgar to Cape north is an undertaking without precedent in history."
Welles observed that while successful runs through the blockade brought huge profits, "the blockade has not been violated with impunity. Heavy losses have befallen most of those who have engaged in the illicit trade. Sixty-five steamers, the aggregate value of which, with their cargoes, will scarcely fall short of thirteen millions of dollars, have been captured or destroyed in attempting to enter of escape Wilmington."
More to Come. --Old B-Runner
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