Sunday, February 15, 2015

Charleston Evacuated-- Part 2: Discovery of "David" Torpedo Boats

Lt.Cmdr. J.S, Barnes later wrote that the occupation forces also captured several "David" torpedo boats, one of which had damaged the USS New Ironsides off Charleston on 5 October 1863.

She was subsequently taken to the Naval Academy, Barnes wrote, "where she is preserved as one of the relics of the war.  These vessels were built of boiler iron, and were of the shape known as 'cigar shape.'  They presented but a very small target above the surface, but were usually clumsy and dangerous craft in a seaway.  Under full steam they could attain a speed of seven knots per hour."

--Old B-R'er

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