Dahlgren Wants His Own "Davids"

JANUARY 13, 1864:

Rear Admiral Dahlgren, commander of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, wrote Welles wanting to employ torpedo boats at Charleston similar to the Confederate "David."

Writing: "Nothing better could be devised for the security of our own vessels or for the examination of the enemy's position. The length of these torpedo boats might be about 40 feet, and 5 to 6 feet in diameter, with a high pressure engine that will drive 5 knots. It is not necessary to expend much finish on them."

Fighting Fire With Fire. --Old B-Runner