AUGUST 16TH
A joint Army-Navu expedition up the Mississippi River as far as Helena as far as the Yazoo River. Landed at various points en route. Captured a steamer above Vicksburg, dispersed Confederate troop encampments and destroyed a newly erected battery 20 miles up the Yazoo River.
One of the ships on the expedition was the USS General Bragg. Kind of strange that they would have aship named after a Confederate general.
Confederate Sec. of Navy wrote about the South's desperate need of iron for its ironclads. He wants the Congress to increase supply. Scrap iron being collected and "rolling railroad iron into plates."
AUGUST 16TH-18TH
Union naval force bombard Corpus Christi, Texas and attempted to land and seize a Confederate battery, but driven off. Lack of troops to occupy Corpus Christi, Sabine City and Galveston kept Farragut's ships holding these ports, but they kept them under blockade.
AUGUST 17TH
A joint landing party from the USS Ellis, under command of Master Benjamin H. Porter and Army boats destroyed Confederate salt works, a battery and barracks near Swansboro, NC.
Old B-Runner
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
USS Alligator: The Union's Submarine-- Part 1
From the Civil War Submarine/Naval Chronology. A really handy site listing events in both services in different colors so it makes it real easy to distinguish from them. Quite a bit was going on with the USS Alligator around this time, 150 years ago.
JULY 4, 1862-- The tug Fred Kopp leaves the James River, Virginia, and tows the Alligator to the Philadelphia Navy Yard. On the same day, the USS Maratanzas captures the CSS Teaser and found on board detailed plans for the new CSS Virginia II, which is nearing completion. The Alligator is immediately recalled Washington Navy Yard, but its civilian crew declines the mission.
MID-JULY-- The Alligator is at the Wsahington Navy Yard (you have to wonder if President Lincoln came down to look at it as he was always interested in new technology and this was definitely something new. After all, he was looking at the Rafael gun in August 1862.
Lt. Thomas O. Selfridge, the hero of the USS Cumberland--CSS Virginia battle (and, later, sinker of ships), has been appointed to command the submarine.
Selfridge Was Especially Hard on Ships Beginning With the Letter "C." --Old B-Runner
JULY 4, 1862-- The tug Fred Kopp leaves the James River, Virginia, and tows the Alligator to the Philadelphia Navy Yard. On the same day, the USS Maratanzas captures the CSS Teaser and found on board detailed plans for the new CSS Virginia II, which is nearing completion. The Alligator is immediately recalled Washington Navy Yard, but its civilian crew declines the mission.
MID-JULY-- The Alligator is at the Wsahington Navy Yard (you have to wonder if President Lincoln came down to look at it as he was always interested in new technology and this was definitely something new. After all, he was looking at the Rafael gun in August 1862.
Lt. Thomas O. Selfridge, the hero of the USS Cumberland--CSS Virginia battle (and, later, sinker of ships), has been appointed to command the submarine.
Selfridge Was Especially Hard on Ships Beginning With the Letter "C." --Old B-Runner
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Naval Happenings 150 Years Ago: August 13th to 15th,1862-- Confederate Ironclads
AUGUST 13TH
Admiral Du Pont reporting on Confederate rams and ironclads at Charleston and Savannah wrote that the CSS Savannah was more of a floating battery with eight ten-inch guns. Has list, leaks and not enough power to go against the stream. It definitely wasn't the Fingal. (Probably referring to the CSS Georgia.
The Charleston vessels weren't ready yet and he was hoping would move along slowly.
The success of the CSS Virginia caused the Confederacy to make every effort to launch ironclads, but lack of critical material and industrial facilities prevented their rapid deployment. And lack of power was a huge problem.
AUGUST 15TH
Commander Wilkes, commanding the James River Flotilla to cover McClellan's left wind withdrawing from Harrison's Landing.
Old B-Runner
Admiral Du Pont reporting on Confederate rams and ironclads at Charleston and Savannah wrote that the CSS Savannah was more of a floating battery with eight ten-inch guns. Has list, leaks and not enough power to go against the stream. It definitely wasn't the Fingal. (Probably referring to the CSS Georgia.
The Charleston vessels weren't ready yet and he was hoping would move along slowly.
