When I was down here for my health I was on the water more than half of the time, and I learned all about the bay and coast; and I have been up the Suwanee River, which flows into the Gulf eighteen miles north of the Keys." "I am exceedingly glad to find that we have such an excellent pilot on board.

I am informed in my orders that schooners load with cotton at this place, and make an easy thing of getting to sea," added Captain Blowitt.
"I should say that it was a capital port for the Confederates to use for that sort of business.

Small steamers can bring cotton down the Suwanee River, the railroad from Fernandina terminates at the Key, and this road connects with that to Jacksonville and the whole of western Florida as far as Tallahassee." "We may find a steamer or two there." "You may, though not one any larger than the Bronx, for there is only eleven feet of water on the bar.

Probably no blockaders have yet been stationed off the port, and it is a good place to run out cotton." "I am much obliged to you, Mr.Amblen, for the information you have given me, and your services will probably be in demand this very night," added the commander, rising from his chair.
"I am ready for duty at all times, sir," replied Mr.Amblen, as he retired from the cabin.
The charts were then consulted, and sundry calculations were made.

At one o'clock that night the Bronx was off Cedar Keys..