Horace Hunley Takes Command of His Submarine

SEPTEMBER 19TH, 1863

This date, Horace L. Hunley wrote General Beauregard in Charleston requesting that command of his submarine be turned over to him. He wrote, "I propose if you will place the boat in my hands to furnish a crew from Mobile who are well acquainted with its management & make the attempt to destroy a vessel of the enemy as early as practicable."

Three days later, Beauregard's Chief of Staff, General Jordan, directed the submarine be turned over to Hunley. Hunley then brought a crew to Charleston from Mobile and set about readying the ship. A number of practice dives were made.

--Old B-R'er