The success of the CSS Virginia caused the Confederacy to make every effort to launch ironclads, but lack of critical material and industrial facilities prevented their rapid deployment. And lack of power was a huge problem.
AUGUST 15TH
Commander Wilkes, commanding the James River Flotilla to cover McClellan's left wind withdrawing from Harrison's Landing.
Old B-Runner
Saturday, August 11, 2012
USS Lodona: Back to Hell Gate
Back on my August 4th Naval Happenings I wrote that the USS Unadilla had captured the British blockade-running steamer Lodina at Hell Gate, Georgia, and that led to one of my famous two hour detours to find out more about that place, which I had never heard of before.
I also had never heard of a blockade-runner by that name. Thanks to good old Wikipedia, I learned more.
The Lodona was a bark-rigged iron screw steamer built at Kingston-upon-Hull, England in 1862 and owned by Z.C. Pearson of London. It was evidently captured very early in its career if not on its first attempt through the blockade.
It was taken to Philadelphia under Lt. C.H. Greene and condemned, making for a nice payday for the Unadilla's crew. Of course, the Navy saw that this would be a perfect new ship to pursue other runners and it was purchased in prize court 20 Sept 1862, and after renovation for blockade duty, commissioned as the USS Lodona in Philadelphia 5 Jan 1863.
Blockade-Runners Capturing B-R's, Who'd A-Thought? --Old B-Runner
I also had never heard of a blockade-runner by that name. Thanks to good old Wikipedia, I learned more.
The Lodona was a bark-rigged iron screw steamer built at Kingston-upon-Hull, England in 1862 and owned by Z.C. Pearson of London. It was evidently captured very early in its career if not on its first attempt through the blockade.
It was taken to Philadelphia under Lt. C.H. Greene and condemned, making for a nice payday for the Unadilla's crew. Of course, the Navy saw that this would be a perfect new ship to pursue other runners and it was purchased in prize court 20 Sept 1862, and after renovation for blockade duty, commissioned as the USS Lodona in Philadelphia 5 Jan 1863.
Blockade-Runners Capturing B-R's, Who'd A-Thought? --Old B-Runner
Friday, August 10, 2012
It Happened Again
One little search ended up being two hours and still didn't get it all. As I said before, no wonder it takes so long to do these things.
Earlier today, I posted about a group of Confederate Veterans taking a 48th anniversary excursion to Fort Morgan guarding the entrance of Mobile Bay on the 49th anniversary of the battle.
I thought there was just one UCV (United Confederate Veterans) camp in Mobile, Camp 11 Raphael Semmes. Turns out, there was a second one, Camp 675 Jones M. Withers (part of the name mentioned in the article about the excursion, the other being Buchanan).
Never heard of this Withers guy either. Had to do research.
Then, while looking at the lost of UCV camps, I came across that of No. 797, the Thomas Ruffin Camp from Goldsboro NC, my hometown. Never heard of it or him, so had to, of course, do some research.
Two Hours Later and NO Blog Entries. --Old B-R'er
Earlier today, I posted about a group of Confederate Veterans taking a 48th anniversary excursion to Fort Morgan guarding the entrance of Mobile Bay on the 49th anniversary of the battle.
I thought there was just one UCV (United Confederate Veterans) camp in Mobile, Camp 11 Raphael Semmes. Turns out, there was a second one, Camp 675 Jones M. Withers (part of the name mentioned in the article about the excursion, the other being Buchanan).
Never heard of this Withers guy either. Had to do research.
Then, while looking at the lost of UCV camps, I came across that of No. 797, the Thomas Ruffin Camp from Goldsboro NC, my hometown. Never heard of it or him, so had to, of course, do some research.
Two Hours Later and NO Blog Entries. --Old B-R'er
Confederate Survivors of Battle of Mobile Bay Celebrate the 48th Anniversary
From the July 21st Mobile (Al) Press Register. From the July 21, 1912, Press Register.
Members of the Withers and Buchanan Survivors Camp No. 675, United Confederate Veterans will be having a bay excursion and picnic to Fort Morgan on Tuesday August 5th, the 48th anniversary of the Battle of Mobile Bay.
Nearly all members were at the battle fighting Farragut from the ramparts of the three lower bay forts: Morgan, Gaines and Powell or from the few Confederate naval vessels.
