Related Resources:
FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA,
Off Morris Island, South Carolina, January 7, 1864.
I
have reliable information that the rebels have two torpedo boats
ready for service, which may be expected on the first night when
the water is suitable for their movement. One of these is the
"David," which attacked the Ironsides in October;
the other is similar to it.
There
is also one of another kind [H. L. Hunley], which is nearly submerged
and can be entirely so. It is intended to go under the bottoms
of vessels and there operate.
This
is believed by my informant to be sure of well working, though
from bad management it has hitherto met with accidents, and was
lying off Mount Pleasant two nights since.
There
being every reason to expect a visit from some or all of these
torpedoes, the greatest vigilance will be needed to guard against
them.
The
ironclads must have their fenders rigged out and their own boats
in motion about them.
A
netting must also be dropped overboard from the ends of the fenders,
kept down with shot, and extending along the whole length of the
sides; howitzers loaded with canister on the decks and a calcium
[light] for each monitor. The tugs and picket boats must be incessantly
upon the lookout, when the water is not rough, whether the weather
be clear or rainy.
I
observe the ironclads are not anchored so as to be entirely clear
of each other's fire if opened suddenly in the dark. This must
be corrected, and Captain Rowan will assign the monitors suitable
positions for this purpose, particularly with reference to his
own vessel.
It
is also advisable not to anchor in the deepest part of the channel,
for by not leaving much space between the bottom of the vessel
and the bottom of the channel it will be impossible for the diving
torpedo to operate except on the sides, and there will be less
difficulty in raising a vessel if sunk.
JOHN A. DAHLGREN,
Rear-Admiral, Comdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron.
Source: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion. Series II, vol. 1 (Washington, Government Printing Office, 1921): 226-227.
JANUARY 7, 1864.
The
"American Diver," [H. L. Hunley] was built at
Mobile and was brought on two platform cars from Mobile to Charleston;
saw her in all stages of construction at Mobile. Sometimes worked
near her in the same shop. Thinks she is about 35 feet long; height
about same as "David" (5½ feet); has propellers
at the end; she is not driven by steam, but her propeller is turned
by hand. Has two manholes on the upper side, about 12 to 14 feet
apart. The entrance into her is through these manholes, the covers
being turned back. They are all used to look out of. (Will give
a sketch and description of her.) She has had bad accidents hitherto,
but was owing to those in her not understanding her. Thinks that
she can be worked perfectly safe by persons who understand her.
Can be driven 5 knots an hour without exertion to the men working
her. Manholes are about 16 inches high and are just above water
when trimmed. Believes was brought here about 1st September; has
seen her working in the water afloat; passed her in the gigshe
being [sic] the last time before his arrival. Has drowned three
crews, one at Mobile and two here, 17 men in all. When she went
down the last time, was on the bottom two weeks before she was
raised. Saw her when she was raised the last time. They then hoisted
her out of the water, refitted her, and got another crew. Saw
her after that submerged. Saw her go under the Indian Chief,
and then saw her go back under again. She made about one-half
mile in the dives. Saw her dive under the Charleston; went
under about 250 feet from her, and came up about 300 feet beyond
her. Was about twenty minutes under the water when she went under
the Indian Chief. Her keel is of cast iron, in sections,
which can be cast loose when she wishes to rise to the surface
of the water. Believes she is at Mount Pleasant. One of her crew,
who belongs to this vessel, came back for his clothes, and said
she was going down there as a station, where they would watch
her time for operations.
Source: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies
in the War of the Rebellion. Series II, vol. 1 (Washington,
Government Printing Office, 1921): 229
JANUARY 8, 1864
Believes
that the "American Diver" [H. L. Hunley] is at
Mount Pleasant; saw her when they were getting the drowned men
out of her. She was pulled upon the wharf at the time. He was
about 30 yards from her. There were seven men drowned in her.
Was looking at her when she went down 60 yards from the receiving
ship. She went down several times but came up again. She would
stay under water ten minutes each time, and would come up 75 to
80 yards from where she went down. At last she went down and would
not come up again. She remained down nine days before she was
raised. This was about two months ago. She was then taken to the
wharf and hauled up. They launched her again in about a week,
but nothing was done with her until lately, when they fitted her
up again and sent her down to Mount Pleasant, where she now is.
