CSS Missouri, A Timeline-- Part 3: Launching of the CSS Missouri

Continued from July 23, 2018.

APRIL 3,1863--  Carter reported that Captain Smoker had gone to Alexandria to find a steamer with suitable machinery for a second ironclad at Shreveport.

APRIL 14, 186300  The hull of the Caddo (CSS Missouri) was launched into the waters of the Red River at Shreveport.  Carter reported to Mallory:  "I have the honor to announce to you the launching of a gunboat at this place today at 2 o'clock p.m..  The cladding and placing of machinery will commence immediately and be pushed forward as rapidly as possible."

Unhappily for Carter, that same day, Commander Brent informed Carter that Secretary Mallory had ignored his suggestion to name the ship the Caddo and that it would be the CSS Missouri.

Definitely a Proud Day for Lt. Carter.  --Old B-Runner