Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Capture of USS Water Witch, 150 Years Ago-- Part 2

The USS Water Witch was a 380-ton sidewheeler, and was taken into the Vernon River and moored above the obstructions.  For Union Lt.-Cmdr. Austin Pendergrast, this was the second time he lost his ship.  As the second-in-command of the USS Congress, he had to also surrender his ship.

Confederate Secretary of the Navy Mallory wrote: "The plan and gallant execution of the enterprise reflect great credit upon all who were associated with it, and upon the service which they adorn.  The fall of Lieutenant Pelot and his gallant associates in the moment of victory, and the suffering of his companions wounded, sadden the feelings of patriotic pleasure with which this brilliant achievement is everywhere received."

--Old B-R'er

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