Fear of Torpedo Attack Spreads

APRIL 9TH, 1864: The concern caused by the attack on the Minnesota, coming as it did so soon after the Hunley sank the USS Housatonic, was widespread. //// William Winthrop, US Consul at Malta wrote concerning measures needed to be taken: "In these days of steam and torpedoes, you may rest assured that outlying picket boats and a steam tug at all hours ready to move are not sufficient protection for our ships of war, where a squadron is at anchor. // They require something more, and this should be in having their own boats rowing around all night, so that in a measure every ship should protect itself. // If this precaution be not taken , any vessel in the dark and foggy night could be blown out of the water, even while a watchful sentry on board might still have his cry of 'All's well' yet on his lips as the fiendish act was accomplished." //// Something Else to Worry About. --Old B-Runner