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