well, just because they lost doesnt mean they were losers, they very much would have defeated the north with their current numbers at the time. and they couldn't protect their trade because the north had a stronger nvy, wich they hadn't expected.
the south DID have a very good chance, but the norths navy was too powerful since they had access to more industries then the south, and the north went full force on them. so i assume your a northern "patriot" or whatever tf they're called