Confederate Ram CSS Webb

From Wikipedia.

Also referred to as the CSS William H. Webb.

A 655-ton sidewheel steamship originally built in New York City in 1856 as he William H. Webb.

At the onset of the Civil War, she was seized by the Confederates and received a privateer's commission in May 1861 but instead was used as a military transport until January 1862.  Then she was converted into a cotton clad ram by the Confederate Army after which she served on the Red and Mississippi rivers.

On February 24, 1863, under the command of Captain Charles Pierce, she participated in the sinking of the Union ironclad USS Indianola.

--Old B-R'er

The Fort Fisher Visitors Center and Me

I even remember the very first Fort Fisher Visitors Center and Museum which was a maybe 60 by 60 foot metal shed located at Battle Acre by the Confederate monument.  I'm not sure when it was built.  As a matter of fact when I was really young, I liked going to Fort Fisher but not to see the history or museum of it.  There was this really strange man with a long beard and usually shirtless who held court there.  He was known as the Fort Fisher Hermit.

Then came the Civil War Centennial (1961-1965).  This happened right when I was the most interested in the Civil War in my young life (I was 10 to 15 during the centennial.)  Around 1963, they built the structure that served as the museum until earlier this year.

I spent a lot of time in there whenever I was in North Carolina visiting family.  

When I first heard about the new center, I was told that the plan was to immediately tear down the old one and put up a temporary structure to house the museum and center because of parking.  I thought that was not a good move.  Leave the old one up until right before the new one is complete and then move stuff over directly.

Part of the problem was parking, but I figured why not just have people park in the part of Fort Fisher that was torn down for an airstrip during WW II.  This is what they did.

I sure am going to miss the old one, but really look forward to seeing the new one.

--Old B-Runner

Pictures of the Old and New Fort Fisher Visitor Centers

The June 25, 2024, Wilmington (NC) Star-News had pictures of the old and new Fort Fisher Visitors Centers.  

The June 25 Wilmington NC WECT TV station had a picture of the destruction of the old one.

Sad But Exciting. --Old B-R'er

A Sad But Exciting Time for Me and Fort Fisher: The Old Visitors Center Is Demolished

From the June 25 WECT, Wilmington, N.C., News.

It is the end of an era for a museum showcasing the history of our area.

Crews are working as of Tuesday, June 25, to tear down the old Fort Fisher Visitor Center.

This comes as the new Visitors Center nears completion and is set to open later this summer.

If you've been down to Fort Fisher recently. you will have seen the new building being built right next to the old one.

The demolition of the old building should take a couple days.

(Sadly, it should be down now.)

Sad to see the old one go.  Excited about the new one.

----Old B-Sorrow

CSS City of Vicksburg-- Part 3: Afterwards

The Confederates removed the machinery from the Vicksburg and she remained at Vicksburg as a wharf boat,

On 29 March 1863, Federal units were sent to quarters just after midnight as a steamer was reporting coming down the river.  The weather was squally and the Vicksburg had gotten adrift.  She passed by them and it was plain to see she was nothing more than "a harmless hulk."

She was set afire by three men seen chasing her along the shore.

The Federals sent a party to inspect the ship and found no machinery aboard.

But in December 1863 Secretary of War E.M. Stanton gave intelligence of "a very formidable vessel" being finished near Mobile.  The report said, "This vessel is said to contain the machinery of the steamer  Vicksburg, which was taken overland from Vicksburg to Mobile.  These engines were constructed partially under my superintendence at New Albany, when the steamer Vicksburg  was constructed, and I know the engine to be as powerful as any now on the Mississippi River.

I wonder if this new Confederate vessel was the CSS Tennessee?

--Old B-R'er

CSS City of Vicksburg-- Part 2: Fighting the Queen of the West

In early February 1863, the Vicksburg was tied up by landing of the City of Vicksburg and Union Admiral David Porter ordered one of his ships, the Queen of the West, to run past Vicksburg's strong defenses and attack the Vicksburg.

The ship's commander, Charles Rivers Ellet, did so and on early morning of February 2, came in sight of Vicksburg.  Its batteries opened on the Queen of the West, which was partially turned to take advantage of deflecting projectiles.  This caused the ship's way to be lost and she drifted down river.

Ellet had his guns shotted with incendiary shells and opened on the Vicksburg and rammed her.

Afterwards, Ellet reported:  "The Vicksburg was the largest and strongest steamer on the river, and I think they were preparing to use her against our transports, being very fleet."

Deserters reported a large hole in the side of the Vicksburg from the ramming.  She was also on fire and only held afloat by being buoyed up by her coal barges.

--Old B-Runner

CSS City of Vicksburg-- Part 1

Another ship involved with the saga of the USS Queen of the West was the Confederate ship named the CSS City of Vicksburg and also referred to as the CSS Vicksburg.

From Wikipedia.

It was built in 1857 at New Albany, Indiana, and was home ported at New Orleans.  With the coming of the war, she was seized and converted for military operations of the Mississippi River. By 19 February, she was reported to have carried cannons upriver to forts above Memphis.

In May 1862, she was carrying troops to defend Natchez, Mississippi, only to find five Union ships before the city, but was warned just in time and managed to escape.  One shop, the USS Oneida, pursued her upriver, but the Vicksburg got away.

Later in 1862, she was spotted on the Black River probably carrying Confederate troops and supplies.

--Old B-R'er

Era No.5

From Military Wiki.

One of the ships I mentioned in the talk given on the Queen of the West and Indianola.

Shallow draft steamer built in 1860 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  Was chartered by the Confederates early in 1863 to transport corn from the Red River to Camden, Arkansas.

As the steamer, laden with 4,500 bushels of corn, proceeded to her destination on 14 February 1863, she rounded a sharp bend 15 miles from the mouth of the Black River, came upon and was captured by the USS Queen of the West.

After the loss of the Queen of the West the same day, her crew fled to Union positions in the Era No. 5.

The Era No. 5 was then assigned to  Colonel Charles Rivers Ellet's river fleet, fitted out with protective cotton baling and used by the Union ships as a dispatch boat and transport on the Mississippi River.

--Old B-Runner

USS Indianola Epilogue

From Wikipedia.

The USS Indianola was built in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1862 and commissioned September 27, 1862.  It was a 174 or 175 foot casemate ironclad mounting 2 eleven-inch Dahlgren smoothbores and 2 nine-inch Dahlgren smoothbores. 

After the Black Terror frightened off the CSS Queen of the West, the Confederates aboard the Indianola trying to raise it might have been intoxicated and threw the nine-inch guns into the river and pointed the eleven-inch ones at each other muzzle-to-muzzle and fired them and then burned the rest of the ship to the waterline.

The remains of the Indianola were raised  on January 5, 1865, and she was towed to Mound City, Illinois, where the remains were sold on January 17.

--Old B-R'er

Queen of the West Epilogue

From Wikipedia.

After the CSS Queen of the West and CSS Webb forced the surrender of the USS Indianola on the Mississippi River below Vicksburg on February 24, 1863, her Confederate career did not end.

On April 11, 1863,  she was attacked on the Atchafalaya River in Louisiana by the Union ships USS Estrella, USS Calhoun and USS Arizona.

A shell from the Calhoun set fire to the Queen of the West's cotton and her burning wreck drifted down the river for several hours before she grounded and exploded.

Ninety members of the Confederate crew were captured and 26 killed.

