From Dec. 27th silive.com "Staten Island ferry goes to war: The Civil War-era tale of the USS Westfield" by Maura Yates.
A 10,000 pound Dahlgren cannon and other items have been salvaged from the bottom of a Galveston, Texas shipping channel that is going to be deepened. It originally was on the USS Westfield which was a ferry operating by New York City, but purchased by the US Navy in 1861. It participated at the 1862 Battle of New Orleans where it towed a Confederate fire raft away from the fleet.
After that, it served as the flagship of the Union fleet at Galveston. At the January 1, 1863, Battle of Galveston, it was attacked by two Confederate ships and appeared to be on the verge of being captured. The ship's captain, William Renshaw, ordered it blown up. But unfortunately for him, the fuse went off too soon, killing him and thirteen other sailors.
The cannon and five cannon balls were recovered. The Dahlgren will now go through 2-3 years of chemical and electrolyte treatment to preserve it.
Patricia Salmon, author of "The Staten Island Ferry: a History" said the ferries were well-suited for Naval needs along the rivers and waters of the Confederacy. Their shallow draft, sturdiness, and open decks were great for hauling heavy equipment and mounting guns. Plus the open floor plans were good for transporting supplies and caring for wounded soldiers.
After the Westfield joined the Union Navy, a second Westfield ferry was acquired and put into service in 1862. In 1871, a boiler exploded, killing 66 and injuring 200.
The Ship Gives Up a Final Treasure Before Destruction. --Old B-Runner
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