. The naval history of the United States. ^pBE A NASSAU: THE HAUNT OF THE BLOCKADE-RUNNERS. surrounded by dangerous reefs, its harbors were bad and far apart, andthere were no railroads in the southern part of the State to transportthe contraband goods after they were landed. Besides, Key West, thenaval station of the Union forces in the South, was unpleasantly near, andthe gulf blockade was maintained with more rigor than that on the Atlanticcoast. Matamoras was peculiarly well situated for a blockade-running point. 638 BLUE-JACKETS OF 61. It is on the Mexican side of the Rio Grande River, ab


. The naval history of the United States. ^pBE A NASSAU: THE HAUNT OF THE BLOCKADE-RUNNERS. surrounded by dangerous reefs, its harbors were bad and far apart, andthere were no railroads in the southern part of the State to transportthe contraband goods after they were landed. Besides, Key West, thenaval station of the Union forces in the South, was unpleasantly near, andthe gulf blockade was maintained with more rigor than that on the Atlanticcoast. Matamoras was peculiarly well situated for a blockade-running point. 638 BLUE-JACKETS OF 61. It is on the Mexican side of the Rio Grande River, about forty miles aboveits mouth. Goods once landed could be shipped in barges and lightersacross the river in absolute safety, since heavy batteries prevented thecruisers of the gulf-squadron from entering the river. As a result ofthis trade, Matamoras became a thriving place. Hundreds of vessels layin its harbor, where now it is unusual to see five at a time. For four yearsits streets were crowded with heavy freight vans, while stores an


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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1890, bookpublishernewyo, bookyear1896