The letters detailed the importation of arms through Chincoteague Inlet and up the Pocomoke River to Confederate sympathizers; the islanders also requested the right to ship oysters to northern ports and for protection by the Federal Navy.

The Navy subsequently stonewalled the islanders' requests for several months, but Chincoteague remained loyal, despite growing Confederate forces at the county seat, Drummondtown.

Addressed to Flag Officer Stringham, it read: Sir: I must bring to your immediate attention the plight of the loyal citizens of the lower Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia.

I mean in no way to sound disrespectful to you, Sir; however, if that area is to be preserved, immediate protection for the loyal residents should be forthcoming, quickly.United States Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles jumped to his feet: "If no action is pending then Stringham will be replaced.

"[This quote needs a citation] General Winfield Scott suggested that the United States Army send several thousand troops immediately for the relief of Chincoteague.

On the afternoon of the 25th, an oyster sloop commanded by Edward Whaley Jr., and crewed by William Lynch, John Jester, Henry Savage, and Robert Snead set off to Hampton Roads to again warn the Navy.

On September 30, Navy Lieutenant Commander Alexander Murray arrived off Chincoteague with 90 men in the recently built, propeller-driven, iron-hull steamer, USS Louisiana.

Meanwhile, Venus had rapidly been converted into a privateer of ten guns: in addition to cannon, 1,000 New England rifles, shot, and three tons of powder had been put aboard.

Although a minor skirmish, the Battle of Cockle Creek eliminated the Confederate threat to Delaware Bay and strengthened Union control over Maryland's and Virginia's Eastern Shores.