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The
Nashville enjoyed the distinction of being the first war vessel to fly the flag of the
Confederate States in the waters of
England.
Here we remained until the latter part of January, 1862.
About the 1st of February, 1862, we sailed for the
Confederacy, evading the
United States steamer
Tuscarora, which had for some time been watching an opportunity to capture the
Nashville, having been sent for that purpose.
The manner of our escape is worthy of mention.
The
Queen's proclamation of neutrality required that neither belligerant should leave port until twenty-four hours after the hour set for the sailing of the other.
The
Tuscarora immediately got under way and lay off the port to avoid the restriction, awaiting our departure, but one evening came to anchor near the
Isle of Wight, within the limit of British jurisdiction.
Captain Pegram, learning this, at once notified the government that he would set sail at a certain hour the next day, and the
Tuscarora was notified that she must remain until the expiration of the twenty-four hours thereafter.
A British vessel was sent down to see that this order was not violated, and the
Nashville, with flying colors, steamed proudly by the
Tuscarora and passed out to sea, leaving her commander and crew to meditate on the delightful uncertainties of the law of nations.
The run to
Bermuda was without incident, save that we encountered a gale of wind which did us considerable damage.
After repairing and coaling ship we took on board the master and crew of a
North Carolina schooner, which had been wrecked by the gale at
Bermuda.
The master agreed to pilot us into the harbor of
Beaufort, N. C., and we made for that port.
On the passage the schooner
Gilfillan was captured and destroyed.
Arriving off
Beaufort we found one
United States blockade steamer and determined to pass in by a
ruse de guerre.
