Capture of Blockade Runner Sunbeam, September 28, 1862-- Part 1

Letter from Cmdr. Armstrong of the USS State of Georgia to adjudication judge in New York City concerning the capture of the Sunbeam.  From ORN.

At daylight, a sail was seen near Smith's Island, a chase was given by the USS State of Georgia and USS Mystic.  The ship proved to be a steamer.  The U.S. colors were on the Union ships and the steamer had English colors.  The ship continued running in, even after a gun was fired to her leeward.

The steamer came within range of Fort Fisher's guns, which opened fire on the Union ships.

More shots fired and the Sunbeam was captured about a mile and a half from Fort Fisher.

The steamer proved to be the Sunbeam, which the U.S. consul in Liverpool had warned would try to run the blockade back on August 6 and that it would be carrying gunpowder and muskets for the Confederate government.

--Old B-R'er