February 26, 1864: Union Picket Boat Captured at Charleston Harbor

FEBRUARY 26TH, 1864:  While on night picket duty at Charleston Harbor, a boat commanded by Acting Master's Mate William H. Kitching, Jr., from the USS Nipsic, was captured by a Confederate cutter from the CSS Palmetto State.

The Union boat encountered her captors in a thick fog and was unable to withdraw rapidly enough against the flood tide to escape.  Kitching and his five crew members were taken prisoner and confined initially aboard the CSS Charleston near Fort Sumter.

Small Actions, But Always Vigilant.  --Old B-Runner