--Old B-R'er

Charles Rivers Ellet Epilogue

Charles Rivers Ellet (and I love his middle name considering his service) was not finished after his Queen of the West was lost.

On March 26, he ran his ram Switzerland past Vicksburg again.  The ram Lancaster was with him, commanded by his cousin, John A. Ellet.  Both ships received heavy fire from the Vicksburg batteries and the Lancaster was run aground and sunk to prevent capture by Confederate forces.

The Switzerland was damaged, but repaired and continued duty on the Mississippi River until the fall of Vicksburg and Port Hudson.  Ellet also went on to command the Marine Brigade.

He died very young at the age of 21 on October 29, 1863.

--Old B-Runner

Charles Rivers Ellet, the Queen of the West and USS Indianola-- Part 5: The Black Terror Causes USS Indianola to Be Destroyed

The chase was on.  The Indianola was moving up the Mississippi River, but slowly.  Even worse, the ship stopped to take cotton on board which cost her time she did not have.  The Confederate pursuit ships were commanded by Joseph L. Brent of the Confederate Army.

The Confederate ships caught up with the Indianola near Palmyra Island, about 30 miles south of Vicksburg.  After being rammed six times in the space of an hour and with the Queen of the West upriver and bearing down hard (along with the current) for a final ramming, the USS Indianola surrendered after also running aground.

The loss of both the Queen of the West and the Indianola derailed the supply line on the railroad.

With the Confederates working rapidly to raise the Indianola, it was decided to make a fake ironclad and send it down river from the Union position north of Vicksburg, so the Black Terror was built.  An old coal barge was lengthened and had a casemate built along with Quaker guns and two smokestacks made out of pork barrels.

The Black Terror was sent downriver on February 27 and frightened Confederates destroyed the Indianola.

--Old B-R'er

Charles Rivers Ellet & the Queen of the West-- Part 4: Going After the Indianola

Ellet and his men escaped to the DeSoto and Era No. 5 by floating downriver on cotton bales.  The Confederates took over the Queen of the West and immediately began repairing it.  Four days later, the Queen was underway with a new crew.  

Of interest, this crew was mostly composed of soldiers who learned their nautical ropes on the way down the Red River.

In the meantime, Admiral Porter ordered the ironclad USS Indianola to steam downriver past Vicksburg and aide Ellet.  Two barges of coal were strapped to the ship on the far side from the Confederate batteries.

Once past Vicksburg, the Indianola blocked the mouth of the Red River until she found out that the Confederates intended to attack her.  This began The Great Chase.  The Indianola started heading up the Mississppi River toward Vicksburg with the Queen of the West, ram CSS William H. Webb and two other vessels full of Confederate troops in hot pursuit.  All of the ships were under the command of Joseph Lancaster Brent, Confederate Army.

--Old Secesh

Charles Rivers Ellet & the Queen of the West-- Part 3

A major reason for the Queen of the West to run past the Vicksburg batteries was to disrupt trade going on between Port Hudson and Vicksburg via supplies coming down the Red River.

The Berwick hay gad to be destroyed however.

SECOND MISSION  February 8, 1863

The Queen of the West rendezvoused with the DeSoto and on February 12, both ships went down the Atchafalaya River and destroyed Confederate material.

On February 12, the two ships went up the Red River and captured the Era No. 5.  Then, the Queen of the West went further upstream and came under fire from Fort DeRussy and grounded thanks to a misdirected order to its pilot, who turned the ship instead of backing back down the river as ordered.  The Queen was getting hit often and finally Charles Rivers Ellet had to order the ship to be abandoned.

Ellet and the crew floated down the river on cotton bales until rescued by the DeSoto.  The ship was not burned because of concern for the first mate  who was wounded and could not be moved.

The Queen  was captured, repaired and entered service in the Confederate Navy as the CSS Queen of the West.

--Old B-R'er

Charles Rivers Ellet and the Queen of the West-- Part 2: Running Past Vicksburg

On February 2, 1863, Charles Rivers Ellet was ordered by Rear Admiral David Dixon Porter to make a run down the Mississippi River in the Queen of the West past the batteries of Vicksburg to support Admiral Farragut south of the city.

This was done in daylight and for fifty straight minutes the Queen of the West was under fire.  The ship took twelve hits but sustained just minimal damage.  Once past the batteries, Ellet found the CSS City of Vicksburg (also called the CSS Vicksburg) docked.  Ellet rammed her and set her on fire.

Enemy fire, however, forced the Queen of the West to disengage.  Damage to the Vicksburg ended her days as a fighting ship and she ended up as just a wharf ship after machinery was removed.

Union forces supplied the Queen of the West with 20,000 bushels of coal by floating an unmanned coal barge past Vicksburg.

On February 3 the Queen of the West captured three Confederate transport ships:  CSS A.W. Baker, CSS Moro, and CSS Berwick Bay.  Two of them were loaded with supplies for Vicksburg.

--Old B-R'er

MCCWRT May Meeting: Charles Rivers Elett, the Queen of the West and the Sinking of the Indianola-- Part 1

The McHenry County Civil War Round Table met on May14, 2024, and Ed Urban gave a talk on this oft overlooked aspect of the Civil War involving situations around Vicksburg as the Union Army and Navy attempted to subdue the Confederate stronghold and open the Mississippi River.

The Union forces launched four attempts at capturing Vicksburg.  The first was in May 1862, then June 1862, November 1862 and Sherman's attack on Chickasaw Bluffs.  The May attack was bungles, the June was derailed by the CSS Arkansas and November by the Confederate attack on Holly Springs.

Confederates still maintained control of the Mississippi River between Vicksburg southward to Port Hudson.

The Mississippi Ram fleet was the brainchild of Charles River Ellet.  Even though this involved ships, it was not a part of the Navy because Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles turned him down, but Secretary of War Stanton didn't.  As such, the Ram Fleet was technically a part of the Army.

(I have always been somewhat confused on this point.)

--Old B-Runner

James Crosby Long, CSN-- Part 3

From Tennessee History Quarterly "Tennessee's Confederate Marines:  Memphis Detachment" by David M. Sullivan.

James Long was at the famed Battle of Hampton Roads for both days, including of course, the historic battle between the CSS Virginia and USS Monitor.  Not only was he there, but he was also on the Virginia.

Inside the Virginia's iron walls were 14 Tennesseans, including Acting Midshipmen Robert Chester Foute and James Crosby Long.  Also, there were 12 enlisted men of the Confederate States Marine Corps.  The Marines had been recruited from rivermen, dock workers and roustabouts who had been recruited in Memphis in the summer of 1861.

The book says that Long became an officer on the CSS Virginia on March 1, 1862, right before the battle.  Foute arrived just two weeks earlier on February 12, 1862.

Old B-Runner

James Crosby Long, CSN-- Part 2: Service

Served on:

C.S.R.S.  (Confederate States Receiving Ship) United States 11861

CSS Curlew 1861-62

CSS Virginia; participated in the Battle of Hampton Roads, Va., March 8-9, 1862

Drewry's Bluff, Va. 1862

CSS Steamers Richmond and Patrick Henry, James River Squadron 1862-63

CSS Savannah, Savannah Squadron, 1863-64

CSS Albemarle, 1864

Blockade Runner Owl, 1865

Old B-R'er

James Crosby Long, CSN-- Part 1

A few posts ago, I also mentioned this person as being involved in the attack on the mailboat Fawn.

