Naval Happenings 150 Years Ago: August 5, 1863: USS Commodore Barney and the Torpedo

AUGUST 5TH

The USS Commodore Barney was severely damaged when a 1,000 pound Confederate electric torpedo exploded by it in the James River near Dutch Gap, Virginia. According to senior officer present Capt.Guert Ganesvoort, it produced a "lively concussion" and washed the decks with "the agitated water."

He added that some twenty men were either swept overboard or jumped and two were still missing and presumed drowned. It was found out later that the Confederate on shore who triggered the mine had set it off a few seconds too soon. Had he waited until the Commodore Barney was over the mine, it would have been destroyed.

This took place during a joint Army-Navy reconnaissance on the James River and the explosion put a stop to further endeavor.

The next day, Union ships, including the Barney, came under Confederate shore artillery fire and the Barney again disabled by a shot through the boiler.. The expedition returned downstream and came under fire again. The Barney received more than thirty hits.

I'd Like a Transfer to a Safer Ship, Captain. --Old B-R'er