Does not know that she has dived since. It was promised to the
men that went in her that she would not dive again. When she does
not dive, she only shows two heads above the water about the size
of a man's head. He thinks she is about 20 feet long and the manholes
are about 8 feet apart. She is made of iron.
Source: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies
in the War of the Rebellion. Series II, vol. 1 (Washington,
Government Printing Office, 1921): 231.
No. 16.]
FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA,
Off Morris Island, January 13, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge having received your letter
of the 5th instant, enclosing one from Mr. Haynes.
The
information therein contained is, I doubt not, substantially correct
in general.
One
week ago, however, two deserters made known to me the whole project
more in detail, confirming much that I had previously suspected.
It
seems there are ten "Davids" building in Charleston,
similar to that which torpedoed the Ironsides. Of these,
one is completed and ready for service; the others are in different
stages from the mere keel to a more advanced stage.
The
"Diver," [H. L. Hunley] as she is now called,
is also ready, and with the original "David" is now
at Mount Pleasant, [S. C.], on the lookout for a chance.
The
action of the "Davids" has been, of course, pretty well
exemplified on the Ironsides; that of the "Diver"
is different, as it is intended to submerge completely, get under
the bottom, attach the torpedo, haul off and pull trigger. So
far the trials have been unlucky, having drowned three crews of
17 men in all. Still she does dive, as one of the deserters saw
her pass twice under the bottom of the vessel he was in and once
under the Charleston. The "Diver" can also be
used as a "David," so that there are really three of
these machines ready to operate.
On
receiving this intelligence I caused additional means of prevention
to be used, as will be seen by copies of enclosed orders, and
the Department may be assured that if any of our monitors are
injured it will not be for lack of the utmost vigilance.
It
is only in smooth water, and when the tide is slack, that any
danger is imminent. As my flagship is disabled in the rudder,
and has therefore to remain in the inlet, I leave her at night,
go aboard of some steamer in the roads, and pass the night near
the ironclads, giving my own personal attention to their condition.
Last night I went up to the advanced monitor about 9 o'clock.
It was an ugly, rainy night, but I found all on the alert. It
is indeed dangerous to approach an ironclad, as they fire on the
instant. Besides their outriggers and submerged nettings, the
water in advanced and around is patrolled by several steam tugs
and a number of cutters, while the scout boats are thrown out
far ahead.
If
those who so ignorantly or basely endeavor to persuade the public
that the monitors here are idle could witness one night of such
vigils, they would feel disgraced at having so wantonly traduced
the officers and men, who give themselves to such incessant and
hard service; a battle would be far preferable.
There
is, no doubt, much to be apprehended from these torpedoes, and
I have already suggested to the Department an extensive use of
similar means. I again respectfully urge on your consideration
the most prompt resort thereto; nothing better could be devised
for the security of our own vessels or for an examination of the
enemy's position.
The
length of these torpedo boats might be about 40 feet, and 5 to
6 feet in diameter, with a high- pressure engine that will drive
them 5 knots. It is not necessary to expend much finish on them.
With
the ample mechanical means of the North it seems that in one month
five or six could be gotten into service.
The
deserters say that the rebels believe that their batteries will
do us much damage if we attack, but rely chiefly on the torpedoes
for defense, and apply them in a variety of ways, at the bows
of their ironclads, upon their "Davids," upon rafts,
which carry six of the 60-pounders in a line, and even their small
boats are equipped to receive a torpedo.
I
regret to find that the strike among the mechanics (referred to
by the Department December 3) has delayed the completion of the
monitors Onondaga, Tecumseh and Canonicus even beyond
the date (January 1) anticipate by the Department (December 3).
They
will be very welcome when they do come.
The
Nantucket and Montauk are the only monitors here
in the hands of the mechanics. The latter requires some attention
to her boilers, which are rather tender, and a new gun; the Nantucket
requires the additions, repairs, etc.
I
shall be ready, however, when the Onondaga, Canonicus, Tecumseh,
and Sangamon arrive.
Yesterday
I had an interview with the agent for raising the Weehauken.
He informs me that he is proceeding as rapidly as possible with
the work, and proposes to construct a wooden coffer, so as to
pump the water from above the vessel as well as out of her.