From Register of Confederate Navy Officers.

The source I was using listed his name a s James H. Long, but it was actually James C. Long.

Born and appointed from Tennessee.

Resigned as acting midshipman from U.S. Navy, May 15, 1861.  Acting Midshipman July 3, 1861.  Passed Midshipman January 8, 1864.  Master in line for promotion, Provisional Navy, June 2, 1864.

--Old B-R'er

Henry Discher, CSN

A couple posts ago I wrote that Henry Discher had gotten excited and accidentally fired his revolver alerting the Union crew on the mailboat Fawn that something was afoot.

Here's his service record according to the Register of Confederate Navy Officers:

HENRY DISCHER

Appointed from Missouri.  Third Assistant Engineer Provisional  Navy, June 2, 1864.

Serve on:

CSS Richmond, James River Squadron, 1864

CSS Albemarle, 1864

Confederate steamers Virginia No. 2 and Torpedo, James River Squadron, 1865.

Paroled April 23, 1865, Burkesville, Virginia.

--Old B-Runner

The Attack on the Mailboat Fawn-- Part 3: Alas, Poor Major Burnham

"If there was a paymaster's mail on board the 'Fawn,' it was the first thing to be destroyed, for when we boarded her we had found that the crew had thrown a number of mail and other bags into the furnace.

"Among those captured, to my great astonishment,  I found Major John H. Burnham, of the 16th Connecticut, whom I had assisted in capturing at Plymouth.  This brave officer had been exchanged and had reported to Norfolk for duty.

"On account of bad health he had been given a furlough, but before leaving for home he decided to go to Roanoke Island on the 'Fawn,' and see his old  comrades who were now on duty at that place, but, unfortunately for him, the boat was captured as set forth in the foregoing.

"Just here came a struggle between duty to country and sympathy for the unfortunate soldier, broken in health caused by confinement in prison, who had been looking forward to a speedy reunion with loved ones whom he had not seen for over two years.

"I would have gladly liberated him, but duty forbade, and poor Burnham was again an inmate of a Confederate prison."

Alas, Poor Burnham.  --Old B-R'er

The Attack on the Mailboat Fawn-- Part 2: Too Soon

"My plan was to go to the draw-bridge on the road leading to Windsor, in Bertie County, capture the draw-bridge keeper, force him to respond to the signal of the 'Fawn' as she approached, and when, within a short distance to close the bridge.

"Orders were given to the men that at a given signal, which was to be the firing of a pistol, the men who were concealed in the bushes on both sides of the canal were to rush forward and board the vessel.

"This was easily done, as in many places along the bank a man could step from he shore to the boat.

"Everything was carried out until the opening of the bridge.  Engineer Disher [Henry Discher]was detailed from the 'Albemarle' to take charge of the prize when captured.  His orders were to run her from the canal into Pasquotant River, thence to the Sound, across the Roanoke River, thence to Plymouth.

"Engineer Disher [Discher], becoming greatly excited, discharged his pistol too soon.  This gave the alarm and precipitated the attack.

--Old B-R'er

The Attack on the Mailboat Fawn-- Part 1: Grab the Money and Run

From "The Blue and Gray:  The Patriotic American Magazine Vol. 2: by Frank P. O'Brien.

He reported that during his scouting trips around Chowan Sound and Elizabeth City, he found that there were two mailboats making regular semi-weekly trips between Roanoke Island and Norfolk and that on a certain day the U.S. paymaster would go to Roanoke Island from Norfolk on the mailboat Fawn.

"I returned to Plymouth and reported the information, which was perfectly reliable,  to Captain James [John] Maffitt, of 'Florida' fame, who was soon after the engagement of May 5 (when the CSS Albemarle attacked the Union fleet off Plymouth, N.C.), had relieved  Captain Cooke of the command of the 'Albemarle."

"Captain Maffitt organized a  a crew to carry out my idea of capturing the boat.  Master's Mate James H. Long was placed in command, but on the eve of leaving he was  ordered not to go, as he had but recently recovered from a severe spell of sickness.  

"Mr. Shelley, sailing-master, took his place."

So, evidently an aim was to get the paymaster funds.

--Old B-Runner

And There Were Other Guerilla Attacks in This Area

From the book "From Cape Charles to Cape Fear: The North Atlantic Blockading Squadron" by Robert M. Browning.

On 15 May 1863, thirty members of the Pasquotank guerillas jumped on board the sixty ton mailboat Arrow as she steamed by the drawbridge by Coinjack.

Proceeding down the canal, they also managed to surprise the crew of the ninety-four ton  side-wheel steamer Emily.

They boldly sailed into Albemarle Sound and into the Chowan River and ascended the Blackwater  River as far as Franklin, Virginia, far out of reach of the larger Union gunboats.

--Old B-Runner

Capture and Destruction of Mailboat Fawn-- Part 2

"Commander Earl English of the Wyalusing ascertained that the Fawn was burned by about twenty (20) men from the Albemarle, commanded by one of her officers named Hopkins, who before the rebellion ran a boat on this canal.

"They fired on demanding surrender, killing and wounding seven (7) persons; twenty-nine (29) prisoners were taken, including one (1) colonel and two (2) majors, the rest soldiers government employes, and citizens.

"A Major Jenney and Mr. Julian, a member of Congress, were released at Elizabeth City and went to Roanoke island.

Commander Macomb turned over seven (7)  hostages to Colonel Wardrop, and they were sent by him to General Shepley in Norfolk.

--Old B-R'er

Capture and Destruction of Mailboat Fawn-- Part 1

Not only did the Fawn carry mail, but also paymaster's funds.  

Report of Rear-Admiral S.P. Lee to Gideon Welles of the Fawn's capture and destruction. 

He had received the report from Commander Macomb that the Fawn had been captured on September 9, 1864.  Naval assistance was requested to capture the group of Confederates that had captured it.  Macomb had sent the USS Wyalusing under Lieutenant-Commander Earl English to Elizabeth City  thinking that he might catch the rebels there.

English was also ordered "to bring off some principal citizens of that place" because of an understanding that Elizabeth City would protect vessels passing through the canal.

English had with him some Marines from the Shamrock and Chicopee plus some men from the Wyalusing (not sure if English went to Elizabeth City on foot or in the ship).  Anyway, he arrested seven prominent citizens and found out that the rebels had at least an eight hours head start and thought it useless to continue pursuit.

--Old B-Runner

The Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal

 

From Wikipedia.

The capture and destruction of the mailboat Dawn took place on this canal.

The Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal was built by a corporation between 1856 and 1860 to afford inland navigation between the Chesapeake Bay and Albemarle Sound.

It is really two canals located thirty miles apart.  One canal is eight and a half miles and connects the Elizabeth River and North Landing River in Virginia.    The other is five and a half miles long and connects Currituck Sound with the North River in North Carolina.

In earlier posts I wrote about the CSS Beaufort on which Charles K. Mallory, Jr. was stationed used the canal to participate in the Battle of Roanoke Island and then later the Battle of Hampton Roads.

--Old B-Runner

James B. Hopkins, CSN and the Capture of the Mailboat Fawn-- Part 2

Seven men from the Fawn were killed or wounded by federal accounts.

Commander James Macomb sent three gunboats carrying extra Marines in pursuit but were too late to capture Hopkins' group.

