Monday, July 14, 2014

150 Years Ago-- July 13-14th, 1864: An Attempt to Retake the CSS Water Witch

JULY 13-14TH, 1864:  In order to protect Union batteries around Annapolis. Maryland, from rear attack, the USS Vicksburg detailed a boat expedition to destroy all means of crossing the South River.

JULY 14TH, 1864  Acting Master George R. Durand of the USS Paul Jones, was captured while making an attempt in Ossabow Sound, Georgia, to destroy the CSS Water Witch, a former Union  ship which had been taken in June 1864.  Durand had been concealing himself and his men by day and moving by night only to be discovered and captured by Confederates.

USS Pequot and Commodore Morris engaged Confederate batteries in the vicinity of Malvern Hill, James River, Virginia, for four hours but no damage done on either side.

Two days later, this battery engaged the Pequot, Commodore Morris and USS Mendota and the last ship had minor damage and casualties.  The presence of this battery below Four Mile Creek temporarily closed the James River navigation in that area.

--Old B-R'er

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