Hardly past one hazard, there came the CSS Tennessee. Admiral Buchanan tried to ram the USS Hartford with his CSS Tennessee. The Union ship easily avoided the attack, but was raked by the CSS Selma, commanded by Lt. Peter U. Murphey, while doing so.
The USS Metacomet, commanded by Lt.Cmdr. Jouett, engaged the Selma and caused her to surrender.shortly after 9 a.m..
The Tennessee then tried to ram the Brooklyn, but failed as well.
The CSS Gaines advanced but had her steering hit and came under heavy fire. It was run aground near Fort Morgan and settled in two fathoms. The CSS Morgan tried to save the Selma, but when faced with the possibility of being cut off, ran under the cover of Fort Morgan's guns and later made a run to safety to Mobile.
The USS Philippi ran aground and came under fire of Fort Morhan and riddled the ship with shot and shell, forcing the crew to abandon ship. A boat crew from the CSS Morgan boarded it and set her on fire.
The Union fleet was now in Mobile Bay and anchored for a short time. Farragut saw that Buchanan had intentions of destroying the Hartford and ordered the monitors and wooden vessels he considered best to engage the Tennessee to attack the ram with both guns and ram it when possible.
Phase Two Over. --Old B-Runner
Friday, August 8, 2014
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Battle of Mobile Bay-- Part 3: "Damn the Torpedoes..."
Captain Alden, commanding the USS Brooklyn, was to the Tecumseh's port side at the time began backing up to clear "a row of suspicious-looking buoys" directly under his bow. The entire line of wooden vessels was beginning to deteriorate in confusion under the guns of Fort Morgan.
Rear Admiral Farragut, lashed to the rigging of his flagship, the USS Hartford to better observe the action to avoid the billowing smoke observed this and acted promptly and resolutely, characteristic of a great leader who in war must constantly meet emergencies fraught with danger.
The only course open to him was the boldest-- through the torpedo field. "Damn the torpedoes," he ordered; "full speed ahead." (Flag Lieutenant John C. Watson later recalled that Farragut's exact words were: "Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead, Drayton! Hard starboard; ring four bells! Eight bells! Sixteen bells!") I'm not sure what the bells referred to.
The Hartford swept past the Brooklyn into the rows of torpedoes; the fleet followed. The torpedoes were heard bumping against the hulls, but none exploded. Farragut's fleet steamed into Mobile Bay.
Farragut was certainly fortunate that Watson had done such a good job disabling the torpedoes in the days preceding the action. Either that, or most of the torpedoes (mines) were defective. Had they started going off, a great victory would have ended up an inglorious disaster.
And, That Was Pretty Much That. But Now It is Up to the Tennessee. --Old B-R'er
Rear Admiral Farragut, lashed to the rigging of his flagship, the USS Hartford to better observe the action to avoid the billowing smoke observed this and acted promptly and resolutely, characteristic of a great leader who in war must constantly meet emergencies fraught with danger.
The only course open to him was the boldest-- through the torpedo field. "Damn the torpedoes," he ordered; "full speed ahead." (Flag Lieutenant John C. Watson later recalled that Farragut's exact words were: "Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead, Drayton! Hard starboard; ring four bells! Eight bells! Sixteen bells!") I'm not sure what the bells referred to.
The Hartford swept past the Brooklyn into the rows of torpedoes; the fleet followed. The torpedoes were heard bumping against the hulls, but none exploded. Farragut's fleet steamed into Mobile Bay.
Farragut was certainly fortunate that Watson had done such a good job disabling the torpedoes in the days preceding the action. Either that, or most of the torpedoes (mines) were defective. Had they started going off, a great victory would have ended up an inglorious disaster.
