CSS Stonewall Sorties

JANUARY 24TH, 1865:  At mid-morning, the CSS Stonewall, Captain T.J. Page, put into Quiberon Bay to rendezvous with the blockade-runner  City of Richmond.  The two ships remained there until January 28th when the Stonewall, still short on coal but unable to obtain more, "considered it prudent to sail."

The City of Rchmond remained with the ironclad, but by the morning of the 30th had become separated by five miles in heavy weather.  Page signaled Commander davidson on the City of Richmond that he was short of coal and intended to put into Ferrol, Spain.  The City of Richmond continued on to Bermuda.

--Old B-R'er

Blockade Runner City of Richmond Arrives in France for Rendezvous With CSS Stonewall

JANUARY 20TH, 1865:  The blockade runner City of Richmond, Commander Davidson, anchored in Quiberon Bay, France, to wait the arrival of the CSS Stonewall.  Davidson permitted no communication with the shore in order to preclude the possibility of others learning that the ironclad would rendezvous with him and effect a transfer of men and supplies.

Flag Officer Barron described the Stonewall as "a vessel more formidable than any we have yet afloat."

The same day, Flag officer Barron reported to Secretary Mallory that he had ordered Commanders James H. North and G.T. Sinclair and Lt.Cmdr. C.M. Morris, Confederate agents abroad to return to the Confederacy "...there being in my judgement no prospect for any duty for them."

--Old B-R'er