George Henry Preble-- Part 6: The CSS Florida Makes Its Escape

Preble fired a 4th shot at the fleeing unknown vessel, but missed.  At that time the Florida lowered the English ensign it had been flying and made for the protection of Fort Morgan.  It was not until then that Preble was sure that the vessel he was after was Confederate.  It turned out to be the Confederate raider CSS Florida under command of John N. Maffitt.

A major reason the Florida escaped was that one of the Oneida's boilers was down.

During the chase, Preble had fired at the Florida for 29 minutes.

There were also reports of visibility issues as well.

After he was reinstated to naval service, Preble commanded the sailing sloop USS St. Louis.  Sad for him, though, while off Madeira, the CSS Florida again escaped from him.

That Doggone Florida.  --Old B-Runner