And, That Was Pretty Much That. But Now It is Up to the Tennessee. --Old B-R'er
Battle of Mobile Bay-- Part 2: End of the USS Tecumseh
Shortly before 7 a.m., the ironclad monitor Tecumseh, Commander T.A.M. Craven, opened fire on Fort Morgan. The action quickly became general. The small Confederate squadron under Admiral Buchanan, including the ironclad CSS Tennessee (6 guns), Gaines (6 guns), Selma (4 guns) and Morgan (6 guns) moved out to fight.
Craven headed the Tecumseh for the Tennessee, intent on engaging her at once. Suddenly, a terrific explosion rocked the monitor which careened violently and sank in seconds, the victim of one of those feared torpedoes.
Amidst the confusion below deck as men struggled to escape the sinking ship, Craven and the pilot, John Collins, arrived at the ladder leading to the main deck. The captain stepped back and said, "After you, pilot. Collins survived, but the captain did not. He and some 90 officers and men out of the Tecumseh's crew of 114 went down with the ship. Captain Alden later called them "intrepid pioneers of that death-strewed path."
The End of a Gallant Ship. --Old B-Runner
Craven headed the Tecumseh for the Tennessee, intent on engaging her at once. Suddenly, a terrific explosion rocked the monitor which careened violently and sank in seconds, the victim of one of those feared torpedoes.
Amidst the confusion below deck as men struggled to escape the sinking ship, Craven and the pilot, John Collins, arrived at the ladder leading to the main deck. The captain stepped back and said, "After you, pilot. Collins survived, but the captain did not. He and some 90 officers and men out of the Tecumseh's crew of 114 went down with the ship. Captain Alden later called them "intrepid pioneers of that death-strewed path."
The End of a Gallant Ship. --Old B-Runner
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
The Battle of Mobile Bay: August 5, 1864-- Part 1
Rear Admiral Farragut took his squadron of 18 ships, including four monitors and one of which was the USS Tecumseh which had rushed from Pensacola, against the heavy Confederate defenses of Mobile Bay. Soon after 6 a.m., the Union ships crossed the bar and moved into the bay.
The monitors Tecumseh, Manhattan, Winnebago and Chickasaw formed a column to the starboard of the wooden ships in order to take most of Fort Morgan's fire, which they had to pass at the closest range. The seven smaller wooden ships were lashed to the port side (away from Fort Morgan) of the larger wooden screw steamers, as in the passage of Port Hudson earlier in 1863.
--Old B-Runner
The monitors Tecumseh, Manhattan, Winnebago and Chickasaw formed a column to the starboard of the wooden ships in order to take most of Fort Morgan's fire, which they had to pass at the closest range. The seven smaller wooden ships were lashed to the port side (away from Fort Morgan) of the larger wooden screw steamers, as in the passage of Port Hudson earlier in 1863.
--Old B-Runner
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
150 Years Ago: The Battle of Mobile Bay
Now, it was go time. Like with the Confederate forts at New Orleans, Rear Admiral Farragut ran his 18 ships past the guns of Fort Morgan and Fort Gaines, guarding Mobile Bay, Alabama.
His success today, 150 years ago, effectively closed the port of Mobile to the outside world.
More on the battle starting tomorrow. --
--Old B-Runner
His success today, 150 years ago, effectively closed the port of Mobile to the outside world.
More on the battle starting tomorrow. --
--Old B-Runner
One More Mobile Bay Reconnoitering
AUGUST 3RD, 1864: Union Lt. J.C. Watson and his boat crew made a final night expedition into the waters of Mobile Bay under the guns of Fort Morgan. Although they were constantly in danger of being discovered by the lights of the fort, the bold sailors worked all night to deactivate and sink Confederate torpedoes in the channel preparatory to Farragut's rush into Mobile Bay.
Ready, Set... --Old B-R'er
Ready, Set... --Old B-R'er
Hurry the USS Tecumseh to Mobile Bay
AUGUST 3RD, 1864: Rear Admiral Farragut's Fleet Captain, Percival Drayton, wrote the senior officer at Pensacola, Florida, Captain Thornton A. Jenkins, urging that the monitor Tecumseh be hurried to Mobile Bay for Farragut's attack.
