Despite the fact that fellow blockaders Niphon and Daylight joined the chase, the runner's speed enabled her to steam out of sight of her pursuers; and she apparently made her way safely to the open sea.

She proved to be from the tug Aster — that had run aground on Caroline Shoals while chasing a blockade runner that was attempting to enter New Inlet — and requested assistance.

However, the hawser parted without Aster's budging; and Berberry made several more unsuccessful attempts before the falling tide compelled her to abandon the effort.

She then took on board everyone from Aster with the exception of that vessel's captain, executive officer, and pilot who all remained behind to destroy their ship lest she fall into enemy hands.

Griffith then had his men raise all the awnings, blankets, and other large pieces of cloth as jury-rigged "...sails to drift the Berberry off shore."

When he saw Berberry's signal, Niphon's commanding officer was preparing to launch boats to board and to destroy the stranded blockade running steamer Annie that Aster had been chasing.

About this time, Aster burst into flame, illuminating both Berberry and Niphon and enabling Confederate shore batteries to open fire on both Union ships.

Ready to resume action late in November, Berberry departed Hampton Roads on the 23rd and headed back to waters off New Inlet.

She arrived there on the morning of the 26th and, that night, her guns persuaded an unidentified blockade runner to give up her attempt to escape to sea and to retire to Wilmington, North Carolina.