CSS Alabama vs. USS Kearsarge, June 19, 1864-- Part 2

Continued from June 19.

The Alabama mounted 8 guns to the Kearsarge's 7.  Yet, Captain Winslow of the Kearsarge enjoyed a superiority in broadside including two heavy XI-inch guns while Semmes had but one heavy gun, an VIII-inch.  Perhaps his greatest advantage was superior ammunition, since the Alabama's had deteriorated during her long cruise.

Furthermore, Winslow had protected the sides of his ship and the vulnerable machinery by hanging heavy chains over  the sides from topside to below the waterline.  Kearsarge's complement was 163.  Alabama's was 149.

From Wikipedia:

CSS Alabama:

220 feet long, 31.8 foot beam
Complement 145 officers and men

Armament:

six 32-pdr cannons
one 110-pdr. cannon
one 68-pdr. cannon

USS Kearsarge

201.3 feet, 33.8 foot beam

Armament:

two 11-inch Dahlgren smoothbore
four 32-pdr. guns
one 30-pdr. Parrott rifle

--Old B-Runner

February 2, 1862: Foote to His Sailors-- Part 1: Aim Well, Don't Waste Ammunition

FEBRUARY 2ND, 1862:  In his battle plan and orders to his gunboats, Flag Officer Foote emphasized the need for coolness and precision of fire:  "Let it be also distinctly impressed upon the mind of every man firing a gun that, while the first shot may be either of too much elevation or too little...

"...there is no excuse for a second wild fire, as the first will indicate the inaccuracy of the aim of the gun, which must be elevated or depressed, or trained, as circumstances require.  Let it be reiterated that random firing is not only a mere waste of ammunition, but, what is far worse, it encourages the enemy when he sees shot and shell falling harmlessly about and beyond him...."

Don't Waste Ammo.  --Old B-Runner

155 Years Ago, January 15, 1862-- Part 1: Wasting Ammunition at Columbus

JANUARY 15TH, 1861:  Flag officer Foote advised Lt. Paulding of the USS St. Louis, "I must enjoin you to save your ammunition.  No gun must be fired without your order....  You will be particular in noting the range of the first shot, its heighth and distance.

"I was surprised yesterday, at Columbus, to see three or four of your shells bursting at such an elevation.... I am aware of your difficulties in a new and undisciplined crew and officers, but make these criticisms as indicative of correcting things in the future.  Save your ammunition and let the first gun show you how to aim for the second."

In Other Words, Do Better!!  Quit Wasting Ammunition.  --Old B-Runner