On this date, August 18, 1864, the CSS Tallahassee, under Commander Wood, out into Halifax to replenish its coal supply after a raid up the Union coast. Over a 19-day period from August 6th, when she ran the Wilmington blockade, the Tallahassee destroyed 26 vessels and captured 7.
The Union government was immediately made aware of the Tallahassee's presence and Secretary of the Navy, Gideon Welles, ordered the USS Pontoosuc to leave Eastport, Maine, where it had just arrived, and sail to Halifax to intercept her..
However, the Confederate ship left the night of the 19th and Pontoosuc arrived on the 20th.
Elusive Boat. --B-R
The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
