AUGUST 13TH, 1864: Reports of the CSS Tallhassee's destructive success created much alarm in northern seaports.
This date, John D. Jones, president of the Board of Underwriters (insurance), wired Secretary Welles from New York: "Confederate steamer Tallahassee is reported cruising within sixty miles of this port. She has already captured six vessels. Will you please have the necessary measures taken, if not already done, to secure her capture?"
Half and hour after the receipt of this message, Welles replied: "Three vessels left New York Navy Yard yesterday afternoon; more leave to-day. Several vessels have leave Boston to-day and tomorrow. Every vessel available has been ordered to search for pirate."
In addition this date, Captain C.K. Stribling, Commandant of the Philadelphia Navy Yard, dispatched three ships "in pursuit of the pirate."
However, the Tallahassee's Commander Wood, continued her "depredations," burning the schooner Lammot Fu Pont, cargo of coal, and the bark Glenavon.
The Tallahassee Having a Great Cruise. --Old B-Runner
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