USS Rosalie-- Part 2: Captures A Blockade Runner

Of course, the Rosalie's size and shallow draft was of great help in navigating the smaller inlets along Florida's west coast.

The sloop Rosalie was was captured on 16 March 1863 by the USS Octorara while attempting to run from Bermuda into the Confederate port of Charleston, S.C.. and sent to Key West for adjudication.  Purchased by the Navy on 6 May 1863 and fitted out as a tender, commissioned June 1863 with Acting Ensign Charles P. Clark in command.

She was assigned to the Florida west coast as tender to the blockading ship off Charlotte Harbor.  On June 6, she spotted the schooner Ann and  small sloop and pursued the ships three days up Peace Creek (River).  Though frequently grounding, on the 7th, the Rosalie was joined by two cutters from the USS Restless.

On the 8th, the Union ships captured the Confederate ships with large cargoes of cotton.

--Old B-Runner