CSS Black Warrior-- Part 2

It was built in Plymouth, NC, and launched in 1859 as the M. C. Etheridge, a two masted schooner of 144 tons, 92 feet long and beam of 24 feet.

Acquired by the Confederate Navy in 1862, armed with 32-pounder cannons, and placed under the command of Lt. F. M. Harris for the defense of North Carolina sounds and Roanoke Island. It was part of what the nine vessel group that became known as the Mosquito Fleet.

On February 6, 1862, Union forces under Gen. Burnside effected a landing on the island, but the Black Warrior did not participate because it was not a steamer and too far away. The rest of the Mosquito fleet was unsuccessful and retreated to Elizabeth City, where the Black Warrior was towed.

On February 10, 1862, the Black Warrior was burned to prevent capture.

Not Much of a Record. --B-R'er

The CSS Black Warrior-- Part 1

The May 2nd Elizabeth City (NC) Daily Advance had an article about a history conference. It caught my eye about historic items being located in the Pasquotank River, including remnants of Civil War gunboats, commercial steamers, and even Indian dugout canoes.

It said the remains of the CSS Black Warrior, a 92-foot schooner had been located and a gun carriage recovered which will be on display at the Museum of the Albemarle once it is preserved by state preservationists.

I'd never heard of the ship, so went to good old Wikipedia. It said that the ship carried two 32-pdr. cannons and that the wreck site had been found in 2000 and in 2001, the gun carriage was recovered. That seems like a long time for it not being returned.

It was part of the Confederate Mosquito Fleet which was collected to defend Roanoke Island from Union attack.

More to come. --Old B-Runner