I always like when I come across a post-war account of things pertaining to it.
The Brave Defenders. --Old B-Runner
Members of the Withers and Buchanan Survivors Camp No. 675, United Confederate Veterans will be having a bay excursion and picnic to Fort Morgan on Tuesday August 5th, the 48th anniversary of the Battle of Mobile Bay.
Nearly all members were at the battle fighting Farragut from the ramparts of the three lower bay forts: Morgan, Gaines and Powell or from the few Confederate naval vessels.
I always like when I come across a post-war account of things pertaining to it.
The Brave Defenders. --Old B-Runner
Thursday, August 9, 2012
The USS Unadilla: Back to Hell Gate and Then Fisher
From the Coastal Guide.
This was the Union ship that captured the blockade-runner Lodona at Hell Gate, Georgia, 150 years ago. Like I said, one thing led to another and there went a couple hours of research in an ever-expanding ring.
The USS Unadilla was one of 23 "90-Day Gunboats" built early in the war to provide the US Navy with ships desperately needed for the blockade. The ship reported to duty with the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron and, on July 29th, along with the USS Huron and Madgie, exchanged heavy gunfire with Fort McAllister, Georgia, (near where the Unadilla captured the Lodona).
On August 4, 1862, it captured the British blockade-running steamer Lodona while patrolling between the Ogeechee and Vernon rivers. The runner was carrying a cargo of foodstuffs, dry goods and building materials. The Lodona later became a US Naval ship.
The Unadilla later took part in both battles of Fort Fisher as well as the capture of Fort Anderson in the Cape Fear River afterwards in the Wilmington Campaign.
At Fort Fisher. --Old B-R'er
This was the Union ship that captured the blockade-runner Lodona at Hell Gate, Georgia, 150 years ago. Like I said, one thing led to another and there went a couple hours of research in an ever-expanding ring.
The USS Unadilla was one of 23 "90-Day Gunboats" built early in the war to provide the US Navy with ships desperately needed for the blockade. The ship reported to duty with the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron and, on July 29th, along with the USS Huron and Madgie, exchanged heavy gunfire with Fort McAllister, Georgia, (near where the Unadilla captured the Lodona).
On August 4, 1862, it captured the British blockade-running steamer Lodona while patrolling between the Ogeechee and Vernon rivers. The runner was carrying a cargo of foodstuffs, dry goods and building materials. The Lodona later became a US Naval ship.
The Unadilla later took part in both battles of Fort Fisher as well as the capture of Fort Anderson in the Cape Fear River afterwards in the Wilmington Campaign.
At Fort Fisher. --Old B-R'er
Naval Happenings 150 Years Ago: August 8th to 11th ,1862-- Farragut Gets Vindictive
AUGUST 8TH
Confederate Secretary of Navy Mallory wrote Commander Bulloch in London that he was glad the Navy's credit (access to money) was good in England and needed to be maintained. He was endeavoring to secure more funds, but the interest rate was 200-210%. John Fraser & Co. of Charleston was handling the funds (also having a branch in England).
AUGUST 10TH
Rear Admiral Farragut reported that he had partially destroyed Donaldsonville, Louisiana, in reprisal for guerrillas firing on his ships from there.
AUGUST 11TH
Rear Admiral Farragut received his promotion from flag officer to rear admiral and "hoisted my flag at the main." He lauded his fleet, "Let it be your pride to show the world that danger has no greater terror for you in one form than in another; that you are as ready to meet the enemy in the one shape as in the other, and that you, with your wooden vessels, have never been alarmed by fire rafts, torpedoes, chain booms, ironclad rams, ironclad gunboats, or forts."
Old B-Runner
Confederate Secretary of Navy Mallory wrote Commander Bulloch in London that he was glad the Navy's credit (access to money) was good in England and needed to be maintained. He was endeavoring to secure more funds, but the interest rate was 200-210%. John Fraser & Co. of Charleston was handling the funds (also having a branch in England).
AUGUST 10TH
Rear Admiral Farragut reported that he had partially destroyed Donaldsonville, Louisiana, in reprisal for guerrillas firing on his ships from there.
