Showing posts with label Selma Alabama. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Selma Alabama. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 3, 2018
Death of Industrialist Horace Ware This Date in 1890
From the July 2, 2018, Alabama News Center "On This Day in Alabama History: Industrialist Horace Ware Dies."
In the 1850s-1860s Horace Ware established the Shelby Ironworks, the first rolling mill in Alabama.
During the Civil War is supplied iron to the Confederate Naval Arsenal at Selma. Its machinery was destroyed by Union forces in the waning days of the war.
Ware was able to get northern investors to commit money to his company to rebuild but now he focused on making rail car wheels.
He retired to Birmingham where he died July 2, 1890.
Friday, February 9, 2018
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
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Archaeologists Recover Three Cannons from the Pee Dee River-- Part 3: Great Grandson in Attendance
By 1994 the CSS Pee Dee Research and Recovery Team had seven families supporting it.
The first two were located by diver Bob Butler. The third cannon was located by property owners Glenn Duffon and Rufus Duffon., who took advantage of low water level one day to venture into the river with a metal detector.
A man named Catesby Jones from Selma, Alabama, was on hand for the cannon retrieval. The Brooke cannons were cast in Selma and his great grandfather, Catesby ap R Jones, had been in command of the naval foundry there when the Brooke cannons were cast. More famously, Catesby ap R Jones had commanded the ironclad CSS Virginia ion its famous battle with the USS Monitor in 1862
The Brooke rifle serial numbers were #46 and #53. The captured Dahlgren gun was serial number #513. The Dahlgren was forged in Pennsylvania and captured from the USS Smithfield after it was sunk by the CSS Albemarle.
--Old B-Runner
The first two were located by diver Bob Butler. The third cannon was located by property owners Glenn Duffon and Rufus Duffon., who took advantage of low water level one day to venture into the river with a metal detector.
A man named Catesby Jones from Selma, Alabama, was on hand for the cannon retrieval. The Brooke cannons were cast in Selma and his great grandfather, Catesby ap R Jones, had been in command of the naval foundry there when the Brooke cannons were cast. More famously, Catesby ap R Jones had commanded the ironclad CSS Virginia ion its famous battle with the USS Monitor in 1862
The Brooke rifle serial numbers were #46 and #53. The captured Dahlgren gun was serial number #513. The Dahlgren was forged in Pennsylvania and captured from the USS Smithfield after it was sunk by the CSS Albemarle.
--Old B-Runner
Monday, October 5, 2015
The Three Recovered Cannons from the CSS Pee Dee
BROOKE RIFLE-- Cast at Selma, Alabama on April 29, 1863. delivered to South Carolina on July 13, 1863. Bore diameter-- 6.4-inches, Bore length-- 9.8 feet. Weight 10,600 pounds.
BROOKE RIFLE-- Cast at Selma, Alabama on October 12, 1863. Delivered to South Carolina on July 3, 1863 (probably 1864). Bore diameter-- 7-inches, Bore length-- 11 feet, Weight-- 15,000 pounds.
DAHLGREN CANNON-- Cast at Fort Pitt, Pennsylvania in mid-1862. Bore diameter-- 9-inches, Bore length-- 8.9-feet, Weight-- 9,000 pounds.
--Old B-Runner
BROOKE RIFLE-- Cast at Selma, Alabama on October 12, 1863. Delivered to South Carolina on July 3, 1863 (probably 1864). Bore diameter-- 7-inches, Bore length-- 11 feet, Weight-- 15,000 pounds.
DAHLGREN CANNON-- Cast at Fort Pitt, Pennsylvania in mid-1862. Bore diameter-- 9-inches, Bore length-- 8.9-feet, Weight-- 9,000 pounds.
--Old B-Runner
Saturday, October 3, 2015
Civil War Cannons Raised From the Pee Dee River-- Part 5: A "Jones"Connection
Unfortunately, the CSS Pee Dee had a very short-lived career. On completion, it steamed upstream to fire on Sherman's troops crossing the river. It may or may not have fired on enemy troops. It then returned to Mars Bluff where it was burned and scuttled after the cannons and other items were thrown overboard.
The ship could also have been an ocean-going commerce raider.
To Catesby Jones, 90, of Selma, Alabama, and a World War II veteran, this was a very special day and he was in attendance when the cannons were brought to the surface. His great-great grandfather was Catesby ap Jones, who was in command of the foundry and Navy yard in Selma, Alabama, when the two Brooke rifled cannons were made.
The cannons will now be taken to the Warren Lasch Conservation Center in North Charleston, S.C. where they will be preserved. The Confederate submarine H.L. Hunley is there also. After completion, the cannons will go on display at the new U.S. department of veterans Affairs building in Florence.
