I am surprised to learn that an unwillingness has been expressed by some of the pilots of your Association to come on board the Sumter, and my purpose is to test the fact of such disloyalty to the Confederate States.

If any man disobey this summons, I will not only have his Branch taken away from him, but I will send an armed force and arrest and bring him on board.

I have the honour to be, Very respectfully, Your obedient Servant, (Signed) R.SEMMES.
This extreme measure, however, was not found necessary.

The mere threat was sufficient, and on the following day the master, with several of his pilots, made their appearance on board the Sumter.

After a brief consultation with Captain Semmes, they one and all, with the exception of the master, expressed their willingness to take the vessel to sea, and thereupon the captain, selecting one of the number for this service, permitted the remainder to depart.
Meanwhile, however, the golden opportunity had been lost; the Powhattan had returned to her station, and the harbour was again hermetically sealed.