The gunboats proceed to Elizabeth City, N.C.,  where Lieutenant Commander  English arrested seven citizens whom he sent to Norfolk as hostages.

************************

Later in the fall, Confederate raiders blew up the lighthouse at the entrance to Croatan Sound.

Thus was the small-scale war in the Carolina Sounds in 1864 and 1865.

--Old B-Runner

James B. Hopkins, CSN and the Capture and Destruction of Union Mail Boat Fawn

I wrote about the Confederate Navy service of James B. Hopkins in the last post.

From the "Civil War on the Outer Banks" by Fred M. Mallison.

James Hopkins was stationed on the CSS Albemarle, commanded by John Newland Maffitt, in 1864.  Maffitt organized a party of his crew under the command of Pilot James B. Hopkins to capture or destroy the federal mail boat that regularly traveled the  the Dismal Swamp Canal.

Hopkins' venture was successful.

On the night of September 9 they captured the mailboat Fawn, her crew, passengers, and cargo and burned the vessel.

Hopkins withdrew with twenty-nine prisoners, including a colonel and two majors.

--Old B-Runner

Some More Confederate Navy Officers

From Register of Confederate Naval Officers.

JAMES H. HOOD

Born in Canada.  Chief Engineer, October21, 1861.

Served on the C.S. Cruiser Nashville 1861-1862.

*******************************

JAMES B. HOPKINS

Acting Master, pilot. December 5, 1863.  Pilot First Class, February 1, 1864

Served on the CSS Beaufort, Richmond Station 1861-62.  CSS Arctic, Wilmington Station, 1863.

CSS Albemarle, 1864

Commanded expedition that destroyed U.S. mailboat Fawn on the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal, September 9, 1864.

--Old B-Runner

MCCWRT to Have a Naval Slant Tuesday...Sort Of

The MCCWRT (MCCWRT) will hold its monthly meeting this Tuesday, May 14, at the Woodstock Public Library at 414 W. Judd Street in Woodstock, Illinois.

It will be both in person and via ZOOM from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

The speaker will be Ed Urban about the Ellet Raid at Vicksburg.  This will involve the Mississippi Marine Brigade which was a Union Army amphibious unit which included the United States Ram fleet (hence the naval aspect).

The brigade was commanded by Brigadier General Alfred W. Ellet and operated in coordination with the Mississippi River squadron.

All are invited to a pre-meeting get-together for dinner or snacks at 3 Brothers Restaurant in Woodstock on Illinois Highway 47.

Come On By.  --Old B-Runner

Another Confederate Officer Named Charles Mallory

While looking up information on midshipman Charles K. Mallory in the register of Confederate Naval Officers, I found another Charles Mallory.  Only this one was Charles H. Mallory.

He was appointed acting master in 1861, Acting Gunner on February 9, 1862, and Gunner.

He served on the Acquia Creek batteries, CSS Richmond, the Richmond Station 1861-1862.

The Mobile Station 1862-1865.

CSS Morgan in 1862.

He surrendered May 4, 1865, and was paroled  May 10, 1865.

I have not been able to find any more information on him.

--Old B-Runner

Lt. Parker on the Death of Charles K. Mallory: 'Would Have Been Great Naval Officer'

Lt. William Harwar Parker wrote this n his book concerning the death of Midshipman Mallory:  "Poor boy! he met with a sad end at last.  After serving with me in three engagements he was ordered to the gunboat Chattahoochee at Columbus, Ga., and lost his life by the explosion  of her boiler.

"He was from Hampton (Va.) and was an honor  to his birth-place; had he lived and had the opportunity he would have been a great naval officer."

--Old B-Runner

Charles K. Mallory at the Battles of Hampton Roads and Roanoke Island

BATTLE OF HAMPTON ROADS

William Harwar Parker, commander of the CSS Beaufort, continued about Midshipman Mallory at Hampton Roads saying that Mallory was asked by Lt. Pendergrast of the USS Congress as to the name of his ship and said that a shot from her went into the side of the starboard quarter of the Congress and traversing  the whole length of the ship, went out the port bow.

BATTLE OF ROANOKE ISLAND

Earlier in the war, the CSS Beaufort had been at the Battle of Roanoke Island and had come under heavy fire.  A shell exploded over the ship and scattered pieces all over the deck.

"Mallory, a youth of 14, brought some pieces to to me with much glee; he looked upon the whole proceeding  as great fun."

--Old B-R'er

Charles K. Mallory at the Battle of Hampton Roads

The commander of the CSS Beaufort, Lt. William Harwar Parker in his book "Recollections of a Naval Officer 1841-1865" wrote this about the Battle of Hampton Roads and the surrender of the USS Congress after it was destroyed by the CSS Virginia:

As the Congress hoisted a large white flag to its main masthead "Midshipman Mallory, in charge of our bow gun, waved his cap and exclaimed:  'I'll swear on the Bible that we fired the last gun!' "

Parker then ordered Midshipmen Mallory and Foreman to push off with a crew of three to go to the Congress and take possession  and bring her commander on board the Beaufort.

As they approached the stricken ship, a Marine on the gangway leveled his piece at them and threatened to fire, "but Mallory told him he was ordered to board the vessel, and he was bound to do it.

They pulled alongside the Congress, boarded t and Midshipman Foreman hauled down the colors and brought them to me."

--Old B-Runner

Charles K. Mallory's Brothers-- Part 2

JOHN SKINNER MALLORY

Born 1 November 1857, Hampton, Virginia

Died:  2 Feb 1932, Lexington, Virginia

Buried:  Saint Johns Cemetery, Hampton, Va.

Brigadier General, U.S. Army

*****************************

FRANCIS STEVENSON MALLORY

Born:  1859

Died:  1932 (aged 72-73)

Buried:  Saint Johns Cemetery, Hampton, Virginia

--Old B-Runner

Charles K. Mallory's Brothers

From Find-a-Grave.

These people were buried at Saint John's Church Cemetery in Hampton, Virginia, unless otherwise noted. 

CHARLES KING MALLORY, JR. was the oldest child.

Born: 21 Nov 1844

Died: 1 June 1863

*****************************

EDMUND SKINNER MALLORY

Born: 22 Sep 1846, Hampton, Va.

Died: 1903 (aged 56-57), Jackson, Tn

Buried:  Riverside Cemetery, Jackson, Tn.

*****************************

ENS STEVENSON BLOUNT MALLORY  (Ensign)

Birth: 15 June 1856

Died 14 Nov 1878 (aged 22)

Buried:  Frederiksted, Santa Cruz, West Indies

U.S. Navy and USNA graduate.

--Old B-R'er

Another of Charles Mallory's Brothers Was Brigadier General in U.S. Army: John Skinner Mallory

From Find-A-Grave.

JOHN SKINNER MALLORY

BORN: 1 November 1857, Hampton City, Virginia

DIED:  2 February 1932, aged 74, Lexington, Virginia

BURIED:  Saint Johns  Church Cemetery, Hampton, Virginia. 

Brigadier  General, U.S. Army.

--Old Secesh

Another Mallory Dies at Sea

I have already written about Charles K. Mallory dying in the boiler explosion of the CSS Chattahoochee and of his brother Stephenson Blount Mallory dying of yellow fever while in the service of the U.S. Navy in 1878.

