The August 27th Hometown Annapolis website had a review on Richard P. Cox's new book "Civil War Maryland: Stories from the Old State Line" which consistes of 16 essays.
One deals with Maryland being both a Confederate and Union state with troops fighting on both sides.
Another essay deals with Franklin Buchanan, a native of Maryland and first superintendent of the US Naval Academy. He was commanding the CSS Virginia when it attacked and shelled the USS Congress, even though he knew his brother McKean Buchanan was the ship's paymaster.
Another one was on inventor Richard Sears McCulloch, who invented a lethal gas and Greek Fire for the Confederacy. Liquid fire could ignaite without a spark or detonation and it was proposed to use it on the floor of the US House of representatives.
Also, there was a Camp Parole near US-50 in Annapolis, where Confederate soldiers were pardoned in the early part of the war. Of interest, one general equalled 46 privates and a captain was 6 privates.
Thgen, there was the prison camp at Point Lookout, eswtablished 1863, where many Confederates died.
Sounds Like an Interesting Book. -Old B-Runner
The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Cantrells in 7th Confederate Cavalry Battalion
Continuing with Confederate veteran William Cantrell, whose former wife just died this month.
After French's Battalion was exchanged and released from prison, much of it became the 7th Confederate Cavalry Battalion. This was also called Prentice's Battalion.
There were eight Cantrells listed on the roster at one time or another. This is what it said for William. He was in Co. B, previously Co. C, 5th VSL and Co. A French's Battalion Virginia Infantry.
Became a POW at Piketon, Kentucky April 15, 1863. He was paroled and exchanged.
At the time of entering service, he was 16, 5'4", dark eyes, fair hair, fair complexion. The 1860 Wise County, Virginia census listed him at age 13.
OTHER CANTRELLS
Possibly, some of these might have been kinfolk.
ABRAHAM C. CANTRELL-- 24 in 1860 census. The rest of his information was the same as William. In addition, it says that he was captured again at Gladeville, Virginia, July 7, 1863and sent to Camp Chase then to Camp Douglas in Chicago on August 24, 1863. There is no record of his death or release from there.
ABRAHAM CANTRELL-- everything the same as ABRAHAM C. Perhaps same person.
JAMES CANTRELL-- reside Wise County
JOHN CANTRELL-- same as ABRAHAM C. CANTRELL
JOHN CANTRELL-- perhaps same person as the other JOHN.
RUBEN CANTRELL-- Same as WILLIAM.
SHERWOOD CANTRELL-- same as ABRAHAM C. CANTRELL
Very likely, WILLIAM CANTRELL was at Second Gladevile Raid where some of the 7th was captured. Reports say the Union captured 18 officers and 99 enlisted men there.
Digging a Bit Deeper. --Old B-R'er
After French's Battalion was exchanged and released from prison, much of it became the 7th Confederate Cavalry Battalion. This was also called Prentice's Battalion.
There were eight Cantrells listed on the roster at one time or another. This is what it said for William. He was in Co. B, previously Co. C, 5th VSL and Co. A French's Battalion Virginia Infantry.
Became a POW at Piketon, Kentucky April 15, 1863. He was paroled and exchanged.
At the time of entering service, he was 16, 5'4", dark eyes, fair hair, fair complexion. The 1860 Wise County, Virginia census listed him at age 13.
OTHER CANTRELLS
Possibly, some of these might have been kinfolk.
ABRAHAM C. CANTRELL-- 24 in 1860 census. The rest of his information was the same as William. In addition, it says that he was captured again at Gladeville, Virginia, July 7, 1863and sent to Camp Chase then to Camp Douglas in Chicago on August 24, 1863. There is no record of his death or release from there.
ABRAHAM CANTRELL-- everything the same as ABRAHAM C. Perhaps same person.
JAMES CANTRELL-- reside Wise County
JOHN CANTRELL-- same as ABRAHAM C. CANTRELL
JOHN CANTRELL-- perhaps same person as the other JOHN.
RUBEN CANTRELL-- Same as WILLIAM.
SHERWOOD CANTRELL-- same as ABRAHAM C. CANTRELL
Very likely, WILLIAM CANTRELL was at Second Gladevile Raid where some of the 7th was captured. Reports say the Union captured 18 officers and 99 enlisted men there.
Digging a Bit Deeper. --Old B-R'er
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
The Second Battle of the CSS Hunley
The August 23rd Charleston (SC) Post and Courier reports that Clive Cussler has dropped his court case over who found the Hunley. He says that by nature he isn't litigious.It was against Edward Lee Spence who claims he found it years earlier than Cussler did in 1995.