The
following statement by one of the deserters is of interest: He
is a mechanic from Michigan, and some for years since crossed
into Kentucky, pursuing his vocation. Moving about, he at last
found himself in Alabama, driving an engine on the railroad from
Montgomery to Mobile. Forced by the conscription to bear arms,
he chose the Navy as affording better chance to leave, and was
sent to Charleston, where he was put into a boat. He, with two
others, watched their chance for two months. It is evident that
when the rebels are compelled to use such men as engineers and
mechanics to pull a bow oar, they are consuming their own vitals.
I
have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. A. DAHLGREN,
Rear-Admiral, Comdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,
Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.
Source: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies
in the War of the Rebellion. Series II, vol. 1 (Washington,
Government Printing Office, 1921): 238-239.
U. S. S. CANANDAIGUA,
Off Charleston, S. C., February 18, 1864.
SIR: I have respectfully to report that a boat belonging to
the Housatonic reached this ship last night at about 9:20,
giving me information that that vessel had been sunk at 8:45 p.
m., by a rebel torpedo craft.
I
immediately slipped our cable and started for her anchorage, and
on arriving near it, at 9:35, discovered her sunk with her hammock
nettings under water; dispatched all boats and rescued from the
wreck 21 officers and 129 men.
There
are missing, and supposed to be drowned, the following-named officers
and men:
Ensign
Edward C. Hazeltine, Captain's Clerk Charles O. Muzzey, Quartermaster
John Williams, Second-Class Fireman John Walsh, Landsman Theodore
Parker.
Captain
Pickering is very much, but not dangerously, bruised, and one
man is slightly bruised.
I
have transferred to the Wabash 8 of her officers and 49
men, on the account of the limited accommodations on board of
this vessel.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. F. GREEN,
Captain.
Commodore S. C. ROWAN,
Commanding Officer off Charleston, S. C.
Source: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies
in the War of the Rebellion. Series II, vol. 1 (Washington,
Government Printing Office, 1921): 327-328.
U. S. S. CANANDAIGUA,
Off Charleston, S. C., February 18, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the sinking
of the U. S. S. Housatonic, by a rebel torpedo off Charleston,
S. C., on the evening of the 17th instant.
About
8:45 p. m. the officer of the deck, Acting Master J. K. Crosby,
discovered something in the water about 100 yards from and moving
toward the ship. It had the appearance of a plank moving in the
water. It came directly toward the ship, the time from when it
was first seen till it was close alongside being about two minutes.
During
this time the chain was slipped, engine backed, and all hands
called to quarters.
The
torpedo struck the ship forward of the mizzenmast, on the starboard
side, in a line with the magazine. Having the after pivot gun
pivoted to port we were unable to bring a gun to bear upon her.
About
one minute after she was close alongside the explosion took place,
the ship sinking stern first and heeling to port as she sank.
Most
of the crew saved themselves by going into the rigging, while
a boat was dispatched to the Canandaigua. This vessel came
gallantly to our assistance and succeeded in rescuing all but
the following-named officers and men, viz, Ensign E. C. Hazeltine,
Captain's Clerk C. O. Muzzey, Quartermaster John Williams, Landsman
Theodore Parker, Second-Class Fireman John Walsh.
The
above officers and men are missing and are supposed to have been
drowned.
Captain
Pickering was seriously bruised by the explosion and is at present
unable to make a report of the disaster.
Very
respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. HIGGINSON,
Lieutenant.
Rear-Admiral JOHN A. DAHLGREN,
Commanding South Atlantic Blockading Squadron.
Source: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies
in the War of the Rebellion. Series II, vol. 1 (Washington,
Government Printing Office, 1921): 328.
No. 69.]
FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA,
Port Royal Harbor, S. C., February 19, 1864.
SIR: I much regret to inform the Department that the U. S.
S. Housatonic, on the blockade off Charleston, S. C., was
torpedoed by a rebel "David" [H. L. Hunley] and sunk
on the night of the 17th February about 9 o'clock.
From
the time the "David" was seen until the vessel was on
the bottom a very brief period must have elapsed; so far as the
executive officer (Lieutenant Higginson) can judge, and he is
the only officer of the Housatonic whom I have seen, it
did not exceed five or seven minutes.
The
officer of the deck perceived a moving object on the water quite
near and ordered the chain to be slipped; the captain and executive
officer went on deck, saw the object, and each fired at it with
a small arm. In an instant the ship was struck on the starboard
side, between the main and mizzen masts; those on deck near were
stunned, the vessel begun to sink, and went down almost immediately.