There was yet another brother, Francis Mallory, born April 22, 1850, who attended William and Mary College, and, being of a roving disposition went to sea and as a mate on the brig Chattanooga, of Baltimore, lost his life in a hurricane bear St. Thomas, West Indies, April 4th, 1874, while attempting to get from the shore to his ship.

He died unmarried.

--Old B-Runner

Charles K. Mallory, CSN-- Part 2: His death on the CSS Chatahoochee

Captain Parker of the Confederate States Navy also had this to say about young midshipman Mallory:  "After serving with me in three engagements, he was ordered to the gunboat Chattahoochee, at Columbus, Georgia, and lost his life by the explosion of her boiler.

"He was from Hampton and was an honor to his birthplace.  Had he lived and had the opportunity he would have become a great naval officer."

After the explosion, young Mallory, although badly  injured, swam ashore, but died after in the Ladies' Hospital, Columbus, June 2d, 1863, at age of eighteen and a half.  

He was, of course, unmarried.

--Old B-R'er

Charles K. Mallory, CSN: Received Surrender of the USS Congress at Battle of Hampton Roads

From the Virginia Historical Magazine "Funeral of Charles K. Mallory"  the father of Charles K. Mallory who died in the boiler explosion of the CSS Chattahoochee.

Born November 21, 1844.  At the outbreak of the Civil War he was appointed a midshipman in the Confederate States Navy and served as such until his death.

He participated  in the naval engagements at Hampton Roads, serving on the  gunboat  CSS Beaufort.  When the USS Congress hoisted the white flag of surrender, he, with Midshipman Foreman and a boat crew, were sent to take charge of her.

He brought back to the CSS Beaufort the sword of the commander of the Congress, Lieutenant Joseph B. Smith, who had been killed.  This sword was afterwards sent through the lines by Commodore Tattnall, with Mallory's consent to Admiral Smith, the father of Lt. Richard Smith.

--Old B-Runner

The Mallory Family Had Ties to the Sea: Charles' Brother Stephen

A letter to the William and Mary College Quarterly from John S. Mallory, brother of Charles K. Mallory, written in 1925.

Stephen Blount Mallory was born at Hampton, Virginia, June 15, 1856.  In 1872, as a result of a competitive examination he was appointed a Cadet Midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy after taking a short preparatory course at William and Mary College.

Upon graduation in 1876 from the Academy, he was appointed midshipman in the U.S. Navy and served as such until his untimely death of yellow fever in 1878, contracted while his ship, the USS Plymouth, lay in the harbor of Frederiksted, St. Croix, (Santa Cruz), Danish West Indies, now the Virgin Islands of the United States.

He was buried in the cemetery of St. Paul's Church (Anglican), Frederiksted, where his remains still are.  He had the reputation of being a very efficient and popular young officer.  He died unmarried.

--Old B-Runner

Charles K. Mallory on the CSS Chattahoochee

From "Navy Gray:  Engineering in the Confederate Navy on the Chattahoochee River and Apalachicola Rivers" by Maxine T. Turner.

A picture of him is on page 89 with caption:

"Midshipman Charles King Mallory.  "Young Mallory" was a great favorite among the Chattahoochee's officers and men.  The first to board the USS Congress after the CSS Virginia had defeated her, he was transferred with Catesby ap  R. Jones to the CSS Chattahoochee.

The account of his death following the boiler explosion on May 27, 1863, combined bravery and pathos.

His family had his remains sent home to Virginia and interred at St. John's, Hampton.

--Old B-R'er

Some More on Charles K. Mallory

From Register of Officers in the Confederate States Navy 1861-1865.

CHARLES K. MALLORY,  jr.

Born in Virginia.  Appointed from Virginia.

Acting midshipman, June 12, 1861.  Died June 1, 1863,  from the effect of a boiler explosion.  (CSS Chattahoochee)

Served on the C.S.R.S. United States, 1861.  CSS Beaufort, 1861-1862; participated in the Battle of Roanoke Island, February 7-8, 1862, and the Battle of Hampton Roads, Va., March 8-9, 1862; commended for gallant conduct.  (He was still a member of the crew of the CSS Beaufort at this battle.)

CSS Chattahoochee 1862-1863.

--Old B-R'er

Some More on Charles K. Mallory: A Benjamin Butler Connection?

Midshipman Charles Mallory was the son and namesake of Charles K. Mallory, a lawyer, plantation owner and militia colonel of Hampton, Virginia.  In May 1861, three of the senior Mallory slaves, Frank Baker, Sheppard Mallory and James Townsend, escaped to Union lines.

Their return was demanded of the Union commander in the area, General Benjamin Butler, under the terms of the Fugitive Slave Act.

Butler refused stating that since Virginia had claimed independence the Act did not apply.  And, because Virginia was at war with the United States, the runaway slaves, legally being "chattel property" were now "contraband of war."

So, that's where all that comes from.

--Old B-R'er

If You Want to Visit Fort Fisher, Better Do It Before April 16

From the April 9, 2024, NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

In the interest of safety and security, the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources announced today that the Fort Fisher Historic Site will temporarily close to the public beginning Tuesday, April 16 as workers relocate exhibits, artifacts and staff offices to the site' new 20,000 square foot visitors center.

In addition, work will begin on the restoration of parts of the fort  which were demolished when the fort was used as an anti-aircraft training facility during World War II

This temporary closure refers to all parts of the fort west of US-421, including the museum, restrooms, tour trails around the mounds and parking lots.

The sites Battle Acre, east of US-421, will remain open.

Plans called for a phased reopening during the summer.

But, if you want to see the fort, you'd better get out there before this coming Tuesday.

--Old B-Runner

Confederate Midshipman Scalded to Death When Chattahoochee's Boiler Exploded: Charles K. Mallory

From the August 19, 2014, Civil War Talk Forum by Ernie Mac.

When I first saw the last name, I thought perhaps he might have been related to Confederate Secretary of the Navy Stephen Mallory but he wasn't.

Midshipman Charles K. Mallory was one of the casualties  of the CSS Chattahoochee, severely scalded in the explosion on May 27, 1863.  He died several days later (June 1) of his injuries.

Mallory was a native of Virginia who enlisted as a midshipman at the beginning of the war, serving aboard the CSS Virginia during the Battle of Hampton Roads.  He was one of two midshipman who boarded the USS Congress after that vessel struck her colors during the battle.

--Old B-Runner

Some More on the CSS Chattahoochee-- Part 3: In Fairly Good Shape

The wreck was relocated  using a proton precession magnetometer and wreck structure exposed on the bottom  surface was mapped.  A test excavation was carried out near the south end of the wreckage to facilitate assessing the nature and scope of the archaeological record and generate  data concerning the remaining wreck structure.

(Now, that was some last sentence.  Took me forever to type.)

Data recovered during the investigation contributed to a better understanding of the wreck and its scientific and educational value.

On the basis of this reconnaissance,  it is apparent that the remains of the CSS Chattahoochee contain a variety of artifacts associated with the use of the ship.  In addition, the remaining wreck structure survives in good condition below the turn of the bilge and could be raised, conserved, and displayed in conjunction with the stern of the warship presently on exhibit at the Confederate Naval Museum in Columbus.

--Old B-Runner

Some More on the CSS Chattahoochee-- Part 2: Half Recovered

From 1990 report "CSS Chattahoochee:  An Investigation  of the Remains of a Confederate Gunboat" by Gordon P. Watts and Wes Hall.

