Saturday, July 6. — Morning clear, with a light land breeze. Soon after sunrise three sail came out of the harbor. Waited patiently until they were all more than a marine league from the land when we gave chase and captured them. They were as follows, viz, the bark West Wind, the brigantine Naiad, and bark Lewis Kilham. Put prize crews on board of them. At about meridian the sea breeze set in and soon afterwards our prizes coming up, to the number of six, I sent them all into the port, and followed them myself. As we passed the fort we were hailed, and at the same time a couple of muskets were fired at us, and we were directed to anchor, which we did. I then sent Lieutenant Evans on shore to call on the commandant and ask an explanation of our being stopped . Lieutenant Evans reported that the commandant said he did not recognize (that is, know) our flag, and that it was the order of the port to stop all vessels (of war, and others), until the flag could be distinguished. In the evening the commandant called on me to say that he had the governor’s orders to permit me to proceed to the town or to sea as I might prefer, but he informed me at the same time that the governor would detain my prizes.
Extracts from the journal of Commander Semmes, C.S. Navy, commanding C.S.S. Sumter
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