Naval Happenings 150 Years Ago: August 5, 1863: A Different Kind of Naval Battle

AUGUST 5TH

The CSS Juno captured a launch from the USS Wabash in Charleston Harbor, SC. The launch was part of a night patrol on guard duty.

The launch had gone to investigate reports of a Confederate steamer coming out of the harbor. Acting Master Edward Haines reported: "Soon after getting underway I made out a steamer standing down the channel close to Morris Island." He opened fire on it with the launch's howitzer.

The Juno was reconnoitering the harbor with a 65-pound torpedo attached to its bow in case it encountered a Union ship. Otherwise, it was unarmed as it had been trimmed down to be used as a blockade-runner, and her only other means of defense was to run the launch down.

Engineer James H. Tomb reported: "We immediately headed for her, striking her about amidships, but not having much headway on the Juno, the launch swung around to port, just forward of the wheel...."

The launch's men then tried to board the Juno, but were overwhelmed by superior numbers. Interesting items on the blockade. Launches from ships also doing blockade-running duty and patrols.

Not Your Regular Standard Battle. --Old B-Runner