From the January 29, 2011, African-American Soldiers and Sailors Blog.
From November 23-25, 1862, he steered the USS Ellis up New River to Jacksonville, North Carolina where he and the crew captured the Wilmington-bound mail, raised the U.S. flag over the courthouse, confiscated the local postmaster's shoes, seized two schooners and a number of stands of arms.
On his way back, Cushing came under fire of Confederate batteries and later grounded the Ellis on a sand bar and had to fight off Confederates for two days before finally being forced to scuttle his ship to avoid its capture.
He escaped in one of the two captured schooners.
He was best known for sinking the Confederate ironclad CSS Albemarle and also commanded a unit in the Navy-Marine attack on Fort Fisher.
Lincoln's Commando. --Old B-Runner
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
Lt. Thomas Postell Pelot
Since I'm on the subject and did a lot of research on this largely-unknown Confederate hero, I will continue with his life.
From Confederate Navy and Marine Corps Personnel by Terry Foenander.
** Born South Carolina about 1835. US Navy lieutenant resigned Jan. 7, 1861,. Was residing in Norfolk, Va., in 1860.
** 1st Lieutenant CSN Match 26, 1861.
** Savannah Station 1861-1864.
** Appointed command of side wheel-steamer CSS Oconee (originally CSS Savannah prior to April 1863) Savannah River, Georgia 1862-1863.
** Placed an ad in Savannah papers September 1862, offering a reward for two deserters.
** June 1863, command of the CSS Resolute.
** Also noted to be in command of ironclad floating battery CSS Georgia in June 1863.
** Appointed 1st Lt. Provisional Navy, to rank from Jan. 6, 1864.
** KIA June 2, 1864.
** Buried June 4, 1864 in Laurel Grove Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia.
Died in the Cause. --Old B-Runner
From Confederate Navy and Marine Corps Personnel by Terry Foenander.
** Born South Carolina about 1835. US Navy lieutenant resigned Jan. 7, 1861,. Was residing in Norfolk, Va., in 1860.
** 1st Lieutenant CSN Match 26, 1861.
** Savannah Station 1861-1864.
** Appointed command of side wheel-steamer CSS Oconee (originally CSS Savannah prior to April 1863) Savannah River, Georgia 1862-1863.
** Placed an ad in Savannah papers September 1862, offering a reward for two deserters.
** June 1863, command of the CSS Resolute.
** Also noted to be in command of ironclad floating battery CSS Georgia in June 1863.
** Appointed 1st Lt. Provisional Navy, to rank from Jan. 6, 1864.
** KIA June 2, 1864.
** Buried June 4, 1864 in Laurel Grove Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia.
Died in the Cause. --Old B-Runner
Thursday, March 29, 2012
James M. Pelot
I also came across this man in my Pelot research who may likely have been a brother of Thomas Pelot.
James M. Pelot was born in South Carolina in 1833 and served as an assistant surgeon on the privateer Lady Davis in South Carolina service.
he resided as a surgeon 1870-1880 in Saline County, Missouri.
From Confederate Naval and Marine Personnel.
James M. Pelot was born in South Carolina in 1833 and served as an assistant surgeon on the privateer Lady Davis in South Carolina service.
he resided as a surgeon 1870-1880 in Saline County, Missouri.
From Confederate Naval and Marine Personnel.
Lt. Thomas Pelot, CSN
From the Pelot family genealogy.
Thomas Postell Pelot was born June 28 or 29, 1835. He is buried in Lot 778, Laurel Grove Cemetery.
He married Clara Therese Freeman of Beaufort, SC, who is buried at Magnolia Cemetery in Charleston, SC.
Pelot followed in the footsteps of his uncle John Francis Pelot and became a midshipman in the US Navy, entering in 1846. he also graduated from the US Naval Academy.
In 1862, he was ordered to take command of the CSS Savannah. There is a memorial for him at Magnolia Cemetery.
A Confederate Hero. --Old B-Runner
Thomas Postell Pelot was born June 28 or 29, 1835. He is buried in Lot 778, Laurel Grove Cemetery.
He married Clara Therese Freeman of Beaufort, SC, who is buried at Magnolia Cemetery in Charleston, SC.
Pelot followed in the footsteps of his uncle John Francis Pelot and became a midshipman in the US Navy, entering in 1846. he also graduated from the US Naval Academy.
In 1862, he was ordered to take command of the CSS Savannah. There is a memorial for him at Magnolia Cemetery.