--Old B-R'er
The ship could also have been an ocean-going commerce raider.
To Catesby Jones, 90, of Selma, Alabama, and a World War II veteran, this was a very special day and he was in attendance when the cannons were brought to the surface. His great-great grandfather was Catesby ap Jones, who was in command of the foundry and Navy yard in Selma, Alabama, when the two Brooke rifled cannons were made.
The cannons will now be taken to the Warren Lasch Conservation Center in North Charleston, S.C. where they will be preserved. The Confederate submarine H.L. Hunley is there also. After completion, the cannons will go on display at the new U.S. department of veterans Affairs building in Florence.
--Old B-R'er
Monday, November 17, 2014
Confederate Submersible Torpedo Boat Saint Patrick
NOVEMBER 20TH, 1864: Edward La Croix of Selma, Alabama, writing Secretary Welles from Detroit (spy?), reported that a torpedo boat had been constructed at Selma for use against Union forces at Mobile Bay.
he described her: "Length, about 30 feet; has watertight compartments; can be sunk or raised as desired; is propelled by a very small engine, and will stow five men. It has some arrangement of machinery that times the explosions of the torpedoes, to enable the operators to retire to a safe distance.
"the boat proves to be a good sailer on the river and has gone to Mobile to make last preparations for trying its efficacy on the Federal vessels."
La Croix was referring to the submersible torpedo boat Saint Patrick built by John P. Halligan who was also her first commander. It was a source of concern for Federals in Mobile Bay and in 1865, did attempt to sink a blockader.
--Old B-Runner
he described her: "Length, about 30 feet; has watertight compartments; can be sunk or raised as desired; is propelled by a very small engine, and will stow five men. It has some arrangement of machinery that times the explosions of the torpedoes, to enable the operators to retire to a safe distance.
"the boat proves to be a good sailer on the river and has gone to Mobile to make last preparations for trying its efficacy on the Federal vessels."
La Croix was referring to the submersible torpedo boat Saint Patrick built by John P. Halligan who was also her first commander. It was a source of concern for Federals in Mobile Bay and in 1865, did attempt to sink a blockader.
--Old B-Runner
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Shortage of Confederate Mechanics Causing Ordnance Shortages
JULY 1ST, 1864: Confederate Secretary of the Navy Mallory wrote President Davis that due to a shortage of mechanics the ordnance works at Selma, Alabama, could not "make more than one gun a week, whereas with a proper number of mechanics it could manufacture with carriages and equipments complete, three in a week and in a few months one every day...."
Shortage of skilled craftsmen was a handicap the South could never overcome.
The manpower and material shortages at Selma specifically crippled the progress of the ironclad squadron Admiral Buchanan was desperately trying to develop in Mobile Bay. Only ram Tennessee was ready when the critical moment arrived in just over a month, August 5th, when Farragut "Damned the torpedoes."
--Old B-Runner
Shortage of skilled craftsmen was a handicap the South could never overcome.
The manpower and material shortages at Selma specifically crippled the progress of the ironclad squadron Admiral Buchanan was desperately trying to develop in Mobile Bay. Only ram Tennessee was ready when the critical moment arrived in just over a month, August 5th, when Farragut "Damned the torpedoes."
--Old B-Runner
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
150 Years Ago-- April 12, 1864 More Worries About Torpedo Boats
APRIL 12TH, 1864: Not only were torpedo boats a problem along the Atlantic coast, but also in the Gulf of Mexico. Major General Hurlbut, USA, wrote Secretary Welles regarding Confederate torpedo boat operations in Mobile Bay: "The craft, as described to me, is a propeller about 30 feet long, with engines of great power for her size, and boiler so constructed as to raise steam with great rapidity. //// She shows above the surface only a small smoke outlet and pilot house, both of which can be lowered and covered. //// The plan is to drop down within a short distance of the ship, put out the fires, cover the smoke pipe, and sink the craft to a proper depth, then work the propeller by hand, drop beneath the ship, ascertaining her position by a magnet suspended in the propeller, rise against her bottom, fasten the torpedo by screws, drop their boat away, pass off a sufficient distance, rise to the surface, light their fires and work off." //// Quite astounding that the Union general woul;d have this detailed of a source as to an enemy secret boat. There is no evidence that Hurlbut's vessel ever was in Mobile Bay, but another submersible boat, the Saint Patrick, was constructed by Captain Halligan at Selma, Alabama. This ship was taken to Mobile Bay and unsuccessfully attacked the USS Octorara in early 1865. ////
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
150 Years Ago-- February 7-8th: How to Fight a Monitor
FEBRUARY 7TH:
Confederate steamer St. Mary's, trapped in McGirt's Creek, above Jacksonville, Florida, by the USS Norwich was sunk with cargo of cotton to prevent it falling into Union hands.
