CSS Chickamauga, originally the blockade runner Edith, was purchased by the Confederate States Navy at Wilmington, North Carolina, in September 1864.

In September, when she was nearly ready for sea, the Confederate Army sought unsuccessfully to retain her at that place for use as a troop and supply transport.

On October 28, 1864, she put to sea under Lieutenant John Wilkinson (CSN) for a cruise north to the entrance of Long Island Sound, thence to St. George, Bermuda, for repairs and coal.

After she also grounded on the bar, backed herself free, tried once more again, she finally cleared the obstruction, and made it out into the open sea.

The ship then captured in quick succession the Mark L. Potter, the Emily L. Hall, the Albion Lincoln, and the Shooting Star.

On 4 November, Secretary Welles learned that he had to search for another raider, but since he did not know anymore information, he telegraphed Rear Admiral Porter: "It is reported that four privateers are out of Wilmington.

Lieutenant John Wilkinson took her out to the Bermuda Triangle to provide General Robert E. Lee's armies with food and supplies.

This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.