"If you can get the Tecumseh out to-morrow, do so, otherwise I am pretty certain the admiral won't wait for her. Indeed, I think a very little persuasion would have taken him in to-day, and less to-morrow. The army are to land at once, and the admiral does not want to be thought remiss."
Farragut was ready to launch his attack and the soldiers were already getting ready to land to begin siege operations against Fort Morgan.
Farragut also wrote Jenkins saying: "I can lose no more days. I must go in day after to-morrow morning at daylight or a little after. It is a bad time, but when you do not take fortune at her offer you must take her as you find her."
The Much Anticipated Attack Is Getting Near. --Old B-Runner
"If you can get the Tecumseh out to-morrow, do so, otherwise I am pretty certain the admiral won't wait for her. Indeed, I think a very little persuasion would have taken him in to-day, and less to-morrow. The army are to land at once, and the admiral does not want to be thought remiss."
Farragut was ready to launch his attack and the soldiers were already getting ready to land to begin siege operations against Fort Morgan.
Farragut also wrote Jenkins saying: "I can lose no more days. I must go in day after to-morrow morning at daylight or a little after. It is a bad time, but when you do not take fortune at her offer you must take her as you find her."
The Much Anticipated Attack Is Getting Near. --Old B-Runner
150 Years Ago: Action on the James River
JULY 28TH, 1864: The USS Mendota and USS Agawam shelled Confederate positions across Four Mile Creek, on the James River, in support of Union moves to clear the area and restore full Northern use of the river at that point.
AUGUST 3RD, 1864: The USS Miami engaged Confederate batteries at Wilcox's Landing, Virginia, who weer firing on Union transports, forcing them to withdraw after an hour.
The next day, the Miami and USS Osceola drove off batteries firing on other transports at Harrison's Landing on the James River.
Throughout the South, Union gunboats kept vital communications and supply lines open despite Confederate efforts to disrupt and destroy them.
--Old B-R'er
AUGUST 3RD, 1864: The USS Miami engaged Confederate batteries at Wilcox's Landing, Virginia, who weer firing on Union transports, forcing them to withdraw after an hour.
The next day, the Miami and USS Osceola drove off batteries firing on other transports at Harrison's Landing on the James River.
Throughout the South, Union gunboats kept vital communications and supply lines open despite Confederate efforts to disrupt and destroy them.
--Old B-R'er
More Problems for the CSS Rappahannock-- Part 2
Private agents acting for the Confederacy had purchased the Rappahannock from the British in November, 1863, at Sheerness, where she was refitting. Concerned that the British, suspecting that she was to be used as a cruiser, would detain her, the Confederates ran the ship out of port on 24 November.
Her officers joined in the channel, and intended to rendezvous with the CSS Georgia off the French coast, where she would take on armament. However, in passing out the James estuary, her bearings burned out and she was taken across the channel to Calais for repairs.
Though the South had entertained high hopes for her as a commerce raider, she was destined never to put to sea under the Confederate flag.
Her commander, Fauntleroy was so depressed with his command that he termed her "The Confederate Elephant."
--Old B-Runner
Her officers joined in the channel, and intended to rendezvous with the CSS Georgia off the French coast, where she would take on armament. However, in passing out the James estuary, her bearings burned out and she was taken across the channel to Calais for repairs.
Though the South had entertained high hopes for her as a commerce raider, she was destined never to put to sea under the Confederate flag.
Her commander, Fauntleroy was so depressed with his command that he termed her "The Confederate Elephant."
--Old B-Runner
Monday, August 4, 2014
More Problems for the CSS Rappahannock-- Part 1
AUGUST 2, 1864: After months of attempting to ready the CSS Rappahannock and negotiating her clearance from French authorities in Calais, Flag Officer Barron reluctantly concluded that she could not be taken to sea under a Confederate flag.
