What earthly chance was there under such conditions of any possible harm coming to her?
The picket boat in which Lieutenant Cushing undertook to destroy the rebel ram was built at New York under his supervision, and taken to Norfolk by way of the canals, and thence to Albemarle Sound again by canal.

He made his preparations with great care, and on the night of October 27, which was dark and stormy, he started in his picket boat.

He was accompanied by eight men and the following officers: Acting Ensign William L.Howarth, Acting Master's Mates Thomas S.Gay and John Woodman, Acting Assistant Paymaster Francis H.Swan, Acting Third Assistant Engineers Charles L.Steever and William Stotesbury.
Cushing took in tow a small cutter, in which he intended to capture the Confederate guard, that was in a schooner anchored near the wrecked _Southfield_, and prevent their sending up an alarm rocket as a warning to the sentinels above of the approach of danger.

He stationed himself at the stern, his plan being to land a little way below the ram and board her from the wharf.

A sudden dash promised her capture by surprise, when she could be taken down stream.