FEBRAURY 8TH:
Commander Catesby ap R. Jones, commanding the Confederate Naval Gun Factory at Selma, Alabama, wrote Adnmiral Franklin Buchanan in Mobile of the fighting qualities of the Union monitors: "The revolving turret enables the monitor class to bring their guns to bear without reference to the movements or turning of the vessel. You who fought the Virginia know well how to appreciate that great advantage. You doubtless recollect how often I reported to you that we could not bring one of her ten guns to bear.
In fighting that class, it is very important to prevent the turret from revolving, which I think may be done either with the VII-inch or 6.4-inch rifles or 64 pounder, providing their projectiles strike the turret at or near its base where it joins the deck....
If the turret is prevented from revolving, the vessel is less than efficient than one with the same guns having the ordinary ports, as the monitor's ports are so small that the guns can not be trained except by the helm." Of course, besides revolving, the two cannons in the turret were extremely powerful.
Buchanan commanded the CSS Virginia in its epic battle with the USS Monitor on the first day. Catesby ap R. Jones took command on the second day's fight after Buchanan was wounded.
--Old B-Runner
Confederate steamer St. Mary's, trapped in McGirt's Creek, above Jacksonville, Florida, by the USS Norwich was sunk with cargo of cotton to prevent it falling into Union hands.
FEBRAURY 8TH:
Commander Catesby ap R. Jones, commanding the Confederate Naval Gun Factory at Selma, Alabama, wrote Adnmiral Franklin Buchanan in Mobile of the fighting qualities of the Union monitors: "The revolving turret enables the monitor class to bring their guns to bear without reference to the movements or turning of the vessel. You who fought the Virginia know well how to appreciate that great advantage. You doubtless recollect how often I reported to you that we could not bring one of her ten guns to bear.
In fighting that class, it is very important to prevent the turret from revolving, which I think may be done either with the VII-inch or 6.4-inch rifles or 64 pounder, providing their projectiles strike the turret at or near its base where it joins the deck....
If the turret is prevented from revolving, the vessel is less than efficient than one with the same guns having the ordinary ports, as the monitor's ports are so small that the guns can not be trained except by the helm." Of course, besides revolving, the two cannons in the turret were extremely powerful.
Buchanan commanded the CSS Virginia in its epic battle with the USS Monitor on the first day. Catesby ap R. Jones took command on the second day's fight after Buchanan was wounded.
--Old B-Runner
Thursday, December 26, 2013
150 Years Ago: December 24-25, 1863: Jone's Throws Hat In, CSS Alabama
DECEMBER 24TH:
Commander Catesby C. ap R. Jones replied to Admiral Buchanan that the guns for the CSS Tennessee would be sent from Selma Gun Foundry "as soon as they are ready." He exclaimed that there had been an accidental explosion which destroyed several cannon molds.
He continued that work at his factory there was dangerous and tossed in his hat to command the Tennessee.
** The CSS Alabama captured and burned the Texan Star in the Strait of Malacca.
DECEMBER 25, 1863:
Confederate batteries on John's Island attack USS Marblehead near Legareville, SC, in the Stono River. The USS Pawnee and mortar schooner C.P. Williams assisted and forced the enemy to withdraw.
** USS Daylight and Howquah transported troops from Beaufort, NC, to Bear Inlet where they destroyed four extensive salt works.
--Old B-Runner
Commander Catesby C. ap R. Jones replied to Admiral Buchanan that the guns for the CSS Tennessee would be sent from Selma Gun Foundry "as soon as they are ready." He exclaimed that there had been an accidental explosion which destroyed several cannon molds.
He continued that work at his factory there was dangerous and tossed in his hat to command the Tennessee.
** The CSS Alabama captured and burned the Texan Star in the Strait of Malacca.
DECEMBER 25, 1863:
Confederate batteries on John's Island attack USS Marblehead near Legareville, SC, in the Stono River. The USS Pawnee and mortar schooner C.P. Williams assisted and forced the enemy to withdraw.
** USS Daylight and Howquah transported troops from Beaufort, NC, to Bear Inlet where they destroyed four extensive salt works.
--Old B-Runner
Thursday, December 5, 2013
More on Confederate Activity At Mobile Bay
DECEMBER 2ND, 1863:
Furthermore, in Mobile Bay, the Confederates had two floating batteries mounting three guns each and ten transport steamers. Bell's report also noted: "At Selma there is a large vessel building, to be launched in January. There are three large rams building on the Tombigbee River, to be launched during the winter."
