Monday, June 30, 2014

Action At Mobile: Grounding and Destruction of Blockade-Runner Ivanhoe

JUNE 30TH, 1864:  The USS Glasgow forced blockade running steamer Ivanhoe to run aground near Fort Morgan at Mobile Bay.  Because the steamer was under the fort's guns, Farragut tried to have it destroyed by long-range fire from the USS Metacomet and USS Monongahela.  This proved unsuccessful.

Farragut then authorized his Flag Lieutenant, J. Crittenden Watson to lead a boat expedition to burn the Ivanhoe.

Under the cover of darkness and guns of the fleet, Watson led four boats to the Ivanhoe and set fire to it shortly after midnight 6 July.

Farragut reported "The admiral commanding has much pleasure in announcing to the fleet, what was anxiously looked for last night by hundreds, the destruction of the blockade runner ashore under the rebel batteries by an expedition of boats....the entire conduct of the expedition was marked by a promptness and energy which shows what may be expected of such officers and men on similar occasions."

--Old B-R'er

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