The bar of Barataria and the shoal water of the entrance to the bay extend out about two miles into the Gulf.

At low water, two miles from the fort, we should bury our keel in the mud.

It looks just now as though we should have to put the Bronx under the guns of the fort, or simply blockade the entrance to the bay.

That makes it look like a quiet time in these waters." "Of course the Confederates on the lower Mississippi are using all their resources to strengthen Fort Jackson and Fort St.Philip; and they can make a better use of big guns and artillerymen than in defending an opening like this one," replied Mr.Flint.
"This is not a cotton-growing region, but is given up to sugar raising," added Christy.

"They have to bring the cotton a long distance in order to ship it here." "For these reasons, I do not believe this fort is of much account." "Perhaps not; but I should not care to have the Bronx sunk by a columbiad in the attempt to find out the strength of the fort." "It is possible that the Russian knows something about this region," suggested Mr.Flint.
"I will have a talk with him," replied the commander, as he left the bridge.
Seating himself on the quarter-deck, he sent for Michael Bornhoff, who presently reported to him.