Peter hays, in command of the Satellite, certified that the statement below (abbreviated here) was "true in every particular."
Potomac Flotilla—Certificate of Capture
Name and character of prize: One yawl boat, laden with Goods, and three men, giving their names as William Bagby, of King and Queen County, Va.; James J. Leatch of Hanover County, Va.; free negro, James R. Ashton, Westmoreland County, Va. By whom and by what vessel capture made: Volunteer Lieutenant P. Hays, steamer Satellite. When capture made: November 2, 1862, 8 P.M.
The cargo, if any, on board: One barrel of whiskey, 1 barrel sugar, 4 sacks salt, 1 keg carbonate soda, 1 box shoes; 1 box shoes, dry goods, crockery, etc.; 1 bag containing 7 hats, 1 piece gingham, 1 pieces calico, 2 pounds coffee, 6 pounds soap, remnant of cloth, 1 bag containing 7 pair shoes, 1 bag skeleton skirts, 1 bag shot, 5 tin pans, 1 box soap, 1 box candles, 11 corn brooms, 1 pound powder, 1 jug molasses, 1 keg nails.
Remarks: Eleven corn brooms, 2 pounds powder, 1 jug molasses, kept for ship's use. The goods were taken in the boat; The prisoners were found in the woods guarding the boat; the captain of the boat made his escape. The prisoners state that they left Virginia for Maryland Thursday night, October 30.'
This document was one of scores generated during a period of about six months, beginning in late summer 1862. Although widely overlooked, the war on the water was not confined to the open seas. Inland rivers offered tempting opportunities for men