Mallory Reports the Squib Attack

Extract from Mallory's April 30, 1864, report regarding the attack in the Official Records Navy.

"On the night of the 9th instant, Lieutenant Commanding Hunter Davidson, in command of the torpedo boat Squib, with six officers and men, ran through the enemy's fleet off Newport News, attacked the flagship Minnesota, exploding a torpedo against her, and returned in safety under a heavy fire.

"The extent of the injury inflicted upon the ship has not yet been ascertained, but is believed to be serious.  The cool daring, professional skill, and judgement  exhibited by Lieutenant  Davidson in this  hazardous enterprise merit high commendation and confer honor upon the service of which he is a member."

Honors and Promotion to the Good Lieutenant.  --Old B-Runner

April 9, 1864, Torpedo Boat Squib Attacks USS Minnesota-- Part 3:

Little damage resulted, though "the shock was quite severe."  Nevertheless, as Confederate Secretary of the Navy Mallory later said of the attack:  "The cool daring, professional skill, and judgement exhibited by Lieutenant Davidson in this hazardous enterprise merits high commendation and confer honor upon upon a service of which he is a member."

As the Minnesota reeled under the blow, the fate of the seven Southerners aboard the Squib was gravely imperiled, for their tiny craft was sucked under the port quarter of the Union ship.    As the Minnesota rolled back to port, however, Curtis reported, "the pressure of the water shoved us off."

But they were still so close to the Minnesota, that Curtis leaped on the torpedo boat's forward deck and pushed against the Union ship to get the small craft clear.

The Squib escaped under heavy musket fire.  The nearby Union tug Poppy did not have steam up and could not pursue the Confederate boat which withdrew safely up the James River.

Davidson, a pioneer in torpedo warfare, was promoted to commander for his "gallant and meritorious conduct."

--Old B-Runner