There were two or three causes that made one rather more nervous on this occasion than when leaving Bermuda.
In the first place, five minutes after we had crossed the bar, we should be in the thick of the blockaders, who always closed nearer in on the very dark nights.

Secondly, our cargo of cotton was of more importance than the goods we had carried in; and thirdly, it _was the thing to do_ to make the double trip in and out safely.

There were also all manner of reports of the new plans that had been arranged by a zealous commodore lately sent from New York to catch us all.

However, it was of no use canvassing these questions, so at a quarter to eleven we weighed anchor and steamed down to the entrance of the river.
Very faint lights, which could not be seen far at sea, were set on the beach in the same position as I have before described, having been thus placed for a vessel coming in; and bringing these astern in an exact line, that is the two into one, we knew that we were in the passage for going over the bar.

The order was then given, 'Full speed ahead,' and we shot at a great speed out to sea.
Our troubles began almost immediately; for the cruisers had placed a rowing barge, which could not be seen by the forts, close to the entrance, to signalise the direction which any vessel that came out might take.