A Confederate Hero. --Old B-Runner
Naval Happenings 150 Years Ago: March 30th to April 1862
MARCH 30THFlag officer Foote orders USS Carondolet to float down Mississippi River past Island No.10 on the first foggy or rainy night to assist General Pope's army crossing the river to the Tennessee side. The ship did this five days later.
APRIL 1ST
Combined Army-Navy expedition landed and spiked the guns of Fort No. 1 on the Tennessee shore above Island No.10
APRIL 2ND
General McClellan arrives at Fort Monroe and intends to use of Navy in support of his Peninsular Campaign to take Richmond. Proposes to outflank Confederate positions by going up James and York rivers. Flag officer Goldsborough was to keep bulk of fleet in Hampton Roads should the CSS Virginia come out again. Union gunboats frequently bombarded Yorktown until it was evacuated May 3rd.
USS Mount Vernon, Commander Glisson, with USS Fernandina and Cambridge destroy the schooner Kate attempting to run the blockade near Wilmington.
APRIL 1ST
Combined Army-Navy expedition landed and spiked the guns of Fort No. 1 on the Tennessee shore above Island No.10
APRIL 2ND
General McClellan arrives at Fort Monroe and intends to use of Navy in support of his Peninsular Campaign to take Richmond. Proposes to outflank Confederate positions by going up James and York rivers. Flag officer Goldsborough was to keep bulk of fleet in Hampton Roads should the CSS Virginia come out again. Union gunboats frequently bombarded Yorktown until it was evacuated May 3rd.
USS Mount Vernon, Commander Glisson, with USS Fernandina and Cambridge destroy the schooner Kate attempting to run the blockade near Wilmington.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Buried in Savannah
At Bonaventure Cemetery, Block L, Lot 603, JOHN ALBERT PETERSON, Served on the gunboat Savannah and member of Savannah Camp 738, UCV (United Confederate Veterans).
Reported as having been the last-living Confederate Naval veteran.
Born May 25, 1846. Died October 4, 1934.
I Wonder If he Was Actually the Last Confederate Naval Veteran? --Old B-Runner
Reported as having been the last-living Confederate Naval veteran.
Born May 25, 1846. Died October 4, 1934.
I Wonder If he Was Actually the Last Confederate Naval Veteran? --Old B-Runner
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Naval Happenings 150 Years Ago: March 26-28, 1862
MARCH 26TH
Flag Officer Foote was worried that some of his gunboats might get caught up the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers after the spring floods fall and told them to be careful. Also, if they deemed the water getting too low, they had to inform the local Union general of their withdrawal. Cooperation between the navy and army was becoming more and more paramount.
Also, he had reports that the Rebels had thirteen gunboats finished and ready to move up the Mississippi River. There were also 4 or 5 below New Madrid and the Manassas, ram, at Memphis.
MARCH 27TH
Secretary of War Stanton instructed Engineer Charles Ellet, Jr. to go to Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and New Albany and provide steam rams to oppose enemy ironclads on western waters. Stanton described the Ellet rams as "powerful steamboats with their upper cabins removed, and bows filled in with heavy timber. It is not proposed to wait for putting on iron.
Flag Officer Du Pont reported that Confederate batteries at Skiddaway and Green Islands, Georgia, had been removed and placed closer to Savannah, giving the Union complete control over Wassaw and Ossabaw Sounds and the mouths of the Vernon and Wilmington Rivers, important approaches to the city.
MARCH 28TH
A reconnaissance up the Mississippi River to Forts Jackson and St. Philip showed that at least two of the guns at Fort St. Philip could reach as far downriver as the stronger Fort Jackson. There were also obstructions consisting of a raft of logs and eight hulks moored abreast.
At Jacksonville, Florida, a Union expedition had gone up the St. John's River and raised the yacht America which had been sunk by Confederates and "it was generally believed she was bought by the rebels for the purpose of carrying Slidell and Mason to England.
And, It Continues. --Old B-Runner
Flag Officer Foote was worried that some of his gunboats might get caught up the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers after the spring floods fall and told them to be careful. Also, if they deemed the water getting too low, they had to inform the local Union general of their withdrawal. Cooperation between the navy and army was becoming more and more paramount.
Also, he had reports that the Rebels had thirteen gunboats finished and ready to move up the Mississippi River. There were also 4 or 5 below New Madrid and the Manassas, ram, at Memphis.
MARCH 27TH
Secretary of War Stanton instructed Engineer Charles Ellet, Jr. to go to Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and New Albany and provide steam rams to oppose enemy ironclads on western waters. Stanton described the Ellet rams as "powerful steamboats with their upper cabins removed, and bows filled in with heavy timber. It is not proposed to wait for putting on iron.
