February 7, 1863: CSS Tuscaloosa and CSS Huntsville Launched

FEBRUARY 7TH, 1863:  Commander Ebenezer Farrand, CSN,  reported to Governor  John G. Shorter of Alabama the successful launching of ironclads CSS Tuscaloosa and Huntsville at Selma, "amid  enthusiastic cheering."  Both warships were taken to Mobile.

--Old B-Runner

Fall of Mobile, Alabama-- Part 2

Secretary Welles extended the Navy Department's congratulations to Rear Admiral Thatcher and major general Gtanger "for this victory, which places in our possession, with but one exception, all the chief points on the Southern coast, and bids fair to the closing of the naval contest of the rebellion."

Before the evacuation of  the city, ironclads CSS Huntsville and Tuscaloosa were sunk in Spanish River.  CSS Nashville, Baltic and Morgan sped up the Tombigbee River to avoid capture.

With the Stars and Stripes raised over Mobile, the Union ironclads steamed upriver in pursuit of the Confederate ships.

--Old B-Runner

Spanish Fort Falls

APRIL 8TH, 1865:  Invested by General Canby's troops and bombarded heavily by the guns of Rear Admiral Thatcher's ships, Spanish Fort and Fort Alexis, keys to the defense of Mobile, finally fall.  In reporting the capture to Secretary Welles, Thatcher noted the efficiency of the naval battery on shore under Lt.Cmdr. Gillis (the one from the sunken USS Milwaukee).

He added:  "Eighteen large submerged torpedoes were taken by our boats from Apalachee or Blakely River last night in the immediate vicinity of our gunboats.  These are the only enemies that we regard."

The loss of a half dozen vessels to torpedoes near Mobile since the USS Tecumseh was sunk by one in August had taught Union naval officers an unforgettable lesson about torpedo warfare.

The onfederate defenders of Mobile Bay were supported by a squadron under Flag Officer Ebenezer Farrand, consisted of the CSS Nashville, Morgan, Huntsville, Tuscaloosa and Baltic.

--Old B-R'er

Still Confederate Warships in Mobile Bay

SEPTEMBER 15TH, 1864:  Though the Union Navy dominated Mobile Bay by now, the Confederacy still possessed several warships at Mobile itself.  Farragut informed Welles that the CSS Nashville, an ironclad which, he said, had been waiting for her plating for at least 12 months was now ready for service.

He said that it mounted "six of their heaviest rifles and has heavier backing and greater speed than the Tennessee."

Referring to the Battle of Mobile Bay the month before, Farragut added: "If she had gotten out fully equipped, the rebels would have made a stronger fight on that 5th day of August...."

The Mobile defenses also counted on the ironclads CSS Tuscaloosa and CSS Huntsville, "covered with 4 inches of iron, but I understand, very unmanageable", and three gunboats.  "I have them guarded by the two ironclads, the Winnebago and Chickasaw, and four of our gunboats."

Not Over at Mobile.  --Old B-Runner