Later that month, "Tuscarora" sailed for Southampton, England, under orders to capture or sink the cruiser . "Nashville" had run the Union blockade on 21 October and docked at Southampton after crossing the Atlantic, becoming the first vessel to show the Confederate flag in English waters. She finally weighed anchor and departed on 3 February 1862, but "Tuscarora" was unable to pursue her as English law required that two belligerent vessels leave port separated by not less than 24 hours. Disgusted, Comdr. Craven sailed for Gibraltar where, upon his arrival on 12 February, he found the raider  — Comdr. Raphael Semmes in command — anchored.