Chapter 37: operations of the East Gulf Squadron to October, 1863.
- Acting-Rear-Admiral Bailey appointed to command east Gulf Squadron. -- vessels captured or destroyed. -- places of safety. -- destruction of Confederate salt works a necessity. -- attempt to “cut” out schooner in mosquito inlet. -- expedition up Indian River and other points. -- capture of schooner and sloop. -- Lieutenant-Commander English in gun-boat Sagamore explores coast. -- value of property seized. -- violation of blockade. -- the sloop Helen burnt. -- brisk engagement with Confederate batteries. -- destruction of schooner. -- River expeditions under Lieutenant-Commander McCauley. -- disastrous reconnaissance at St. Andrew's Bay. -- Flag of truce used as decoy by the natives. -- the Tahoma shells a town. -- boat's crew from bark Amanda cut out schooner “forward.” -- loss of prize. -- heroic conduct of Master Hoffner and men. -- tribute to gallant volunteers. -- destruction of important salt works by boat's crew from steamer Somerset. -- Tahoma and Adela shell Confederate batteries. -- destruction of two blockade-running steamers in Hillsboro River. -- blockade-running broken up. -- list of vessels composing east Gulf Squadron under Acting-Rear-Admiral Bailey. -- list of officers.
Acting Rear-Admiral Theodorus Bailey was appointed to the command of the East Gulf squadron on the 4th of June, 1862. The Navy Department had found an opportunity to reward this gallant officer for his services at New Orleans, and although no important military or naval movements were going on within the limits of this command, it was the only way in which the Secretary of tile Navy could show his high appreciation of Bailey's gallantry and devotion to his country's service. The limits of this command extended along the Florida Peninsula from Cape Canaveral on the east, to Pensacola on the west. Up to December, 1863, the little squadron under Bailey had exercised the greatest watchfulness along the coast, had captured many prizes, and had apparently broken up the illicit traffic by which the Confederates had been supplied with munitions of war. Lying adjacent to Cuba, and at no great distance from the English possessions of Nassau and Bermuda, the coast of Florida presented many available points for the introduction of all kinds of material by means of small vessels that could enter the shallow harbors, streams and inlets with which this State abounds. But notwithstanding the advantages these small craft possessed for eluding the blockaders, they could not carry on their trade with impunity. From the time that Bailey took command, up to the end of the year, more than 100 vessels were captured or destroyed by the squadron. From Cape Canaveral, all along the eastern shore of Florida to Cape Sable, are numerous passages and inlets where vessels could with safety land their cargoes of arms or provisions in a night and be out of sight of the blockaders when daylight came. Following the coast up to the northward were the Ten Thousand Islands, Charlotte Harbor, Tampa Bay, Crystal River. Cedar Keys, Suwanee River, Appalache Bay, St.
