His cutting the telegraph wires was a lesson in futility as his run had generated a lot of activity along the Mississippi River. Union ships and shore batteries had been alerted and everyone was ready to stop him.
About ten miles above New Orleans, Read hoisted a United States flag at half mast in mourning for Lincoln's death and brought the Webb's steam pressure up to maximum. He passed the city at about midnight April 24th, going full speed. Federal gunboats opened on him, whereupon Read broke out the Confederate flag. Three hits were scored, the spar torpedo rigged at the steamer's bow was damaged and had to be jettisoned.
But, the Webb continued on its run to the sea.. Twenty-miles below New Orleans, Read's luck ran out, for here the Webb encountered the USS Richmond. Thus trapped between the Richmond and pursuing gunboats, Read's audacious and well-executed plan came to an end.
The CSS Webb was run aground and set on fire before her officers and men took to the swamps in an effort to escape. Read and his men were captured within a few hours and taken under guard to New Orleans where they were placed on public display but were subsequently paroled and ordered to their respective homes.
Following the restoration of peace, Read became a pilot of the Southwest Pass (Mississippi River) and pursued that occupation until his death.
One Valiant Confederate. --Old B-Runner
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