eam, itself almost as well
defined as a river within its banks under ordinary circumstances, is
impelled by a strong gale toward the direction in which the wind is
blowing, overflowing its banks as it were. The counter current, too,
inside of the Gulf Stream is much influenced by the prevailing winds.
Upon one occasion, while in command of the R. E. Lee, we had experienced
very heavy and thick weather; and had crossed the Stream and struck
soundings about midday. The weather then clearing so that we could
obtain an altitude near meridian we found ourselves at least forty miles
north of our supposed position and near the shoals which extend in a
southerly direction off Cape Lookout. It would be more perilous to run
out to sea than to continue on our course, for we had passed through
the off shore line of blockaders, and the sky had become perfectly
clear. I determined to personate a transport bound to Beaufort, which
was in the possession of the United States forces, and the coaling
station of the fleet blockading Wilmington. The risk of detection was
not very great, for many of the captured blockade-runners were used as
transports and dispatch vessels. Shaping our course for Beaufort, and
slowing down, as we were in no haste to get there, we passed several
vessels, showing United States colors to them all. Just as we were
crossing through the ripple of shallow water off the "tail" of the
shoals, we dipped our colors to a sloop of war which passed three or
four miles to the south of us. The courtesy was promptly responded to;
but I have no doubt her captain thought me a lubberly and careless
seaman to shave the shoals so closely. We stopped the engines when no
vessel was in sight; and I was relieved from a heavy burden of anxiety
as the sun sank below the horizon; and the course was shaped at full
speed for Masonboro' Inlet.

A few days after our arrival at Wilmington the Giraffe was transferred
to the Confederate Government, and named the R. E. Lee; and
thenceforward carried the Confederate flag. Our friend the Major
fulfilled his promise of meeting me in Richmond, having made his way
across the Potomac. He made a gallant effort to get possession of the
ship; but Mr. Seddon, who had succeeded Mr. Randolph as Secretary of War
during our absence, contended that the Government had a juster claim;
and the facts of the case were too stubborn even for the Major's
determined persistence.

"The best laid plans of mice