Stealing softly ‘neath night’s ebon veil
Little Planter from Charleston’d sail
With the captain ashore
Plucky Smalls saw a door
To a place he could new freedom hail

Event: Slave pilot Robert Smalls took the steamer Planter from Charleston Harbor, sailed past the Confederate lines, and turned the ship over to the Union forces, earning freedom for himself and 15 others aboard
Year: 1862
Learn more: USS Planter
Robert Smalls