Happily the loss of life was small: Ensign E. C. Hazeltine, Captain's
Clerk C. O. Muzzey, and three of the crew, Quartermaster John
Williams, Second- Class Fireman John Walsh, and Landsman Theodore
Parker.
Two
boats of the Housatonic were lowered and received all they
could hold; the Canandaigua, which knew nothing of the
catastrophe, sent her boats immediately on hearing of it, and
took off the crew, who had ascended into the rigging.
The
enclosed printed orders will show the precautions which have been
directed from time to time to guard the ironclads that lay inside
the bar, and would naturally be the objects of attack from their
importance and proximity, and I also transmit copy of a communication
(January 15) to the senior officer outside on the same subject.
In
addition I have been in the habit of giving personal attention
to the inside blockade, sometimes visiting the picket monitors
several hours after dark.
Being
notified on the 5th of February by General Gillmore that he was
about to throw a force into Florida, and would need naval assistance,
I left promptly for the St. John's, in order to be sure that no
aid should be wanted that was possible, leaving Commodore Rowan,
an experienced officer, commanding the Ironsides, in charge
of the blockade of Charleston.
On
my return I touched here to examine into the condition of our
depots, and particularly in regard to the repairs on the monitors,
intending also to visit the blockade of Savannah River.
The
Department will readily perceive the consequences likely to result
from this event; the whole line of blockade will be infested with
these cheap, convenient, and formidable defenses, and we must
guard every point. The measures for prevention may not be so obvious.
I
am inclined to the belief that in addition to the various devices
for keeping the torpedoes from the vessels, an effective preventive
may be found in the use of similar contrivances.
I
would therefore request that a number of torpedo boats be made
and sent here with dispatch; length about 40 feet, diameter amidships
5 to 6 feet, and tapering to a point at each end; small engine
and propeller, an opening of about 15 feet above with a hatch
coaming, to float not more than 18 inches above water, somewhat
as thus sketched.
I
have already submitted a requisition on the Bureau of Construction
(January 16) for some craft of this kind, copy enclosed, which,
with the great mechanical facilities of the North, should be very
quickly supplied.
I
have also ordered a quantity of floating torpedoes, which I saw
tried here and thought promised to be useful. Meanwhile I hope
the expected monitors may soon arrive, when an attack on the defenses
of the lower harbor may be made.
I
have attached more importance to the use of torpedoes than others
have done, and believe them to constitute the most formidable
of the difficulties in the way to Charleston. Their effect on
the Ironsides, in October, and now on the Housatonic,
sustains me in this idea.
The
Department will perceive from the printed injunctions issued that
I have been solicitous for some time in regard to these mischievous
devices, though it may not be aware of the personal attention
which I have also given to the security of the ironclads; I naturally
feel disappointed that the rebels should have been able to achieve
a single success, mingled with no little concern, lest, in spite
of every precaution, they may occasionally give us trouble. But
it will create no dismay nor relax any effort; on the contrary,
the usual enquiry will be ordered, though the whole story is no
doubt fully known.
I
desire to suggest to the Department the policy of offering a large
reward of prize money for the capture or destruction of a "David;"
I should say not less than $20,000 or $30,000 for each. They are
worth more than that to us.
I
have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. A. DAHLGREN
Rear-Admiral, Comdg. South Atlantic Blockdg. Squadron.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,
Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.
Source: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies
in the War of the Rebellion. Series II, vol. 1 (Washington,
Government Printing Office, 1921): 329-330.
U. S. STEAM FRIGATE WABASH, March 7, 1864.
The
testimony having been closed, the court was cleared for deliberation,
and after maturely considering the evidence adduced, find the
following facts established:
First.
That the U. S. S. Housatonic was blown up and sunk by a
rebel torpedo craft on the night of February 17 last, about 9
o'clock p. m., while lying at an anchor in 27 feet of water off
Charleston, S. C., bearing E. S. E., and distant from Fort Sumter
about 5½ miles. The weather at the time of the occurrence
was clear, the night bright and moonlight, wind moderate from
the northward and westward, sea smooth and tide half ebb, the
ship's head about W. N. W.
Second.
That between 8:45 and 9 o'clock p. m. on said night an object
in the water was discovered almost simultaneously by the officer
of the deck and the lookout stationed at the starboard cathead,
on the starboard bow of the ship, about 75 or 100 yards distant,
having the appearance of a log. That on further and closer observation
it presented a suspicious appearance, moved apparently with a
speed of 3 or 4 knots in the direction of the starboard quarter
of the ship, exhibiting two protuberances above and making a slight
ripple in the water.