Flag Officer Du Pont reported that Confederate batteries at Skiddaway and Green Islands, Georgia, had been removed and placed closer to Savannah, giving the Union complete control over Wassaw and Ossabaw Sounds and the mouths of the Vernon and Wilmington Rivers, important approaches to the city.
MARCH 28TH
A reconnaissance up the Mississippi River to Forts Jackson and St. Philip showed that at least two of the guns at Fort St. Philip could reach as far downriver as the stronger Fort Jackson. There were also obstructions consisting of a raft of logs and eight hulks moored abreast.
At Jacksonville, Florida, a Union expedition had gone up the St. John's River and raised the yacht America which had been sunk by Confederates and "it was generally believed she was bought by the rebels for the purpose of carrying Slidell and Mason to England.
And, It Continues. --Old B-Runner
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Some Illegal Trade in Wilmington-- Part 1
I was unaware of this, but Charles M. Robinson III brought this up in his book "Hurricane of Fire." He suggests that a third possible reason why the Union did not move to close Wilmington was that there was money to be made by illegal trade with the South by certain elements in the North.
He says that this situation has long been established (I never heard of it, but don't doubt it). One blockade-running captain even said that some of the ships were actually fitted out in New York City. There was also trade through neutral countries.
The American counsel in Nassau was aware that American goods there were destined for the Confederacy. The consul in Liverpool complained that beef from Cleveland and pork from Cincinnati were landed there for transshipment to Bermuda and into the South.
Stuff I Didn't Know. --Old B-Runner
He says that this situation has long been established (I never heard of it, but don't doubt it). One blockade-running captain even said that some of the ships were actually fitted out in New York City. There was also trade through neutral countries.
The American counsel in Nassau was aware that American goods there were destined for the Confederacy. The consul in Liverpool complained that beef from Cleveland and pork from Cincinnati were landed there for transshipment to Bermuda and into the South.
Stuff I Didn't Know. --Old B-Runner
Friday, March 23, 2012
Hurricane of Fire: The Union Assault on Fort Fisher-- Part 2
One thing I really like about this book is that it is based on the naval perspective of the battle. Robinson dwells on the navy's role in the battle from the bombardment to the assault by sailors and Marines. Evidently much space will be given to why the fort wasn't attacked earlier than near the end of the war, especially with all the success of the blockade-runners in bringing all the war materials into the Confederacy.
From his Author's Note,Robinson hopes to change the perception of Rear Admiral Samuel P. Lee's role (one that I'm not well-versed.
I was able to read the first two chapters on the plane ride. The first one primarily covered North Carolina's secession and the second Northern operations in the state from 1861 to the end of April 1862. The February to April 1862 operations ended up with most of North Carolina's coastal area coming under Federal control.
However, the author did have some confusion with Topsail Inlet being by Beaufort and Fort Macon. It is farther down the coast, nearer to Wilmington.
In 1861, Hatteras Inlet was captured, then in quick succession, starting in February 1862, Roanoke Island. Then, in March, New Bern fell and Fort Macon in April.
You'd have to think that the Union forces would just go ahead and finish off Wilmington with all this success and be done with it, but they didn't.
Of course, all of this is occurring during the sesquicentennial of the war, 150 years ago.
Looking Forward to Reading This Book. --Old B-Runner
From his Author's Note,Robinson hopes to change the perception of Rear Admiral Samuel P. Lee's role (one that I'm not well-versed.
I was able to read the first two chapters on the plane ride. The first one primarily covered North Carolina's secession and the second Northern operations in the state from 1861 to the end of April 1862. The February to April 1862 operations ended up with most of North Carolina's coastal area coming under Federal control.
However, the author did have some confusion with Topsail Inlet being by Beaufort and Fort Macon. It is farther down the coast, nearer to Wilmington.
In 1861, Hatteras Inlet was captured, then in quick succession, starting in February 1862, Roanoke Island. Then, in March, New Bern fell and Fort Macon in April.
You'd have to think that the Union forces would just go ahead and finish off Wilmington with all this success and be done with it, but they didn't.
Of course, all of this is occurring during the sesquicentennial of the war, 150 years ago.
Looking Forward to Reading This Book. --Old B-Runner
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Hurricane of Fire: The Union Assault on Fort Fisher-- Part 1
Flew from Milwaukee to Raleigh this past Tuesday and bought this book at the Renaissance Books in the General Mitchell Airport terminal in Milwaukee. This is a first-class used bookstore with all sorts of books, but I am especially fond of their Civil War collection. They have two huge shelving units full of books, and, even better, two full shelves of books pertaining to the oft-overlooked Naval side of the war.