This date he received a letter from Lt. Charles M. Fauntleroy, CSN, the ship's commander, informing him that the French would now permit her to put out to sea, but her crew could not exceed 35 men.
Barron at once replied: "I agree with you in the absolute impossibility of navigating the ship with so small a complement as thirty-five, including yourself and officers. You will therefore proceed to pay off and discharge your officers and crew, keeping sufficient officers and men to look after the public property, and lay up the ship until we can determine upon what course we shall pursue in regard to her."
--Old B-R'er
This date he received a letter from Lt. Charles M. Fauntleroy, CSN, the ship's commander, informing him that the French would now permit her to put out to sea, but her crew could not exceed 35 men.
Barron at once replied: "I agree with you in the absolute impossibility of navigating the ship with so small a complement as thirty-five, including yourself and officers. You will therefore proceed to pay off and discharge your officers and crew, keeping sufficient officers and men to look after the public property, and lay up the ship until we can determine upon what course we shall pursue in regard to her."
--Old B-R'er
Naval Landing Attack at McIntosh County Court House, Georgia
AUGUST 1-4, 1864: Landing party under Commander George M. Colvocoresses, 115 men. raided a meeting of civilians forming a coastal guard at McIntosh County Court House, Georgia. They marched overland after coming ashore the night of Aigust 2nd, destroyed a bridge to prevent being cut off by Confederate cavalry, and captured 26 prisoners and 22 horses before making their way back to the USS Saratoga.
The Commander had seen the meeting notice in a captured Savannah newspaper. Said Rear Admiral Dahlgren: "...feeling considerable interest in the object of the meeting, concluded that he would attend it also, which he did, with a number of United States citizens [from the Saratoga].
"Captain Colvocoresses then read to the meeting from the newspaper the order of Colonel Gaulden [CSA] for their assembling, and regretting that the Colonel had failed to attend, he invited the meeting to accompany him, which they did, and arrived safely on the Saratoga, where they meet daily under the United States flag."
The Confederate Col. Gaulden heard about this and published a letter in the Savannah Republican adding a challenge to the observant Union officer: "As the Captain seems to be a reader of your paper, I take the opportunity to make my compliments to him and say that when he calls to see me again I shall be at home, and will try and give him a more respectful reception."
Hetting Their Jollies In, I Suppose. --Old B-Runner
The Commander had seen the meeting notice in a captured Savannah newspaper. Said Rear Admiral Dahlgren: "...feeling considerable interest in the object of the meeting, concluded that he would attend it also, which he did, with a number of United States citizens [from the Saratoga].
"Captain Colvocoresses then read to the meeting from the newspaper the order of Colonel Gaulden [CSA] for their assembling, and regretting that the Colonel had failed to attend, he invited the meeting to accompany him, which they did, and arrived safely on the Saratoga, where they meet daily under the United States flag."
The Confederate Col. Gaulden heard about this and published a letter in the Savannah Republican adding a challenge to the observant Union officer: "As the Captain seems to be a reader of your paper, I take the opportunity to make my compliments to him and say that when he calls to see me again I shall be at home, and will try and give him a more respectful reception."
Hetting Their Jollies In, I Suppose. --Old B-Runner
Saturday, August 2, 2014
150th Anniversary of the Battle of Mobile Bay This Weekend
From the July 8, 2014, Mullet Wrapper.
On August 5, 1864, 18 Union warships participated in passing the dangerous guns of Fort Morgan, guarding Mobile Bay, Alabama, and engaged the ironclad CSS Tennessee and her consorts in what is regarded as the largest naval battle of the Civil War.
Starting yesterday, the largest Civil War re-enactment held in the South will be held, continuing until tomorrow, August 3rd.
There will be a nighttime pyrotechnical bombardment of Fort Morgan. Events kicked off Friday with a bang as the guns of the Fort Morgan Water Battery fired and famed Civil War singer Bobby Horton will have a concert.
Saturday morning, there will be a re-enactment of the naval battle and then Union troops re-enactors will begin their siege of Fort Morgan. The fort will surrender on Sunday.
