Low-slung, rakish Civil War blockade runners like the “Will O’ the Wisp” captained by Jack Holmes out of Charleston cast only a minimal silhouette on the horizon and blended in against both the sky and the ocean. With a moonless night, an obscuring fog bank, exceptional speed, and an experienced captain’s knowledge of the Lowcountry coast, the Will O’ the Wisp was a veritable phantom; repeatedly besting the Union blockade as she moved into and out of the Charleston harbor.

For more about Civil War blockade runners read “Will O’ the Wisp: Madness, War, and Recompense”. It is currently available on Amazon and Kindle.