I had, at one time, been planning to write my own book on what I considered the extremely overlooked Battle of Fort Fisher. This is the battle that got me interested in history and the Civil War. But, starting in the 1990s, books were written so I did not feel it necessary to continue with my research.
This book is written by Charles M. Robinson III from Texas, but who spent his childhood summers with grandparents in Wilmington and first saw Fort Fisher in 1957, about the same time I did. He has also written"Shark of the Confederacy: The Story of the CSS Alabama."
I already have most of the books about the battle, but not this one, written in 1998.
More to Come. --Old B-Runner
I had, at one time, been planning to write my own book on what I considered the extremely overlooked Battle of Fort Fisher. This is the battle that got me interested in history and the Civil War. But, starting in the 1990s, books were written so I did not feel it necessary to continue with my research.
This book is written by Charles M. Robinson III from Texas, but who spent his childhood summers with grandparents in Wilmington and first saw Fort Fisher in 1957, about the same time I did. He has also written"Shark of the Confederacy: The Story of the CSS Alabama."
I already have most of the books about the battle, but not this one, written in 1998.
More to Come. --Old B-Runner
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Naval Happenings 150 Years Ago: March 22- 25th ,1862
MARCH 22ND
Confederate General Lowell wrote from New Orleans that the River Defense Fleet consisted of six steamers. There was some concern among citizens when the fleet sent North on the river, but Confederates considered attack from the North to be most serious threat, not Farragut's fleet below the two forts.
MARCH 25TH
CSS Pamlico and CSS Oregon engaged USS New London at Pass Christian, Mississippi, in a two hour engagement. Neither side damaged. Transports with General Butler and troops arrived at Ship Island, Mississippi which had become the principal operations center west of Key West until Pensacola retaken. These troops to be used in the attack and occupation of New Orleans.
Flag Officer Tattnall ordered to take command of the CSS Virginia because Buchanan injured.
Noose Tightening at New Orleans. --Old B-R'er
Confederate General Lowell wrote from New Orleans that the River Defense Fleet consisted of six steamers. There was some concern among citizens when the fleet sent North on the river, but Confederates considered attack from the North to be most serious threat, not Farragut's fleet below the two forts.
MARCH 25TH
CSS Pamlico and CSS Oregon engaged USS New London at Pass Christian, Mississippi, in a two hour engagement. Neither side damaged. Transports with General Butler and troops arrived at Ship Island, Mississippi which had become the principal operations center west of Key West until Pensacola retaken. These troops to be used in the attack and occupation of New Orleans.
Flag Officer Tattnall ordered to take command of the CSS Virginia because Buchanan injured.
Noose Tightening at New Orleans. --Old B-R'er
Naval Happening 150 Years Ago: March 17-22nd ,1862
MARCH 17TH
The CSS Nashville ran the blockade out of Beaufort, NC. This caused fears in Washington, DC, and some even regarded it as the Navy's Bull Run.
MARCH 18TH
The British blockade-runner Emily St. Pierre captured Charleston. The master and steward were left on board and recaptured the ship and sailed to Liverpool, England. Bet that didn't happen to often.
MARCH 19TH
Foote still attacking Island No. 10 and meeting big resistance.
MARCH 20TH
Confederates are hurriedly building defenses along the James River, especially at Drewry's Bluff, about seven miles downriver. Obstructions also being placed in the river. During most of the war, Confederate Naval gun crews manned these fortifications.
MARCH 22ND
The British steamer Oreto, cleared Liverpool. It is actually Confederate commerce raider CSS Florida, the first ship built for the Confederacy. It's four 7-inch rifled cannons sent to Nassau separately. Commander Bulloch, CSN, wrote that another ship would be ready in two months saying that two ships like this won't turn the tide of war but will "illustrate the spirit and energy of our people."
Commerce Raiders and Forts!! --Old B-Runner
The CSS Nashville ran the blockade out of Beaufort, NC. This caused fears in Washington, DC, and some even regarded it as the Navy's Bull Run.
MARCH 18TH
The British blockade-runner Emily St. Pierre captured Charleston. The master and steward were left on board and recaptured the ship and sailed to Liverpool, England. Bet that didn't happen to often.
MARCH 19TH
Foote still attacking Island No. 10 and meeting big resistance.
MARCH 20TH
Confederates are hurriedly building defenses along the James River, especially at Drewry's Bluff, about seven miles downriver. Obstructions also being placed in the river. During most of the war, Confederate Naval gun crews manned these fortifications.
