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demanded a higher degree of preparation and perseverance in action.
This was illustrated again and again.
A case occurred early in 1862, which will serve as one instance out of many.
On the 20th of January, the steamer R. R. Cuyler, watching the eastern passage over Mobile bar, discovered a schooner at anchor, near the shore, several miles to the eastward.
The Cuyler was commanded by Lieutenant Francis Winslow, the same officer who had shown his judgment and courage in the affair at the Head of the Passes.
Apparently it was a simple enough matter for the Cuyler, a fast and well-armed steamer, to make the schooner an easy prize.
As the Cuyler approached, however, the blockade-runner got under way, and steered for the beach.
Here she grounded, her crew making for the land.
A boat was sent to take possession, and the Cuyler was anchored as near the shore as she could safely go.
Meantime, a party of men had collected on the beach, and opened a sharp fire of musketry, under cover of the dunes.
This was returned from the Cuyler, and with the help of an occasional shell, the steamer silenced the fire from the shore.
A hawser was carried out, and an attempt was made to start the schooner.
The hawser was parted by the strain; and a second attempt met with a similar result, except that this time the hawser fouled the Cuyler's propeller.
The largest hawser in the ship was now made fast to the schooner's foremast, and the working was recalled; but just as they got off, their boat swamped.
Two other boats at once put off to the rescue, and, as they approached, received a warm fire from the sand-hills, the enemy having now gathered in considerable force.
As the Cuyler's stern was secured to the schooner, and her propeller was still clogged, her broadside could not be brought to bear, and she could only answer with small arms.
One of the boats had a howitzer; but half her
Atlanta, Ga. 1899.
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