Torpedo Boat Torch Attacks USS New Ironsides-- Part 2

While alongside the Union ship, James Carlin was unable to start his engines the engines for some minutes, but the daring Confederate kept up a  cool conversation with the officer of the deck of the USS New Ironsides, who finally became alarmed but was unable to depress any of the cannons sufficiently to fire at the little craft.

At this moment, the torpedo boat's engines started, and Carlin quickly made his way back to Charleston, two shots from the New Ironsides falling 20 feet to either side of him.

General Beauregard, seeking to lift the blockade and the continuing bombardment at Forts Wagner and Sumter, wrote Carlin:  "I feel convinced that another trial under more favorable circumstances will surely meet with success, notwithstanding the known defects of the vessel."

--Old B-Runner

August 21, 1863: Confederate Torpedo Boat Torch Attempts To Sink the USS New Ironsides-- Part 1

AUGUST 21ST, 1863

The Confederate torpedo boat Torch Pilot James Carlin, made a gallant night attempt to sink the USS New Ironsides, Captain Stephen C. Rowan, in the channel near Morris Island.  The small steamer, which was constructed from the hulk of an unfinished gunboat at Charleston, sailed low in the water, was painted gray and burned anthracite coal (very little smoke) to avoid detection.

She took on much water and her engines were of dubious quality when she made her run at the blockader.

When but 40 yards away from the New Ironsides, Carlin ordered the engines cut and pointed his ship at its prey.  The boat failed to respond properly to her helm, and the New Ironsides swung about her anchor slowly with the tide.

The torpedo failed to make contact with the ship's hull.

--Old B-Runner

Confederate Torpedo Boat Torch Attacks the USS New Ironsides-- Part 2

No doubt this attack in part came about because of the $100,000 bounty promised anyone sinking the ship by the blockade-running firm of John Fraser & Company. Being commanded by a pilot probably meant that the ship was not a Confederate Navy ship.

The Torch failed to respond to its helm correctly and the New Ironsides started to swing about her anchor slowly with the tide, resulting in the Torch coming alongside the Union ship. Carlin could not start his engine and for some minutes carried on a conversation wit the Union officer of the deck, who finally became alarmed and opened fire.

Let's see, an unidentified ship comes alongside your ship in the middle of the night and that does make you wonder? Seems to me to be grounds for a court martial.

However, the Union ship's guns could not be depressed enough and, fortunately for Carlin, the Torch's engine finally kicked on and he hurriedly left the scene and made his way back to Charleston. Two shots splashed into the water 20 feet from the Torch.

And There Was Carlin Without His $100,000. --Old B-Runner

Confederate Torpedo Boat Torch Attacks the New Ironsides-- Part 1

AUGUST 21, 1863

The Confederate torpedo boat Torch, a former blockade-runner, made a night attempt to sink the USS New Ironsides in a channel near Morris Island, SC. The small steamer, which was constructed from the hull of an unfinished gunboat, sailed low in the water, was painted gray and burned anthracite (smokeless) coal to avoid detection.

The Torch took on much water and her engines faulty during its approach to the New Ironsides. When but 40 yards away, the Torch's commander, pilot James Carlin pointed his ship at his target and cut his engines before the attack.

--Old B-R'er