SEPTEMBER 25TH, 1864: The USS Howquah, Niphon and Governor Buckingham chased ashore and destroyed the steamer Lynx off Wilmington with cargo of cotton The three Union steamers were fired upon by the Lynx and Confederate shore batteries. (I didn't know blockade-runners had cannons.)
Acting Lt. John W. Balch reported: "...one 30-pounder percussion shell struck the main rail on the starboard bow, cutting it through, also striking the forward end of the 30-pounder pivot carriage, cutting the breech in two and disabling the carriage, glancing over, striking the main rail on the port side, and falling on the deck (I have the shot now on board.
"Fortunately, this shell did not explode."
The Lynx sustained several close-range broadsides and was run ashore in flames, where she continued to burn throughout the night until consumed.
--Old B-Runner
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