Spanish Submarine to the Rescue?

From the Civil War Naval Chronology.

APRIL 9TH

John A. Quinterro, Confederate Commissioner in Monterrey, Mexico, wrote Sec. of War Benjamin: "Narcisco Monturio [of Barcelona, Spain]...has invented a vessel for submarine navigation.  She is called the 'Ictineo' (fishlike vessel).  As a man-of-war she can prevent not only bombardment of the ports, but also landing of the enemy.  If...the necessary number of vessels [are] built, no Federal squadron would dare to approach out coasts....

The 'Ictineos' have guns which fire underwater and also rams and torpedoes.  They can navigate in a depth of twenty-five fathoms....The inventor creates an artificial atmosphere...and carries with him all the elements of existence."

Confederates were always looking for anything that might stop the North's stranglehold due to its overwhelming naval superiority.

I had never heard of a Spanish submarine.

Wiki Here I Come.  --Old B-Runner