This armor protection gave the Union warship a possible advantage over the rebel raider.

The following January 31, he led his ship in a successful attack on Union warships off that port.

At noon, the boat reversed course and fled, prompting the Union warship to give chase.

Her success depended upon the steamer's slipping by Union warships without being identified.

Likewise, Union warships covered all their lights, except perhaps a faint light on the commander's ship.

He also spotted three Union warships that were blockading the harbor.

"Sorry, captain, the risk of being intercepted by a Union warship is too great."

This provision was never applied, as no Union warships were destroyed by privateers.

Union warships on the James also cooperated with Army forces.

Parties from the Union warship then landed and spiked the abandoned guns.