On this date in 1864, a new vessel called the Sea King sailed from the London docks in England. The same time, another steamer, the Laurel left. Both were headed for the Mid-Atlantic island of Madeira.
Passengers on the Laurel included James I. Waddell of the Confederate States Navy and seamen from that organization as well. Also aboard were unmounted cannons, shells, and gunpowder along with provisions sufficient for an extended cruise.
I wonder if the Union spies picked up on this one. What a coincidence!
Oh, yes. The Sea King became the Confederate raider Shenandoah.
Thanks to Civil War Interactive for this one.
Talk About Your Sneaky Folks!! --Old B-Runner
The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