Rear Admiral Farragut would face just four of these ships (Tennessee, Selma, Gaines and Morgan) in his attack on Mobile in August 1864. Lack of machinery, iron and skilled worers prevented the others from being in the battle.
--Old B-Runner
Furthermore, in Mobile Bay, the Confederates had two floating batteries mounting three guns each and ten transport steamers. Bell's report also noted: "At Selma there is a large vessel building, to be launched in January. There are three large rams building on the Tombigbee River, to be launched during the winter."
Rear Admiral Farragut would face just four of these ships (Tennessee, Selma, Gaines and Morgan) in his attack on Mobile in August 1864. Lack of machinery, iron and skilled worers prevented the others from being in the battle.
--Old B-Runner
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
150 Year Ago: September 1st, 1863: Regulations for Blockade-Runners
SEPTEMBER 1ST:
Major General Whiting at Wilmington, issued regulations for blockade-runners. The specific instructions were intended to prevent Union spies in town from gaining information of use.
** Commander Catesby ap R. Jones, commanding the the Confederate naval gun foundry and ordnance works at Selma, Alabama, ordered a small quantity of munitions to Admiral Franklin Buchanan for the defense of Mobile.
Munitions were becoming increasingly scarce with most on hand being shipped to Charleston.
--Old B-R'er
Friday, June 14, 2013
Lt. Peter U. Murphey-- Part 3
Peter Murphey was in the Vorginia Navy after his resignation from the U.S. Navy until he transferred to the Confederate Navy. He commanded the steamer Arrow in the Chesapeake Bay in April 1861 and was also stationed at the Gosport Navy Yard in Virginia from 1861-1862.
On August 5, 1864, he was captured at the Battle of Mobile Bay while commanding the CSS Selma. He was wounded in his left arm and sent to Pensacola Hospital where he wrote his report of the battle. Later, he was confined at Fort Warren in Boston Harbor before being exchanged at Cox's Wharf, Virginia, (where many prisoner exchanges took place).
He surrendered May 4, 1865 and was paroled May 10th at Hubba Bluff, Alabama.
Murphey died of apoplexy on Sunday, August 13, 1876 in Mobile, Alabama.
I have seen photographs of him as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy and one in a Confederate one.
On August 5, 1864, he was captured at the Battle of Mobile Bay while commanding the CSS Selma. He was wounded in his left arm and sent to Pensacola Hospital where he wrote his report of the battle. Later, he was confined at Fort Warren in Boston Harbor before being exchanged at Cox's Wharf, Virginia, (where many prisoner exchanges took place).
He surrendered May 4, 1865 and was paroled May 10th at Hubba Bluff, Alabama.
Murphey died of apoplexy on Sunday, August 13, 1876 in Mobile, Alabama.
I have seen photographs of him as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy and one in a Confederate one.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Going Back to the Battle of the Ironclads: Catesby ap Roger Jones, CSN
Lt. Catesby ap Roger Jones had directed the conversion of the USS Merrimack into the CSS Virginia and was very disappointed when he was not given command of the Virginia instead of Franklin Buchanan.
I have often wondered what the "ap" in his name was all about. Turns out that is is Welsh for "son of." His mother was a cousin of Robert E. Lee.
After commanding the Virginia in her historic battle with the Monitor, he was sent to Drewry's Bluff, guarding the approach to Richmond on the James River. From there, he went on to command the CSS Chattahoochee during her construction at Saffold, Georgia.
His final Civil War posting was at the Selma, Alabama, in charge of the important Ordnance Works which manufactured guns for the Confederacy. The ironclad CSS Tennessee was also built in Selma so I'm sure he kept an eye on that.
After the war, he was shot and killed June 20, 1877, by another man as a result of a feud between their two sons. Jones is buried in Live Oak Cemetery in Selma, Alabama.
Quite a Life for Mr. ap. --Old B-R'er
I have often wondered what the "ap" in his name was all about. Turns out that is is Welsh for "son of." His mother was a cousin of Robert E. Lee.
After commanding the Virginia in her historic battle with the Monitor, he was sent to Drewry's Bluff, guarding the approach to Richmond on the James River. From there, he went on to command the CSS Chattahoochee during her construction at Saffold, Georgia.
His final Civil War posting was at the Selma, Alabama, in charge of the important Ordnance Works which manufactured guns for the Confederacy. The ironclad CSS Tennessee was also built in Selma so I'm sure he kept an eye on that.
After the war, he was shot and killed June 20, 1877, by another man as a result of a feud between their two sons. Jones is buried in Live Oak Cemetery in Selma, Alabama.
Quite a Life for Mr. ap. --Old B-R'er
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