February 9, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
The blockading vessel off the port of St. Marks disappeared on Thursday, the 29th ult., and her place was taken by a gunboat, which remained in the blockader’s position until last Sunday, the 1st inst., when she came into the Spanish Hole and anchored off the Light House, opposite old Fort Williams. From this position she commenced, about 12 m., to shell the Salt Works near the Light House. The shells, of a large size, fell very near some of the works, but no damage was done. The salt workers immediately left, taking with them all they could carry. The gunboat Spray steamed down below Old Port Leon, when the Federal gunboat turned her attention to that boat, firing some five or six shots at her, all of which fell short. Captain Scott cavalry, the ‘Tallahassee Guards,’ under command of Lieut. Gwynn, were soon near the scent of action, ready to receive them, should they attempt to land to carry out their design of destroying the Salt Works. The Federal gunboat withdrew from her position about two miles, late in the afternoon, but still remained in the Spanish Hole when last seen on that day.