Confederate Torpedo Boat Torch Attacks the New Ironsides-- Part 1

AUGUST 21, 1863

The Confederate torpedo boat Torch, a former blockade-runner, made a night attempt to sink the USS New Ironsides in a channel near Morris Island, SC. The small steamer, which was constructed from the hull of an unfinished gunboat, sailed low in the water, was painted gray and burned anthracite (smokeless) coal to avoid detection.

The Torch took on much water and her engines faulty during its approach to the New Ironsides. When but 40 yards away, the Torch's commander, pilot James Carlin pointed his ship at his target and cut his engines before the attack.

--Old B-R'er