A daring act.
Without a crew or means of defense, without even a chart or chronometer, short of coal and provisions, the idea of saving the ship was simply vain.
There seemed a single chance, however, and I determined to take that chance.
The fall of
Fort Macon was only a question of time, and a very short time at that; the blockade must, therefore, be broken.
Quietly and secretly we set to work, and being assured by my chief engineer (
Hood) that with his small force and assistance of the deck hands he could keep the vessel under steam, we made ready to run through the blockading fleet.
I was fortunate in securing the services of
Captain Gooding, an excellent coast pilot, who was then in command of the sailing ship blockaded in the harbor.
He brought with him a chart, chronometer and sextant, and such instruments as were deemed absolutely necessary for navigation, with the promise that if his efforts were successful the ultimate command of the ship would be given him by the purchasers.
Having made all my preparations to destroy the ship, if necessary,
[
210]
to prevent her capture in passing out, I dropped down under the guns of
Fort Macon.
Colonel White, in command of the fort, came on board and told me of the efforts that were being made for my capture.
He suggested that, as I had no means of defense, I should, on the approach of the expedition, destroy my vessel and come into the fort as a re-enforcement to him. I then divulged to
Captain White my plan of escape, and notified him of my intention to run out that evening, requesting him to see that I was not fired upon by his command.
He was delighted with the plan and wished me God-speed.
On the evening of March 17, 1862, between sunset and moonrise, the moon being nearly full, I tipped my anchor and ran out. As soon as I was under way a rocket was sent up from the lower side of Bogue Island, below
Fort Macon, by an enemy's boat, sent ashore from the blockaders for the purpose of watching me, giving me the assurance that my movement had been detected.
