December 11, 1864: Confederates Have a New Secret Weapon

DECEMBER 11TH, 1864:  Commander George H. Preble, commanding the Naval Brigade fighting ashore with the forces of Major General Foster up the Broad River, South Carolina, reported to Rear Admiral Dahlgren concerning a unique "explosive ball" used by the Confederate forces against his skirmishers.

"It is a conical ball in shape, like an ordinary rifle bullet.  The pointed end is charged with fulminate.  The base of the ball separates from the conical end, and has a leaden  standard or plunger.  The explosion of the charge drives the base up, so as to flatten a thin disk of metal between it and the ball, the leaden plunger is driven against the fulminate, and it explodes the ball....

"It seems to me that the use of such a missile is an unnecessary addition to the barbarities of war."

Quite a confusing explanation but sure sounds like something to avoid.

--Old B-Runner

George Henry Preble-- Part 7: Of Books, Documents and "The Star-Spangled Banner"

Preble was also a noted writer of naval and historical topics and collector of naval documents.  His extensive personal library of books and documents are in the George Henry Preble Collection at the Navy Department Library.

In 1868, he prepared a genealogical history of the Preble family which included a lot about his famous uncle Edward Preble and a defense of his actions that led to his dismissal from naval service.  In 1872, he published "A History of the American Flag.

At one time he also took care of the original "Star-Spangled Banner" that had flown over Fort McHenry in the War if 1812 and had it sewn to a piece of sailcloth to conserve it.  Plus, he also took the first photograph of it.

--Old B-R'er

New Confederate "Explosive Ball"

DECEMBER 11TH, 1864:  Commander George H. Preble, commanding the Naval Brigade fighting ashore with the forces of Major General Foster up the Broad River, South Carolina, reported to Rear Admiral Dahlgren concerning a unique "explosive ball" used by Confederate forces against his skirmishers: "It had a conical ball in shape, like an ordinary bullet.

"The pointed end is charged with a fulminate.  The base of the ball separates from the conical end, and has a leaden standard or plunger.  The explosion of the charge drives the base up, so as to flatten a thin disk of metal between it and the ball, the leaden plunger is driven against the fulminate, and it explodes the ball.... It seems to me that the use of such a missile is an unnecessary addition to the barbarities of war."

I didn't quite follow how it operated, but I sure wouldn't want to get hit by one of these.

Those Nasty Confederates.  --Old Secesh

Fighting in Georgia

DECEMBER 5-9, 1864:  The naval landing force under Commander Preble participated in heavy fighting around Tulifinny Crossroads, Georgia, while federal troops attempted to cut the vital Savannah-Charleston Railway and join with the advancing forces of General Sherman.

The Naval Brigade was withdrawn from Boyd's Landing, Broad River, on 5 December, and while Union gunboats made a feint against the Coosawwatchie River fortifications, soldiers and sailors landed up the nearby Tulifinny River.

During the next four days, the versatile naval brigade participated in a series of nearly continuous heavy actions, though plagued by rain and swampy terrain.  Union forces advanced close enough to the strategic railway to shell it but failed to destroy it.

--Old B-Runner

Naval Brigade Engages at Honey Hill, S.C.

NOVEMBER 30TH, 1864:  Naval Brigade, composed of 350 sailors and 150 Marines from ships of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron and commanded by Commander George H. Preble joined an Army action at Honey Hill, near Grahamville, South Carolina.

In order to aid General Sherman in his march toward Savannah, Major General Foster had proposed to Admiral Dahlgren a campaign up the Broad River to cut the Charleston-Savannah Railway and establish contact with Sherman.

Preble organized an artillery and two naval infantry battalions to operate with the Army, and they were landed at Boyd's Landing on Broad River on 29 November.  Sailors and Marines played a vital role in the ensuing Battle of Honey Hill on 30 November, after which they entrenched on the Grahamville Road.

General Foster then decided with Dahlgren, who accompanied the brigade as far as Boyd's Landing, that the main thrust should come up the Tulifinny River toward Pocotaligo.

--Old B-Runer