January 15th 1863 The British Blockade Runner Britannia runs the Federal blockade into Wilmington, North Carolina carrying valuable supplies. 

More than three hundred steamers made over 1,300 attempts to run the blockade during the War, delivering, muskets, pistols, swords, ammunition accouterments and medical supplies. Many of these were normal merchant vessels, but an ever-increasing number were purpose-built, with low silhouettes, light draft, and high speed. 

Had Brittan or France interceded fully on behalf of the South during the War as France did during the Revolutionary War, there is little doubt the South would have won its independence.  

Photo:  The Britannia