I'll be at the Fox Lake, Illinois, Venetian festival later tonight, which will conclude with a fireworks display, so will be thinking Mobile Bay.
--Old B-Runner
On August 5, 1864, 18 Union warships participated in passing the dangerous guns of Fort Morgan, guarding Mobile Bay, Alabama, and engaged the ironclad CSS Tennessee and her consorts in what is regarded as the largest naval battle of the Civil War.
Starting yesterday, the largest Civil War re-enactment held in the South will be held, continuing until tomorrow, August 3rd.
There will be a nighttime pyrotechnical bombardment of Fort Morgan. Events kicked off Friday with a bang as the guns of the Fort Morgan Water Battery fired and famed Civil War singer Bobby Horton will have a concert.
Saturday morning, there will be a re-enactment of the naval battle and then Union troops re-enactors will begin their siege of Fort Morgan. The fort will surrender on Sunday.
I'll be at the Fox Lake, Illinois, Venetian festival later tonight, which will conclude with a fireworks display, so will be thinking Mobile Bay.
--Old B-Runner
Operations in North Carolina
JULY 29TH, 1864: Tinclad USS Whitehead and Army steamers Thomas Colyer and Massasoit went on an expedition up the Chowan River in North Carolina, to confiscate contraband. The steamer Arrow was captured at Gatesville with a cargo of cotton and tobacco.
JULY 30TH, 1864: Much was made of keeping the ram CSS Albemarle out of action in North Carolina for fear of its loss and as a continued threat at Plymouth to the Union fleet.
However, on this date, Secretary Mallory wrote: "...she was not designed as a floating battery merely, and while her loss must not be lightly hazarded, the question of when to attack the enemy must be left to the judgement of the naval officer in command, deciding in view of the relation she bears to the defenses of North Carolina."
--Old B-Runner
JULY 30TH, 1864: Much was made of keeping the ram CSS Albemarle out of action in North Carolina for fear of its loss and as a continued threat at Plymouth to the Union fleet.
However, on this date, Secretary Mallory wrote: "...she was not designed as a floating battery merely, and while her loss must not be lightly hazarded, the question of when to attack the enemy must be left to the judgement of the naval officer in command, deciding in view of the relation she bears to the defenses of North Carolina."
--Old B-Runner
Attacks on Georgia Salt Works
JULY 30TH, 1864: Landing party from the USS Potomska under Acting Lt. Robert B. Swann, destroyed two large Confederate salt works near Back River, Georgia. Returning to their ship, they encountered a sharp fight with Confederates. He reported that his "Spencer rifles , saved us all from destruction, as the rapidity with which we fired caused the enemy to lie low, and their firing was after the first volley very wild..
"We fought them three-quarters of an hour, some of the time up to our knees in mud, trying to land and capture them, and some of the time with the boats for a breastwork."
They were finally able to get back to the Potomska and received a commendation from Rear Admiral Dahlgren for bravery and skill on the expedition.
--Old B-R'er
"We fought them three-quarters of an hour, some of the time up to our knees in mud, trying to land and capture them, and some of the time with the boats for a breastwork."
They were finally able to get back to the Potomska and received a commendation from Rear Admiral Dahlgren for bravery and skill on the expedition.
--Old B-R'er
Reconnaissance in Mobile Bay
JULY 27-30TH, 1864: Boat crew commanded by Lt. J.C. Watson made daylight reconnaissances of the Mobile Bay channel.. Watson and his men were towed into the bay by the small tug Cowslip, sounded the outer channel and marked the outside limits of the Confederate torpedo fields with buoys for the coming attack, now just a week away.
This would have had to be a highly dangerous operation as I'm sure the Confederates wouldn't particularly like what they were doing.
--Old B-Runner
This would have had to be a highly dangerous operation as I'm sure the Confederates wouldn't particularly like what they were doing.
--Old B-Runner
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