Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 29.djvu/224

 208 Southern Historical Society Papers.

OUR FLAG IN ENGLAND.

The Nashville enjoyed the distinction of being the first war vessel to fly the flag of the Confederate States in the waters of England. Here we remained until the latter part of January, 1862. About the ist of February, 1862, we sailed for the Confederacy, evading the United States steamer Tuscarora, which had for some time been watching an opportunity to capture the Nashville, having been sent for that purpose. The manner of our escape is worthy of men- tion. The Queen's proclamation of neutrality required that neither belligerant should leave port until twenty-four hours after the hour set for the sailing of the other. The Tuscarora immediately got under way and lay off the port to avoid the restriction, awaiting our departure, but one evening came to anchor near the Isle of Wight, within the limit of British jurisdiction. Captain Pegram, learning this, at once notified the government that he would set sail at a cer- tain hour the next day, and the Tuscarora was notified that she must remain until the expiration of the twenty-four hours thereafter. A British vessel was sent down to see that this order was not vio- lated, and the Nashville, with flying colors, steamed proudly by the Tuscarora and passed out to sea, leaving her commander and crew to meditate on the delightful uncertainties of the law of nations.

The run to Bermuda was without incident, save that we encoun- tered a gale of wind which did us considerable damage. After re- pairing and coaling ship we took on board the master and crew of a North Carolina schooner, which had been wrecked by the gale at Bermuda. The master agreed to pilot us into the harbor of Beau- fort, N. C., and we made for that port. On the passage the schooner Gilfillan was captured and destroyed. Arriving off Beaufort we found one United States blockade steamer and determined to pass in by a ruse de guerre.

PERSONATING A SHIP.

A steamer very much like the Nashville was then employed by the United States Navy in carrying the mails and communicating with the blockading squadron. Personating this steamer and flying the United States flag, we ran confidently up to the blockader and made signal to her to come and get her mails. The Nashville was hove to under gentle pressure of steam and the blockader lowered a boat: While pulling toward us we changed our course and ran for port. Before their mistake was discovered the Nashville was out of