Third.
That the strange object approached the ship with a rapidity precluding
a gun of the battery being brought to bear upon it, and finally
came in contact with the ship on her starboard quarter.
Fourth.
That about one and a half minutes after the first discovery of
the strange object the crew were called to quarters, the cable
slipped, and the engine backed.
Fifth.
That an explosion occurred about three minutes after the first
discovery of the object, which blew up the after part of the ship,
causing her to sink immediately after to the bottom, with her
spar deck submerged.
Sixth.
That several shots from small arms were fired at the object while
it was alongside or near the ship before the explosion occurred.
Seventh.
That the watch on deck, ship, and ship's battery were in all respects
prepared for a sudden offensive or defensive movement; that lookouts
were properly stationed and vigilance observed, and that officers
and crew promptly assembled at their quarters.
Eighth.
That order was preserved on board, and orders promptly obeyed
by officers and crew up to the time of the sinking of the ship.
In
view of the above facts the court have to express the opinion
that no further military proceedings are necessary.
J. F. GREEN,
Captain and President.
JAS. B. YOUNG,
Second Lieutenant, U. S. Marines, Judge-Advocate.
Forwarded
for the information of the Navy Department by,
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. C. ROWAN,
Captain, Commanding South Atlantic Blockading Squadron.
Source: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion. Series II, vol. 1 (Washington, Government Printing Office, 1921): 332-333.
U. S. SCHOONER G. W. BLUNT
Port Royal Harbor, S. C., November 27, 1864.
SIR: After a careful examination of the wrecks of the sunken
blockade runners and Housatonic, I have the honor to make
the following report:
I
find that the wrecks of the blockade runners are so badly broken
up as to be worthless. The Housatonic is very much worm-eaten,
as I find from pieces which have been brought up. She is in an
upright position; has settled in the sand about 5 feet, forming
a bank of mud and sand around her bed; the mud has collected in
her in small quantities. The cabin is completely demolished, as
are also all the bulkheads abaft the mainmast; the coal is scattered
about her lower decks in heaps, as well as muskets, small arms,
and quantities of rubbish.
I
tried to find the magazine, but the weather has been so unfavorable
and the swell so great that it was not safe to keep a diver in
the wreck. I took advantage of all the good weather that I had,
and examined as much as was possible.
The
propeller is in an upright position; the shaft appears to be broken.
The rudderpost and rudder have been partially blown off; the upper
parts of both are in their proper places, while the lower parts
have been forced aft. The stern frame rests on the rudderpost
and propeller; any part of it can be easily slung with chain slings,
and a powerful steamer can detach each part.
I
have also caused the bottom to be dragged for an area of 500 yards
around the wreck, finding nothing of the torpedo boat. On the
24th the drag ropes caught something heavy (as I reported). On
sending a diver down to examine it, proved to be a quantity of
rubbish. The examination being completed, I could accomplish nothing
further unless it is the intention to raise the wreck or propeller,
in which case it will be necessary to have more machinery.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. L. CHURCHILL,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.
Rear-Admiral J. A. DAHLGREN,
Commanding South Atlantic Blockading Squadron.
Source: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies
in the War of the Rebellion. Series II, vol. 1 (Washington,
Government Printing Office, 1921): 334.
CHARLESTON, S. C., January, 1865.
There
was a submarine torpedo boat, not under the orders of the Navy,
and I was ordered to tow her down the harbor three or four times
by Flag-Officer Tucker, who also gave me orders to report as to
her efficiency as well as safety. In my report to him I stated,
"The only way to use a torpedo was on the same plan as the
'David'that is, a spar torpedoand to strike with his boat on the
surface, the torpedo being lowered to 8 feet. Should she attempt
to use a torpedo as Lieutenant Dixon intended, by submerging the
boat and striking from below, the level of the torpedo would be
above his own boat, and as she had little buoyancy and no power,
the chances were the suction caused by the water passing into
the sinking ship would prevent her rising to the surface, besides
the possibility of his own boat being disabled." Lieutenant
Dixon was a very brave and cool-headed man, and had every confidence
in his boat, but had great trouble when under the water from lack
of air and light. At the time she made the attempt to dive under
the receiving ship in Charleston Harbor, Lieutenant Dixon, James
A. Eason, and myself stood on the wharf as she passed out and
saw her dive, but she did not rise again, and after a week's effort
she was brought to the surface and the crew of 7 men were found
in a bunch near the manhole. Lieutenant Dixon said they had failed
to close the after valve.
