Progress on CSS Albemarle

FEBRUARY 28TH, 1864: Lt. Minor, CSN, reported to Mallory on CSS Albemarle progress: "....with the exception of some little connecting work to be completed [the ironclad] may be considered ready. Steam will probably be raised on Friday next. The iron is all on the hull.... the carpenters are now bolting the first layers of plate on the shield, and as long as iron is available, work will progress. //// The Rudder is in place. Shell room and magazine prepared. Officer quarters arranged and berth deck ready for either hammocks if allowed the ship or bunks if the canvas cannot be obtained..... //// The ship is now afloat and when ready for service will I think draw between 7 to 8 feet.... The guns, carriages, and equipment have not yet arrived, but are expected on the 4th of March...." The Albemarle was launched less than two months later, on April 17th. //// Again, many of the problems building these Confederate ironclads revolved around getting needed materials. //// --Old B-R'er