FEBRUARY 16TH, 1864:
Lt. Minor, CSN, reported on the condition of the CSS Neuse, then building in Kinston, NC: "...Lt. Cmdg. [William] Sharp has a force of about one hundred and seventy-two men employed on her.... As you are aware, the Steamer has two layers of iron on the forward end of her shield, but none on either broadside, or on the after part.
"The carpenters are now calking the longitudinal pieces on the hull, and if the iron can be delivered more rapidly, or in small quantities with some degree of regularity, the work would progress in a much more saitisfactory manner.
"The boiler was today lowered into the vessel and when in place, the main deck will be laid in....
"The river I am told is unprecedently low for this season of the year.... I am satisfied not more than five feet can now be carried down the channel....
"And as the Steamer when ready for service will draw between six and seven feet, it is very apparent that to be useful, she must be equipped on time to take advantage of the first rise."
As usual, lack of supplies, in this case iron, is causing delay as well as there being problems with river depth.
--Old B-Runner
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