Confederate Torpedo Boat Torch Attacks the USS New Ironsides-- Part 2

No doubt this attack in part came about because of the $100,000 bounty promised anyone sinking the ship by the blockade-running firm of John Fraser & Company. Being commanded by a pilot probably meant that the ship was not a Confederate Navy ship.

The Torch failed to respond to its helm correctly and the New Ironsides started to swing about her anchor slowly with the tide, resulting in the Torch coming alongside the Union ship. Carlin could not start his engine and for some minutes carried on a conversation wit the Union officer of the deck, who finally became alarmed and opened fire.

Let's see, an unidentified ship comes alongside your ship in the middle of the night and that does make you wonder? Seems to me to be grounds for a court martial.

However, the Union ship's guns could not be depressed enough and, fortunately for Carlin, the Torch's engine finally kicked on and he hurriedly left the scene and made his way back to Charleston. Two shots splashed into the water 20 feet from the Torch.

And There Was Carlin Without His $100,000. --Old B-Runner