MARCH 22ND
The British steamer Oreto, cleared Liverpool. It is actually Confederate commerce raider CSS Florida, the first ship built for the Confederacy. It's four 7-inch rifled cannons sent to Nassau separately. Commander Bulloch, CSN, wrote that another ship would be ready in two months saying that two ships like this won't turn the tide of war but will "illustrate the spirit and energy of our people."
Commerce Raiders and Forts!! --Old B-Runner
Monday, March 19, 2012
Confederate Naval Personnel Also Buried in Savannah
From the CSNavy.org. site.
Also buried at Laurel Grove Cemetery in Savannah.
WILLIAM P. BROOKS
1st Assistant Engineer. Born Edgefield County, SC. Died 19 April 1889. Served on the CSS Sumter, CSS Alabama and CSS Stonewall. Served under Rafael Semmes.
Midshipman HUBBARD TAYLOR MINOR, JR.
Born in Virginia. Appointed from Missouri, Acting Midshipman July 6, 1862. Midshipman Provisional Navy June 2, 1864. Served on CSS Patrick Henry in 1863. On CSS Savannah, Savannah Squadron in 1864. Participated in the capture of the USS Water Witch June 3, 1864 and was wounded.
I would have to wonder why Minor never rose above midshipman?
I'll Have to Check These Graves Out Next Time in Savannah. --Old B-r'er
Also buried at Laurel Grove Cemetery in Savannah.
WILLIAM P. BROOKS
1st Assistant Engineer. Born Edgefield County, SC. Died 19 April 1889. Served on the CSS Sumter, CSS Alabama and CSS Stonewall. Served under Rafael Semmes.
Midshipman HUBBARD TAYLOR MINOR, JR.
Born in Virginia. Appointed from Missouri, Acting Midshipman July 6, 1862. Midshipman Provisional Navy June 2, 1864. Served on CSS Patrick Henry in 1863. On CSS Savannah, Savannah Squadron in 1864. Participated in the capture of the USS Water Witch June 3, 1864 and was wounded.
I would have to wonder why Minor never rose above midshipman?
I'll Have to Check These Graves Out Next Time in Savannah. --Old B-r'er
Some More on Lt. Thomas P. Pelot, CSN
He is one of the heroes of the war that you don't often hear about.
Pelot also commanded the General Clinch, a sidewheel steamer of 256 tons mounting two brass guns.
Lt. Pelot is buried in Savannah's Long Grove Cemtery. He was born in 1837.
The inscription on his tombstone reads:
Lieutenat/ Thomas Postell Pelot/ C.S. Navy/killed in the defense of Savannah/ He died victorious on the quarter/ deck of the U.S. Steamer Water Witch/ captured in Ossabow Sound by a/ Naval boat expedition under his/ command/ June 2, 1864.
Getting His Due. --Old B-Runner
Pelot also commanded the General Clinch, a sidewheel steamer of 256 tons mounting two brass guns.
Lt. Pelot is buried in Savannah's Long Grove Cemtery. He was born in 1837.
The inscription on his tombstone reads:
Lieutenat/ Thomas Postell Pelot/ C.S. Navy/killed in the defense of Savannah/ He died victorious on the quarter/ deck of the U.S. Steamer Water Witch/ captured in Ossabow Sound by a/ Naval boat expedition under his/ command/ June 2, 1864.
Getting His Due. --Old B-Runner
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Lt. Thomas Pelot, CSN: Capturing the USS Water Witch
Pelor and his second in command, Lt. (jg) Joseph Price left the night of June 1st in seven rowboats with muffled oars, but their quarry slipped away before they could find it. They continued searching and found the USS Water Witch anchored at Ossabow Sound, about three miles from where they thought it was.
On June 2nd, they set out to capture it at night, and, despite some confusion and rain, found the vessel.
They sighted it about 2 AM, June 3rd. Union sentries spotted them and opened fire, but the Confederates were able to board the ship. Pelot was the first on board and was immediately shot through the heart and died instantly.
Five other Confederates were killed and eleven wounded, but they captured the Water Witch and its 80 man crew which suffered 2 dead, 12 wounded and the rest captured.
Quite a Nice Confederate Victory, Even with the Cost. --Old B-Runner
On June 2nd, they set out to capture it at night, and, despite some confusion and rain, found the vessel.
They sighted it about 2 AM, June 3rd. Union sentries spotted them and opened fire, but the Confederates were able to board the ship. Pelot was the first on board and was immediately shot through the heart and died instantly.
Five other Confederates were killed and eleven wounded, but they captured the Water Witch and its 80 man crew which suffered 2 dead, 12 wounded and the rest captured.
Quite a Nice Confederate Victory, Even with the Cost. --Old B-Runner
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