AUGUST 11TH
Rear Admiral Farragut received his promotion from flag officer to rear admiral and "hoisted my flag at the main." He lauded his fleet, "Let it be your pride to show the world that danger has no greater terror for you in one form than in another; that you are as ready to meet the enemy in the one shape as in the other, and that you, with your wooden vessels, have never been alarmed by fire rafts, torpedoes, chain booms, ironclad rams, ironclad gunboats, or forts."
Old B-Runner
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Secessionville's Importance Often Overlooked
From the June 14th Charleston (SC) Post and Courier by Brian Hicks.
It's not a famous battle, but had the Union won, it might have been huge as Charleston might have fallen.
June 16th is the 150th anniversary of it.
In the spring of 1862, the Union was on the move to take James Island after receiving information froom Robert Smalls that Confederate troops were not properly guarding the mouth of the Stono River. In early June, 6,000 Union troops landed with little reconnaissance. For two weeks, small confrontations took place across the island.
On June 16th, two divisions of U.S. troops charged Tower Battery, later renamed Fort Lamar in Secessionville, a James Island area named for an earlier dispute (not South Carolina's secession).
Confederates at the Tower Battery had worked late into the night shoring up defenses and were aided by reinforcements from Fort Johnson.
Although outnumbered three -to-one, they fought off the attacks. In five hours time, there were three attacks and by 9 AM, the Federals were retreating.
It would be another year before the Union mounted another serious threat to James Island.
I remember driving out to Folly Beach a few years back and seeing a sign for Secessionville, but didn't know anything about it. Now, I do.
So, That Secessionville. --Old B-Runner
It's not a famous battle, but had the Union won, it might have been huge as Charleston might have fallen.
June 16th is the 150th anniversary of it.
In the spring of 1862, the Union was on the move to take James Island after receiving information froom Robert Smalls that Confederate troops were not properly guarding the mouth of the Stono River. In early June, 6,000 Union troops landed with little reconnaissance. For two weeks, small confrontations took place across the island.
On June 16th, two divisions of U.S. troops charged Tower Battery, later renamed Fort Lamar in Secessionville, a James Island area named for an earlier dispute (not South Carolina's secession).
Confederates at the Tower Battery had worked late into the night shoring up defenses and were aided by reinforcements from Fort Johnson.
Although outnumbered three -to-one, they fought off the attacks. In five hours time, there were three attacks and by 9 AM, the Federals were retreating.
It would be another year before the Union mounted another serious threat to James Island.
I remember driving out to Folly Beach a few years back and seeing a sign for Secessionville, but didn't know anything about it. Now, I do.
So, That Secessionville. --Old B-Runner
Monday, August 6, 2012
The Rafael a Machine Gun, Not a Repeating Cannon
In the last post, I mentioned that President Lincoln and two members of his cabinet witnessed the testing of the Rafael repeating cannon at the Washington Navy Yard under the guidance of John A. Dahlgren, noted for development of the Dahlgren cannons.
Evidently, this was taken to mean that the Rafael was a cannon that could be fired very rapidly. Further research would indicate that the Rafael was actually a machine gun. I'll be writing about it in tomorrow's Saw the Elephant Blog since it was intended more for Army use.
When Is a Rafael Not a Rafael? --Old B-R'er
Evidently, this was taken to mean that the Rafael was a cannon that could be fired very rapidly. Further research would indicate that the Rafael was actually a machine gun. I'll be writing about it in tomorrow's Saw the Elephant Blog since it was intended more for Army use.
When Is a Rafael Not a Rafael? --Old B-R'er
Naval Happenings 150 Years Ago: August 5th to August 7th, 1862: Loss of the CSS Arkansas
AUGUST 5TH
U.S. Naval forces aide Army in defense of Baton Rouge and defeat Confederate attack.
AUGUST 6TH
The CSS Arkansas, under temporary command of Lt.Henry Stevens, became unmanageable after engine failure while advancing to support the Confederate attack on Baton Rouge. Stevens ordered it destroyed to prevent capture. Regular Arkansas commander Brown had become ill and was not on the ship at the time, knew that critical repairs were needed on the ship and had ordered Stevens not to move her until his return.
However, Confederate General Earl Van Dorn had ordered the Arkansas into battle to ensure the success of his attack on Baton Rouge which would have reopened the important Red River supply line to the Confederates.
