Then a berth-deck was laid for the accommodation of officers and crew, and the main deck renewed and strengthened to carry the heavy 8-inch shell-gun, mounted on a pivot between the fore and mainmasts, and the four 24 pounder howitzers of 13 cwt.

each, to be mounted as a broadside battery.

Additional coal-bunkers were also constructed, and a magazine and shell-room built in a suitable position, and these and a few other less important changes effected, the transformation was complete, and the little Sumter ready to proceed upon her work of devastation.
It must not, however, be imagined that all this was done without many and vexatious delays.

The emergency had found the new Confederation altogether unprepared, and trouble and confusion were the inevitable result.

Hitherto, everything had been done by the North.