In the Spring of 1865, the Confederate gunboat CSS Chattahoochee  was scuttled and burned in the Chattahoochee River, just south of Columbus, Georgia.  During the Civil War Centennial the vessel's remains were relocated and the stern of the warship salvaged and preserved at the James W. Woodruff, Jr., Confederate Naval Museum  in Columbus.

In 1984, East Carolina University and the Naval Museum cosponsored an investigation designed to relocate the Chattahoochee, determine the amount of surviving hull structure, and assess the potential for additional research, recovery and exhibition.

--Old B-R'er

Some More on the CSS Chattahooche

From the June 6, 2023, Georgia Public Radio "Are sunken ships from the Civil War still lying in the Chattahoochee?  What a historian says"  by Kelby Hutchinson.

During the Battle of Columbus (Georgia) on April 16, 1865 (Lee had surrendered in Virginia on April 9), two Confederate warships were destroyed.  One was the ironclad CSS Jackson (also called the CSS Muscogee).  The other was the CSS Chattahoochee.

Part of the CSS Chattahoochee still remains at the bottom of its namesake river.  The bow end is still somewhere down below.  The National Civil War Naval Museum is in possession of the stern portion.  The ship was set on fire by its own crew to prevent it falling into enemy hands.

In 1984, East Carolina University and the Confederate Naval Museum (as the National Civil War Naval Museum was then known as) set out to locate the remains of the Chattahoochee, determine its condition and figure out its potential for research, recovery and exhibition.

That report in next post.

The CSS Chattahoochee, Certainly a Hard-Luck Ship.  --Old B-R'er

Confederate Navy Yard Saffold, Georgia-- Part 2

The 130-foot long CSS Chattahoochee was intended to be both a river boat and an ocean-going one.  It was Confederate hopes to sail it down the river and reopen the port of Apalachicola, Florida,  on the Gulf of Mexico.

However, the Chattahoochee turned out to be an unlucky ship.  One mishap after another befell her.

By far the worst took place on May 27, 1863, when her boilers exploded through crew error and inexperience.  Several were killed and others badly scalded.  This knocked the ship out of the rest of the war.

One of the guns on the ship was a IX-inch Dahlgren pivot gun.  The gun was lost and never recovered, even after the ship's hull was recovered near Fort Benning in 1963.

The Chattahoochee's hull is a part of a part of the Civil War Naval Museum at Port Columbus.  A replica was made of the IX-inch Dahlgren and has been loaned to the Early County Museum for display.

--Old B-R'er

The Confederate Navy Yard: Saffold, Georgia

From the January 2, 2024, Early County (Georgia) News  "The History of the Confederate Naval Yard" by Leah Taylor.

Confederate naval officers and John H. Warner selected this site because of its remote location and abundance of timber around it.  Another reason was that the landowner, David S. Johnson, was an avid Confederate.  He was chosen to run the shipyard.  This proved to be a poor choice because despite all the timber and a large work force of slaves, he had no experience with shipbuilding at all.

The deadline for building his warship, 120 days, came and went with no ship.  He gave in and began placing ads in local papers for experienced shipbuilders.  Eventually the ship was built and delivered ten months late, December 8, 1862.

That ship was the CSS Chattahoochee, taking its name from the river on which it was built.

--Old B-Runner

Others Buried in Mount Moriah Cemetery, Philadelphia-- Part 3

Continuing with Road Tripping Through History.

Other Medals of Honor:

2 from Indian Wars

1 from Spanish-American War

2 from the Boxer Rebellion

4 from Civil War (soldiers)

1 from Korea (1871)

2 from peacetime events (1872) and (1903)

Also, three Civil War Union generals and several Union officers.

--Old B-R'er

Some More Naval Medal of Honor Recipients Buried in Moriah Cemetery, Philadelphia-- Part 2

There sure are a lot of Navy Medal of Honor recipients buried at this cemetery.  I wonder if it has anything to do with the Philadelphia Navy Yard being there.

John Lafferty, USS Wyalusing, versus CSS Albemarle.  Also received a second medal of Honor in Peru.

Nicholas Lear, USS New Ironsides, Fort Fisher

Thomas G. Lyons, USS Pensacola, Battle of New Orleans

James Martin II, USMC, USS Richmond, Battle of Mobile Bay

Matthew McClelland, USS Richmond, Battle of Port Hudson

John Smith, USS Richmond, Battle of Mobile Bay

William Thompson, USS Mohican, Battle of Port Royal

Alexander Truett, USS Richmond, Battle of Mobile Bay

John Williams, USS Pawnee, Mathias Point, Va.

William Williams, USS Lehigh, Charleston, S.C.

Sure a lot of Navy, Marine Medals of Honor buried in this cemetery.

--Ol B-R'er

Remembering 'Civil War Times' and 'America's Civil War'

I must admit that both magazines, which I just found out ceased publication in February, had started giving a lot more attention to the naval aspect of the war, which is my favorite aspect.  Too often before they overlooked the Navy.  

However, this is very true of Civil War people in general.  It is all the land warfare with water parts taking a distinct hind part.

I sure hope someone buys these two magazines or the other seven history ones which were offered by the same company.

Sad to See You Go.  --Old B-Runner

Road Tripping Through History: Henry Schutes Was Buried in Mount Moriah Cemetery in Philadelphia-- Part 1

I was wondering if there were any other persons of interest buried at this cemetery along with Henry Schutes.  According to Find a Grave, there are some 200,000 people buried in the cemetery, but it has fallen upon hard times.

There are quite a few Medal of Honor recipients buried there.

I will list the other Navy recipients:

Charles Baker, USS Metacomet, Battle of Mobile Bay.

James Healey, USS Kearsarge vs. CSS Alabama.

Robert Jordan, USS Mount Washington, Nansemond River, Va.

--B-Runner

How Many Medals of Honor Did Henry Schutes Receive?

I have been doing more research on this question.  I even looked up lists of double Medal of Honor winners and Henry Schutes was not on the list (although there are 19 who have received double Medals of Honor).

I am of the belief that he bravely fought at the Battle of New Orleans but it was his actions on board the USS Wissahickon against Fort McAllister which caused him to get the Medal of Honor.

--Old B-Runner

Was It One or Two Medals of Honor for Henry Schutes?

The more I read about him, the more I'm not sure if he received one or two Medals of Honor.  I am sure he got one for the action against Fort McAllister in 1863.  But not sure about New Orleans.

--Old B-R'er

Navy Medal of Honor Recipient Henry Schutes-- Part 4: Not One, But Two Medals of Honor

Henry Schutes received Medals of Honor for both actions.  This was a new honor created in1861.  t the time of the actions, Schutes was 58, making him the oldest Medal of Honor winner.

It is not clear when he left the Navy, but according to the Mount Moriah Cemetery in Philadelphia, a register of employees at the USNA showed him employed there as a civilian watchman in 1865.  At some point in the mid-1870s, he moved to Philadelphia to the Naval Asylum, which was a home and hospital for retired seamen.

He broke a leg in 1889, but "refused to keep his splint in place and grew increasingly belligerent about eating."  He died on September 10, 1889 and was buried at Mount Moriah.

The cemetery attributes his death to "general failure of willpower."

--Old B-R'er

Navy Medal of Honor Recipient Henry Schutes-- Part 3: For Action at Fort McAllister

Nearly a year later, on February27, 1863, Henry Schutes again found himself in the midst of a battle, this time on the Big Ogeechee River just south of Savannah, Georgia.  The USS Wissahickon was in this action as well.  This attack ended in the destruction of the blockade runner Rattlesnake which was under protection of the guns of Fort McAllister.

