February 12, 1865: Five Blockade Runners Plan to Run Into Charleston-- Part 1

FEBRUARY 12TH, 1865:  The blockade runners Carolina, Dream, Chicora, Chameleon and Owl, heavily laden with supplies desperately needed by General Lee's army, lay at anchor in Nassau harbor.    They had intended to run into Wilmington, but now knew that port was effectively closed.

During the day, the five captains, including Lieutenant John Wilkinson and Commander John Maffitt, held a conference and formulated plans for running the blockade in Charleston.  They figured that despite the long odds of success on this mission, that if all five attempted at about the same time, some might be able to get through.

After putting to sea that night,the five ships separated and stood on different courses for the South Carolina coast.

A Last Ditch Effort to Get Into the Confederacy.  --Old B-Runner