USS Bermuda-- Part 8: Encounter with James Duke, CSN

On her next cruise out of Pensacola, Florida,, the Bermuda spotted three schooners and a large lugger (type of ship) together on November 19, 1863.  As it approached them, they separated and the Bermuda fired a shot across the bow of the closest one.  It stopped, but the others headed off quickly to seaward.

It proved to be the Venice of New Orleans which was heading to Pensacola under charter of the Union Army.  He explained that the other two schooners, the Norman and Mary Campbell, were also under contract and he too was confused as to why the others fled.

The Bermuda then gave a four-hour chase and fired seven shots before overtaking the Mary Campbell.  It was learned that earlier that day, a Confederate raiding party under Acting Master James Duke, CSN,  had captured the other two boats and probably intended to take the Venice until the Bermuda showed up on the scene.

James Duke was already notorious for doing things like this and fled toward land in the Norman and ten members of the luggers crew and ran the ship aground, set the ship on fire and escaped.  The Bermuda returned the Mary Campbell to her original master and allowed the ships to continue on their way to Pensacola.

Duke Is Foiled.  --Old B-Runner