t our exact
position at once, for while I was on the special service before alluded
to, I had made a visit to Masonborough Inlet, on duty connected with the
signal stations, and had noticed three wrecks in the positions
described. The Chickamauga was put under low steam, with one watch at
quarters, and we waited for daylight to cross the bar. As the fog
lifted, shortly after sunrise, two of the blockading fleet were
discovered on our port quarter, steaming towards us, as we were running
down the coast towards Fort Fisher. When within long range they opened
fire, which was returned by us. They were soon joined by a third
blockader, and as we drew nearer to the bar, Fort Fisher took part in
the engagement, and the blockaders hauled off. Shortly afterwards we
crossed the bar, and anchored inside of the "Rip."

FOOTNOTES:

[12] It is very far from my intention, by these remarks, to condemn the
depredations of the Confederate cruisers upon the Federal commerce, or
the policy which dictated the fitting of them out. But there appears to
me to be a wide difference between the destruction of ships and cargoes
belonging to capitalists, who contributed by their means and influence
to the support of the Federal Government, and the burning of fishing
craft manned by poor men, who relied upon the "catch" of the trip for
the means of feeding and clothing their families. But I will not
expatiate upon the "sentiment" involved in the subject, for fear of
incurring the reproach cast by Sir Peter Teazle upon that very humane
and sentimental character, Joseph Surface, whose actions differed so
widely from his words.

[13] From General Johnston's Narrative, pages 374, 375.

[14] But there was a striking contrast during the war, between the
conduct of the British officials, acting in their official capacity,
towards the Confederate officers, and that of individuals belonging to
both branches of Her Majesty's service; the latter, almost without an
exception, expressed their cordial sympathy with the south, and extended
many acts of courtesy and good feeling towards us, but the former
scrupulously abstained from every semblance of recognition or of
sympathy.

[15] The Shooting Star was an exception, she being chartered by the
government.

CHAPTER XIV

Last Summons to Richmond.--Demoralization.--The "Chameleon."--More
trouble in Bermuda.--Another Narrow Escape.--Fall of Fort
Fisher.--Maffitt's Escape, and Capt. S.'