A shot from the fort penetrated the Wissahickon's hull below the waterline and entered the ship's powder magazine where the ammunition and gunpowder were kept.  Shutes' Medal of Honor citation said that his prompt action saved the ship.

An 1890 Philadelphia Inquirer article said that Schutes had shut himself inside the magazine to drown it in water to keep the dangerous items from exploding, even though this might mean he would die.

--Old B-Runner

Navy Medal of Honor Recipient Henry Schutes-- Part 2: Battle of New Orleans

While performing his duties aboard the USS Wissahickon during the Battle of Forts Jackson and St. Philip in April 1862, some Union ships managed to break through a barrier in the Mississippi River on April 23.  The Wissahickon was one of them.  Fire rafts were sent down to destroy them.

Schutes received his Medal of Honor here.  His citation reads: "his seamanlike qualities as gunner's mate were outstanding," and that he performed his duties with skill and courage.

The ships made it past the Confederate defenses and New Orleans surrendered.

But this wasn't Schutes' only Medal of Honor.  He received a second one nearly a year later.

--Old B-R'er

Another Union Navy Medal of Honor: Captain of the Forecastle Henry Schutes-- Part 1

From the Feb. 12, 2024 Aerotech News by Katie Lang.

Not much is known of Henry Schutes before his enlistment in the U.S. Navy other than he was born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1804.

According to the Mount Moriah Cemetery, where he's buried,  he was an experienced sailor before the war began.  The earliest enlistment papers found for him was from 1858 which said he had 22 years of prior mariner experience.  That meant that Schutes joined the Navy  around age 54.

He initially served as a gunner's mate on the USS Don before transferring to the USS Wissahickon.  By April 1862, he had become the captain of the forecastle of that ship.  That was the forward upper deck where sailors slept.

That rank was similar to a current day petty officer.

--Old B-Runner

Marines at the Second Battle of Fort Fisher-- Part 3: Six Received Medals of Honor

The book said that another 180 Marines aided the Army in their attack on the land face of the fort.

A number of Marines distinguished themselves during the attack.  Six received a Medal of Honor in the action.

Orderly Sergeant Isaac N. Fry and Sgt. Richard Binder received the honor for the manner in which they commanded their ship's guns.  Corporal Andrew J. Tomlin, of the USS Wabash, shouldered a wounded comrade and carried him to safety during the land attack.

Corporal John Rannahan and Pfcs John Shivers from the USS Minnesota, advanced further than any other Marines with their detachment.  LtCdr. James H. Parker, commanding the shore party from that ship remarked:  "Thompson got nearer the fort than any one from our ship by a few yards.  They [all] deserve promotion and medals."

The Marine battalion sustained 15 enlisted men killed or mortally wounded, and one officer and 45 men wounded during the action.

--Old B-Runner

Marines at the Second Battle of Fort Fisher-- Part 2: Digging Entrenchments with 'Our Noses and Toes'

Marine Corporal Henry B. Hallowell from the USS Juanita was part of the Naval Brigade and wrote:  "The guns from the fort poured grape and canister into us, cutting us to pieces.  A few managed to crawl to the base of the fort, others tried to retreat, but this was made impossible by a barrage being thrown over our heads from the fort to prevent retreating.

"We were in a pretty fix, with the fort raking our ranks from the front and shells exploding at our rear.  History states that we entrenched ourselves.  The only entrenching we did was hug the ground and dig with our noses and toes."

After prolonged exposure to withering musketry and cannon fire, the sailors carrying only "cutlasses, well sharpened, and ... revolvers" (as per Ad. Porter's orders) broke and ran, carrying the Marines with them.

--Old B-R'er

Marines at the Second Battle of Fort Fisher

From American Civil War Marines 1861-1865 by Ron Field.

This was the engagement where Sgt. Richard Binder received his Medal of Honor although he remained on the USS Ticonderoga and was not in the Naval Column.

The Naval Brigade, which attacked Fort Fisher along the beach while Army regiments  moved along the river side in their simultaneous attack of the fort.  It was under command of  Cmdr. Kidder R. Breese and consisted of 1600 sailors and 400 Marines.

Deployed as sharpshooters during the advance of the Naval Brigade, the Marines, under Captain Lucian L. Dawson, the senior officer of the squadron, were caught up in a generally disorganized assault in which the Army attack was delayed.  Hopelessly pinned down at the base of the defenses of the fort, a few Marines managed to to pass through a breech blown in the 9-foot palisades but were forced to fall back with heavy casualties.

--Old B-Runner

Some More on the New Fort Fisher Visitors Center

From February 21, 2024, BNN Breaking  "Reviving history:  Fort Fisher's new visitor center aims to redefine historical exploration in Kure Beach" by Sakchi Khandelwal.

It's been a journey of persistence and vision, starting in 2009, to bring the new visitor center to Fort Fisher from conception to construction.  Now, with the project underway and scheduled to be completed by Labor Day things are moving along swiftly.

Jim Steele, the Fort Fisher Historic Site Manager, says:  "The new center is not just a building; it's a gateway for visitors to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of our history."

The budget for the whole undertaking is $25 million.  Throughout the whole process, feedback from the public has been a cornerstone of it.

--Old B-R'er

The New Fort Fisher Visitors Center Progressing

From February 21, 2024, WWAY News, Wilmington, N.C. "Fort Fisher Visitor Center Undergoing Finishing Touches" by Emily Andrews.

I've been watching this with more than a little interest as this old Confederate fort is my absolute favorite Civil War place.  Because of it I ended up being a teacher so I could work with history.

The so-far 18-month project began in October 2022 and has a price tag of $25 million.

Right now, plans are for having a ribbon-cutting ceremony this coming Labor Day.

--Old B-Runner

RoadTrippin' Through Laurel Hill Cemetery: More Naval Officers and Marines

GARRETT J. PENDERGRAST  (1802-1862)--  Naval officer War of 1812, Mexican War and Civil War.

GEORGE C. REAAD  (1788-1862)--  Naval officer

WILLIAM RONCKENDORFF  (1812-1891)--  Naval officer in Mexican and Civil War.

PINKERTON R. VAUGHAN, USMC (1841-1866)--  Medal of Honor recipient on USS Mississippi during action at Port Hudson.

JACOB ZEILIN  (1806-1880)--  USMC Commandant and first Marine general.

--Old B-R'er

Road Trippin' Laurel Hill Cemetery-- Part 3: Navy Officers

SYLVANUS WILLIAM GOGON  (1809-1879)--  US Navy officer, served Mexican and Civil War.  At Fort Fisher.

ELIE A. F. LA VALLETTE  (1790-1862)--  U.S. Navy officer.  Served War of 1812, Mexican War and Civil War.

EDWARD Y. McCAULEY  (1827-1894)  U.S. navy officer.

GEORGE W. MELVILLE  (1841-1912)--  U. S. navy officer in Civil War.

SAMUEL MERCER  (1799-1862)  U.S. Navy officer.  Mexican War and Civil War.

--Old B-R'er

MCCWRT Discussion Set for February 24: Battle of the Ironclads at Hampton Roads

The McHenry County Civil War Round Table will be having its monthly discussion group on Saturday, Feb. 24 at the Panera Bread Co. store in Crystal Lake, Illinois.  This month the topic will be "The Battle of the Ironclads at Hampton Roads.

