Feb. 12, 1865-- Part 2: Last Attempt Through Blockade at Charleston and Maffitt Later Runs Into Galveston

Only the Chicora, Master John Rains, Shipmaster, got through and became the last blockade runner to enter or leave Charleston prior to its evacuation during the night of 17-18 February.

Two and a half months later, the Owl, Commander Maffitt, slipped past 16 Federal cruisers and entered the harbor at Galveston.  After off-loading his cargo, Maffitt again evaded the blockaders and safely reached Havana on May 9, where, after coaling his ship, he continued to give Union ships the slip on his return voyage to Nassau and ultimately to Liverpool (which he reached July 14).

--Old B-R'er

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