June 19, 1864: The CSS Alabama Fights the USS Kearsarge-- Part 1

This battle, oddly enough, took place off the French port of Cherbourg, where 80 years later in June, D-Day and the Battle of Normandy took place.

JUNE 19TH, 1964:  "The day being Sunday and the weather fine, a large concourse of people -- many having come all the way from Paris -- collected on the heights above the town [Cherbourg], in the upper stories of such of the houses as commanded a view of the sea, and on the walls and fortifications of the harbor.

"Several French luggers employed as pilot-boats went out, and also an English steam-yacht, called the Deerhound.  Everything being in readiness between nine and ten o'clock, we got underway, and proceeded to sea, though the western entrance to the harbor; the Couronne [French ironclad] following us.

"As we emerged from behind the mole, we discovered the Kearsarge at a distance of between six and seven miles from the land.  She had been apprised of our intention of coming out that morning and was awaiting us.'

Captain Raphael Semmes' account of the battle.

--Old B-R'er