USS Gem of the Sea-- Part 1: Very Successful Capturing Blockade Runners

In the last post, i wrote about this ship launching an attack at Confederate positions on the Peace River in Florida.

From Wilipedia.

Was a bark acquired by the U.S. Navy.  Purchased in New York City 3 August 1861 and commissioned  15 October, under Acting Lt. Irvin B. Baxter.

Length 116 feet, beam 26.3 feet,  Complement 65, Armament six 32-pounder guns.  Propulsion by sail.

First appointed to the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron.  Ran the blockade runner Prince of Wales aground off Charleston  24 December.  Captured the blockade runner Fair Play 12 March 1862, schooner Dixie  15 April 1862 and schooner Mary Stewart 3 June.

Nine days later she took the schooner Seabrook off Alligator Creek.

Even With Just Sails.  --Old B-Runner