The three members of the family on board of the steamer were greatly distressed over the fact that Florry was still at the home of her uncle in Alabama, within the enemy's lines.
Without going on shore, Captain Passford decided to arm his yacht, which was large enough for a man-of-war, and hasten to Mobile Bay to bring back his daughter.

He was in doubt with regard to the political feeling of Homer, but believed that he would still adhere to the government and the Union.

It was a part of his mission to bring his brother and his family to his own home at Bonnydale.

Mrs.Passford was sent on shore in a tug, and Christy, the son, was to go with her; but the young man, just entering his seventeenth year, protested against being left at home, and as the captain believed that a patriotic citizen ought to be willing to give his all, even his sons, to his country, the young man went with his father.

The mother was as devoted to her country as the father, and terrible as was the ordeal, she consented to part with him for such a duty.
By an event fortunate for him, Captain Passford succeeded in obtaining an armament for his vessel, as well as an abundant supply of ammunition; and the vessel was refitted for the perilous service in which she was to be engaged.