[483]
Poor concluded to send notice to the flag-officer of the squadron at Pensacola, informing him of the escape of the Sumter.
I repeat it, that had it not been for the repeated urgings of our officers, we would have gone back to our old anchorage, from which place there is no manner nor chance of communication with Pensacola.
However, after the representation of the officers in question, a boat was sent up to the gunboat Massachusetts, despatching her to the flag-officer with the information of the Sumter's escape.
We learned subsequently that the Niagara had gone in pursuit of her; we hope soon to overhaul her; yet, in the mean time, I repeat, she may capture millions of dollars' worth of property, sink and burn at pleasure, and all this must be suffered, owing to Capt. Poor's very poor judgment in the matter.
--Baltimore American, August 5.