The
last night the "David" towed him down the harbor his
torpedo got foul of us and came near blowing up both boats before
we got it clear of the bottom, where it had drifted. I let him
go after passing Fort Sumter, and on my making report of this,
Flag-Officer Tucker refused to have the "David" tow
him again. The power for driving this boat came from 7 or 8 men
turning cranks attached to the propeller shaft, and when working
at their best would make about 3 knots. She was very slow in turning,
but would sink at a minute's notice and at times without it. The
understanding was that from the time of her construction at Mobile
up to the time when she struck Housatonic not less than
33 men had lost their lives in her. She was a veritable coffin
to this brave officer and his men.
J. H. TOMB
Source: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion. Series II, vol. 1 (Washington, Government Printing Office, 1921): 334-335.
October 15, 1863. Raining again this morning, and too
hazy to get report of the fleet.
To-day
was exceedingly quiet, and the enemy did not fire a single shot,
although Batteries Simkins and Cheves were in slow action, the
former firing 33 rounds and the latter 10 rounds.
An
unfortunate accident occurred this morning with the submarine
boat, by which Captain H. L. Hunley and 7 men lost their lives
in an attempt to run under the navy receiving ship. The boat left
the wharf at 9:25 a. m. and disappeared at 9:35. As soon as she
sunk air bubbles were seen to rise to the surface of the water,
and from this fact it is supposed the hole in the top of the boat
by which the men entered was not properly closed. It was impossible
at the time to make any effort to rescue the unfortunate men,
as the water was some 9 fathoms deep.
October 16, 1863.Still raining and foggy. The report of
the fleet from Sumter is that the Ironsides, four monitors,
and twenty-two other vessels are inside the bar, and seven blockading
vessels outside.
October 18, 1863.The abolition fleet at Hilton Head is
one steam frigate, two sloops of war, one cutter, seven wooden
gunboats, and seventy-six transports.
Mr.
Smith, provided with submarine armor, found the sunken submarine
boat to-day in 9 fathoms of water. The engineer department was
instructed to furnish Mr. Smith all facilities in the way of ropes,
chains, etc., that an attempt might be made to recover the boat.
Source: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies
in the War of the Rebellion. Series II, vol. 1 (Washington,
Government Printing Office, 1921): 692-693.
HEADQUARTERS, ETC, March 10, 1864.
SIR: I am directed by the commanding general to inform you
that it was the torpedo boat H. L. Hunley that destroyed
the Federal man-of-war Housatonic, and that Lieutenant
Dixon commanded the expedition, but I regret to say that nothing
since has been heard either of Lieutenant Dixon or the torpedo
boat. It is therefore feared that that gallant officer and his
brave companions have perished.
Respectfully,
your obedient servant,
H. W. FEILDEN.
Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.
Source: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies
in the War of the Rebellion. Series II, vol. 1 (Washington,
Government Printing Office, 1921): 337.
OFFICE SUBMARINE DEFENSES,
Charleston, S. C., April 29, 1864.
GENERAL: In answer to a communication of yours, received through
headquarters, relative to Lieutenant Dixon and crew, I beg leave
to state that I was not informed as to the service in which Lieutenant
Dixon was engaged or under what orders he was acting. I am informed
that he requested Commodore Tucker to furnish him some men, which
he did. Their names are as follows, viz: Arnold Becker, C. Simkins,
James A. Wicks, F. Collins, and Ridgeway, all of the Navy, and
Corporal C. F. Carlsen, of Captain Wagener's company of artillery.
The
United States sloop of war was attacked and destroyed on the night
of the 17th of February. Since that time no information has been
received of either the boat or crew. I am of the opinion that
the torpedoes being placed at the bow of the boat, she went into
the hole made in the Housatonic by explosion of torpedoes
and did not have sufficient power to back out, consequently sunk
with her.
I
have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient
servant,
M. M. GRAY,
Captain in Charge of Torpedoes.
Major-General DABNEY H. MAURY,
Mobile, Ala.
Source: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies
in the War of the Rebellion. Series II, vol. 1 (Washington,
Government Printing Office, 1921): 337-338.
13 April 2000