Except Wilmington, it is the most pestilent resort for blockade-runners on the entire coast." "Then you think Fort Morgan can be reduced from the land side ?" asked Christy, deeply interested in the conversation.
"I have little doubt of it; and while I believe Farragut will resort to his favorite plan of running by the forts here, as he has done by those of the Mississippi, the army will be planted in the rear of both these forts.

As we have lain here for months, I have studied the situation, and I want to know something more about the land on the east of Mobile Point." "I should say that it would be easy enough to obtain all the information you desire in regard to it," suggested Christy.
"There is an unwritten tradition that the commander must not leave his ship to engage in any duty of an active character, and I cannot explore the vicinity of the fort myself." "But you have plenty of officers for such duty." "I have no doubt there are pickets, and perhaps a camp beyond the rising ground, and the exploration would be difficult and dangerous.

The two officers I have mentioned before lack the dash and ingenuity such an enterprise requires; and a blunder might involve me in difficulty, for I have no orders to obtain the information I desire." "The officers named are prudent men within reasonable limits." "They are; but I would give up my idea rather than trust either of them with this duty," replied Captain Breaker very decidedly.

"But I have a further and nearer object in this exploration; in fact, examining the ground would be only secondary." "What is the real object, Captain ?" asked the first lieutenant, his curiosity fully awakened.
"I feel that it will be necessary to use extraordinary efforts to capture the Trafalgar, for no steamer of her alleged speed has ever run into or out of Mobile Bay.

After I informed the flag-officer in regard to her, which your father's information enabled me to do, the Bellevite was especially charged with the duty of capturing her, if she had to chase her all over the world." "I have not much doubt that you will do it, Captain." "I mean to do so if possible.