AUGUST 7TH
President Lincoln and Secretaries Seward and Stanton visited Captain Dahlgren at the Washington Navy Yard for a two hour demonstration of the "Rafael" repeating cannon. Later, Dahlgren took the group on board a steamer to cool off and rest.
CSS Florida departed Nassau under Wilmington, NC, native Lt. John Newland Maffitt.
Old B-Runner
U.S. Naval forces aide Army in defense of Baton Rouge and defeat Confederate attack.
AUGUST 6TH
The CSS Arkansas, under temporary command of Lt.Henry Stevens, became unmanageable after engine failure while advancing to support the Confederate attack on Baton Rouge. Stevens ordered it destroyed to prevent capture. Regular Arkansas commander Brown had become ill and was not on the ship at the time, knew that critical repairs were needed on the ship and had ordered Stevens not to move her until his return.
However, Confederate General Earl Van Dorn had ordered the Arkansas into battle to ensure the success of his attack on Baton Rouge which would have reopened the important Red River supply line to the Confederates.
AUGUST 7TH
President Lincoln and Secretaries Seward and Stanton visited Captain Dahlgren at the Washington Navy Yard for a two hour demonstration of the "Rafael" repeating cannon. Later, Dahlgren took the group on board a steamer to cool off and rest.
CSS Florida departed Nassau under Wilmington, NC, native Lt. John Newland Maffitt.
Old B-Runner
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Second Saturday at Fort Fisher Again Next Week
From the Visit NC site "2nd Saturday: "Spies, Signals and Secrets at Fort Fisher."
August 11th will be the final Second Saturday observation at Fort Fisher for the year. I was fortunate to go to the last one. This, of course, means re-enactors and cannon firings.
Hands-on activities will be available including the exploring of the signal flag alphabet and creation of cipher disks. A discussion will be held about the life of Confederate spy Rose O'Neal Greenhow, who lost her life when the blockade-runner Condor ran aground at Fort Fisher.
Guided tours of the fort will also be given.
Sure Would Like to Be There. --Old B-Runner
August 11th will be the final Second Saturday observation at Fort Fisher for the year. I was fortunate to go to the last one. This, of course, means re-enactors and cannon firings.
Hands-on activities will be available including the exploring of the signal flag alphabet and creation of cipher disks. A discussion will be held about the life of Confederate spy Rose O'Neal Greenhow, who lost her life when the blockade-runner Condor ran aground at Fort Fisher.
Guided tours of the fort will also be given.
Sure Would Like to Be There. --Old B-Runner
Friday, August 3, 2012
A Walk Around Fort Fisher-- Part 4
I mentioned the plaque located at Big Daddy's Seafood Restaurant in Kure Beach which said this is where Union forces landed in the attacks on Fort Fisher. The guide said that that information was incorrect. The Navy Column landed at where Big Daddy's is today. The Army landed farther north at what is today Carolina Beach.
Located near the front of the Fort Fisher Visitors Center and Museum is a new Modern Greece blockade-runner display. Along with the history of the ship, there are other artifacts recovered from the wreck back in 1962, the 100th anniversary of its sinking.
In addition, there is a plate from the blockade-runner Kate which brought yellow fever to Wilmington in August 1862.
Of interest were examples of two types of coal burned in the steamers. One was bituminous, rather soft and dull, and the other anthracite, a shiny hard coal. Anthracite was by far the preferred coal to burn when running the blockade as it was essentially smokeless.and the runners did not want blockaders spotting their smoke and giving chase.
I Could Have Spent Lots More Time at Fort Fisher, But Sister Julie Was Not Enjoying It At All. --Old B-Runner
Located near the front of the Fort Fisher Visitors Center and Museum is a new Modern Greece blockade-runner display. Along with the history of the ship, there are other artifacts recovered from the wreck back in 1962, the 100th anniversary of its sinking.
In addition, there is a plate from the blockade-runner Kate which brought yellow fever to Wilmington in August 1862.
Of interest were examples of two types of coal burned in the steamers. One was bituminous, rather soft and dull, and the other anthracite, a shiny hard coal. Anthracite was by far the preferred coal to burn when running the blockade as it was essentially smokeless.and the runners did not want blockaders spotting their smoke and giving chase.