It will be in person and on Zoom if we can get it up.

This battle between the CSS Virginia and USS Monitor changed naval warfare for ever. 

Everyone invited (even non-members).  All you need is an interest in history and especially the Civil War.  And we even stay on topic at times.

Panera Bread is located on US-14 (Northwest Highway) by Main Street.

We meet from 10 am to 11:30.

Come on Down.  --Old B-Runner

Road Trippin' to Laurel Hill Cemetery-- Part 2: Civil War

JOHN A. DAHLGREN  (1809-1870)--  Admiral and commander of South Atlantic Blockading Squadron.  Invented the Dahlgren gun.

PERCIVAL DRAYTON  (1812-1865)--  Union Navy officer.

CHARLES ELLET JR.  (1810-1862)--  U.S. engineer who designed the Wheeling Suspension Bridge and during the Civil War , as an Army colonel, created and commanded the United States Ram Fleet in the Mississippi River.

CHARLES RIVERS ELLET  (1843-1863)--  Charles Ellett Jr's son and colonel in Union Army who commanded ships in the Ram Fleet.

--Old B-Runner

Road Trippin' to Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia

From Wikipedia.

While researching the West Laurel Hill Cemetery, I found out it was a part of the larger Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia.  I figured I might as well look there for notables while Road Trippin'.

There were some, including naval officers who served during the War of 1812 which included the commander of the USS Constitution in its famed battle with the HMS Guerriere, Isaac Hull.  And, there were several other naval officers from the War of 1812, Mexican and Civil Wars.  

I'll write about the War of 1812 navy officers in my Not So Forgotten:  War of 1812 blog.

Also, Union General George Gordon Meade, the victor at the Battle of Gettysburg is buried there.

Any naval officer connected to the Civil War will be listed in this blog.

--Old B-R'er

Other Medal of Honor Recipients Buried at West Laurel Hill Cemetery

From Wikipedia.

Continuing with my Road Tripping Through History.

There are four other Union veterans buried in West Laurel Hill Cemetery  (Name, life & where he earned his Medal of Honor):

CHARLES M. BETTS (1838-1905)  Greensboro, N.C. April 1865.  (This would have made him one of the last to receive the Medal during the war.)

WALLACE W.JOHNSON  (1842-1911)  2nd Day Battle of Gettysburg

GEORGE HENRY STOCKTON  (1833-1912)  Vicksburg

ELWOOD N. WILLIAMS  (1842-1921)  Shiloh

--Old B-Runner

Road Trippin' Through History; About the Cemetery Where Sgt. Binder Was Buried

One thing I do when I di these blogs is take a road trip through history from time to time.  That is when I take a post and see where it takes me.  In this case, I'll be writing about the USS Ticonderoga, on which the good sergeant was serving and also do some research also on the cemetery where he was buried, West Laurel Hill,  and see if there is anyone buried there of interest.

 There is quite a long article in Wikipedia about this cemetery in Bela Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, west of Philadelphia.  It was established in 1869 and has 200 acres.  It is affiliated with the nearby Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia.

Quite a few notable people and there is a long list of them.  I have heard of some of them and others are of definite interest.

There are several other Union soldiers who were awarded the Medal of Honor.

I will cover them in the next post.

--Old B-Runner

The Text of Sgt. Binder's Medal of Honor

From the Naval History and Heritage Command.

"BINDER, RICHARD, Sergeant USMC.  Born 1840, Philadelphia, Pa.  Accredited to Pennsylvania.

On board the USS Ticonderoga during the attacks on Fort Fisher, 24 and 25 December 1864; and 13 to 15 January 1865.  Despite heavy return fire by the enemy,  and the explosion of the  100-pounder Parrott rifle which killed8 men and wounded 12 more, Sergeant Binder, as Captain of a gun, performed his duties with skill and courage during the two days of battle.

As his ship again took position on the 13th, he remained steadfast as the Ticonderoga maintained a well-placed fire upon the batteries on shore, and thereafter, as she materially lessened the power of the guns on the mound which had been turned upon our assaulting columns.

During the action,  the flag was planted on one of the strongest fortifications possessed by the rebels."

--Old B-Runner

USMC Medal of Honor at Fort Fisher: Sgt. Richard Binder-- Part 2

After the war, Richard Binder was honorably discharged and received his Medal of Honor  on June 22, 1865, although the ceremony for it wasn't held until the 1890s.  Nine other men from the USS Ticonderoga received Medals of Honor at Fort Fisher.

In 1868 he married a woman named Fredericka who had immigrated from the same German city years prior.  They had a daughter and son.

He resumed cutting hair.  By 1890 he had four shops across Philadelphia and even expanded into tonics and toupees.  He was quite a cane collector and had 600 of them, including one that had been used by President Abraham Lincoln.

He died February 26, 1912, from heart disease and is buried at West Laurel Hill Cemetery in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, just outside of Philadelphia.

For the Hairy Old.  --Old B-R'er

USMC Medal of Honor at Fort Fisher: Sgt. Richard Binder-- Part 1

From January 15, 2024, Medal of Honor Monday.

Sergeant Binder was born July 26, 1839, in Germany and moved to New York at age 15 before settling in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  He worked as a barber and received his U.S. citizenship in 1860.  Just before his 22nd birthday, he enlisted in the Marine Corps on July 11, 1861.

He first served on a ship that sank at the Battle of Port Royal, South Carolina, on November 1861.   (The only Union ship I could find that sank at the battle was the transport Governor.)

From there he moved on to serve on other ships and participated in actions.  In 1864, he was transferred to the USS Ticonderoga.

During the second attack on Fort Fisher, January 13-15, 1865, Sgt, Binder was captain of a gun on board his ship.  During that time, he "performed his duties with skill and courage" according to his Medal of Honor citation.

Quite a Few Medals of Honor at Fisher.  --Old B-Runner

It Was Murder, Not a Duel, the Death of William Andrews, CSN

From Confederate Navy Trivia by Terry Foenander.

***  At least one murder is known to have been committed on an officer of the Confederate Navy by a fellow officer.  On October 15, 1862, Acting Master's Mate Joseph Goodwin Hester fired three shots at his commanding officer, Master's Mate (Acting Midshipman)  William Andrews of Georgia, with a pistol, aboard the CSS Sumter, while that vessel was anchored  off Gibraltar.

Andrews died almost instantly, and, after an inquest was held, his remains were laid to rest on October 17, at Gibraltar, attended by members of the Sumter as well as several officers of the One Hundredth Canada Regiment, stationed at the rock.

Hester was under suspicion by Andrews of pilfering  articles from the vessel,  but after arrest for  the murder, Hester tried to vindicate his crime by claiming that Andrews had intended to commit treason by delivering the vessel into the hands of the US authorities.

However, the crew of the Sumter in a letter to the Confederate commissioner in London, James M. Mason, noted that the claim was without foundation, and that Andrews was beloved and respected by all who knew him, especially his crew.

Hester was held by British authorities at Gibraltar, and, after some correspondence with the Confederate authorities, the British sent him aboard the Shannon, to Bermuda, where it was hoped he would be brought through the blockade, for trial in the Confederate States.

However, permission was denied, and he was permitted to go free in Bermuda.

So, That's the Story.  --Old B-Runner