 Walker's first month in the region began poorly, however, when his ship collided with the French war steamer "Milan", then adrift off South West Pass, Mississippi River.Although damage to "De Soto" was slight, the "Milan" was disabled and thus needed a tow into the Union anchorage.In spite of this initial mishap, "De Soto"s first capture did not take long, as she and a bluejacket-crewed lugger took schooner "Major Barbour" off Isles Dernières, Louisiana on 28 January 1862.