I Could Have Spent Lots More Time at Fort Fisher, But Sister Julie Was Not Enjoying It At All. --Old B-Runner
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Why It Takes So Long To Do These Confounded Blogs
OK, yesterday, while doing my Naval Happenings 150 Years Ago entry, I mentioned that on August 4, 1862, that the USS Unadilla had captured a British blockade-runner named the Lodona at Hell Gate, Georgia. I'd never heard of Hell Gate, Georgia, so looked it up and found that it was near Savannah (I had an entry about it yesterday). While looking for information on it, I came across a town called Georgia, Vermont, which had the nickname Hell's Gate which it got during the War of 1812. Well, I had to check that out as well and blogged about it on my War of 1812 blog.
Then, I looked up the service record of the USS Unadillo and found out it was one of the 23 "90 Day Gunboats" constructed in that length of time at the beginning of the war and that it had participated in both battles of Fort Fisher and the capture of Fort Fisher.
Then, I found out that the blockade-runner Lodona became the USS Ladona and captured other blockade-runners. Its first commander, Edmund R. Colhoun later became a rear-admiral and commanded the monitor USS Saugus at both battles of Fort Fisher where he was commended.
No wonder it takes me so long to do these blogs.
Small World. --Old B-R'er
Then, I looked up the service record of the USS Unadillo and found out it was one of the 23 "90 Day Gunboats" constructed in that length of time at the beginning of the war and that it had participated in both battles of Fort Fisher and the capture of Fort Fisher.
Then, I found out that the blockade-runner Lodona became the USS Ladona and captured other blockade-runners. Its first commander, Edmund R. Colhoun later became a rear-admiral and commanded the monitor USS Saugus at both battles of Fort Fisher where he was commended.
No wonder it takes me so long to do these blogs.
Small World. --Old B-R'er
A Walk Around Fort Fisher-- Part 3
The Confederate defenders of Fort Fisher, besides being extremely outnumbered by their Union foes (just the Naval Column had more men than the entire fort), they were ourgunned by the Union Navy. Just one ship, the USS Minnesota, mounted more cannons than the entire fort.
Another Union advantage was that seven of their regiments were armed with the new Spencer repeating rifles which could fire seven shots before reloading, plus, they were breech-loading.
How hot was the action? Seventy Medals of Honor were given out afterwards for heroism. The USMC received 17.
The highlight of the tour was when the guide looked at us when we were at Sheppard's Battery and said "This will be loud.!" A bunch of re-enactors dressed in Confederate artillery uniforms were on top of the battery preparing to fire off the fort's 32-pdr cannon (not an original one). The guide said it was a $30,000 gift from Canada .
Now, I've been at a lot of re-enactments and there is always field artillery firing, but I had the idea that this much-larger cannon would be much louder. It was!! Considerably louder and we were standing way below the battery and behind it.
It takes a five-pound charge of powder to fire it each time, about $60. Obviously, they rarely fire it, but always do on a Second Saturday program which was why I was so glad to be there. They've had the gun for quite a few years now, but I had never seen it fired.
Had they been firing a real 32-pdr. shell, it would have taken 10-12 pounds of powder in the charge.
I'm Still Walkin'. --Old B-Runner
Another Union advantage was that seven of their regiments were armed with the new Spencer repeating rifles which could fire seven shots before reloading, plus, they were breech-loading.
How hot was the action? Seventy Medals of Honor were given out afterwards for heroism. The USMC received 17.
The highlight of the tour was when the guide looked at us when we were at Sheppard's Battery and said "This will be loud.!" A bunch of re-enactors dressed in Confederate artillery uniforms were on top of the battery preparing to fire off the fort's 32-pdr cannon (not an original one). The guide said it was a $30,000 gift from Canada .
Now, I've been at a lot of re-enactments and there is always field artillery firing, but I had the idea that this much-larger cannon would be much louder. It was!! Considerably louder and we were standing way below the battery and behind it.
It takes a five-pound charge of powder to fire it each time, about $60. Obviously, they rarely fire it, but always do on a Second Saturday program which was why I was so glad to be there. They've had the gun for quite a few years now, but I had never seen it fired.
Had they been firing a real 32-pdr. shell, it would have taken 10-12 pounds of powder in the charge.
I'm Still Walkin'. --Old B-Runner
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