The suit was filed in 2001 to stop Spence from going around and telling everyone that he he had found it first.
Cussler found the Confederate submarine in 1995. Spence says he found it in 1970 while trying to free a fish trap off the side of a friend's boat, but didn't announce it until 1975.
Spence has a countersuit, seeking between $100,000 and $309 million for damages.
There were some interesting comments to the article.
Auger said many knew something was down there. He had fished, anchored and played on it for a long time, but "didn't know what the 'bump' at the bottom really was."
Spence had a lot of comments, calling himself HunleyFinder. It doesn't appear he is interested in giving up.
In 7 posts, he says that he had written three books in 1976, 1985, and 1990 about the discovery. In the last oine, he had a map and an "X" where Cussler found the Hunley.
Further, he says that in 1976 the wreck was nominated for the National register of Historic Places using his 1970 discovery and a 1974 map of the location that he provided.
There is a Wikipedia entry on Spence that is an interesting read.
My big question is why Spence didn't push his find more than he did? The Hunley's location has been a big question ever since it sank. However, with copies of the books on the subject as Spence claims, it shouldn't be too hard to prove or disprove his efforts.
Who Found It, That is the Question. --Old B-R'er
The suit was filed in 2001 to stop Spence from going around and telling everyone that he he had found it first.
Cussler found the Confederate submarine in 1995. Spence says he found it in 1970 while trying to free a fish trap off the side of a friend's boat, but didn't announce it until 1975.
Spence has a countersuit, seeking between $100,000 and $309 million for damages.
There were some interesting comments to the article.
Auger said many knew something was down there. He had fished, anchored and played on it for a long time, but "didn't know what the 'bump' at the bottom really was."
Spence had a lot of comments, calling himself HunleyFinder. It doesn't appear he is interested in giving up.
In 7 posts, he says that he had written three books in 1976, 1985, and 1990 about the discovery. In the last oine, he had a map and an "X" where Cussler found the Hunley.
Further, he says that in 1976 the wreck was nominated for the National register of Historic Places using his 1970 discovery and a 1974 map of the location that he provided.
There is a Wikipedia entry on Spence that is an interesting read.
My big question is why Spence didn't push his find more than he did? The Hunley's location has been a big question ever since it sank. However, with copies of the books on the subject as Spence claims, it shouldn't be too hard to prove or disprove his efforts.
Who Found It, That is the Question. --Old B-R'er
Stonewall Jackson College Loan Questioned
According to WSFA 12 News, black lawmakers are questioning a Confederate college loan program set up back in 1955 with a $20,000 appropriation by the Alabama legislature.
Each year, the Stonewall Jackson memorial Fund awards a $1000 loan was to a student attending college. This year, it was raised to $2000.
State Representative Alvin Holmes says the state shouldn't be spending money on any Confederate leader who fought to maintain slavery.
So, Will This Attack on Any and All Things Confederate Ever Cease? --Old B-Runner
Each year, the Stonewall Jackson memorial Fund awards a $1000 loan was to a student attending college. This year, it was raised to $2000.
State Representative Alvin Holmes says the state shouldn't be spending money on any Confederate leader who fought to maintain slavery.
So, Will This Attack on Any and All Things Confederate Ever Cease? --Old B-Runner
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Bushnell's Role with the USS Monitor
I came across an entry in the Connecticut Travel Blog about the Allis-Bushnell home in Madison which was built around 1785. It was once the home of Cornelius Scranton Bushnell who was a railroad wxwcutive andshipbuilder. It said he had a lot to do with the USS Monitor.
I've never heard of him or this connection. Unfortunately, the blog entry onlt talked about the Monitor and said nothing about his connection.
Using good old Wikipedia, I found out what it was. At the outbreak of the war, Bushnell was in DC and volunteered to serve with a militia unit to protect the capital.
When word reached of the Confederates converting the Merrimack into an ironclad, Washington got into a tizzy. Bushnell and a group of others came up with a design that later became the ironclad USS Galena. Concerned about the vessel's stability, Bushnell visited Catain John Ericsson who was working on his own design. Upon seeing the low-slung ironclad with a revolving turret, Bushnell was so impressed he returned to DC and pitched it to the Navy and within a short eight days it was accepted.
Work on the vessel was rushed, and, as we know, it got to Hampton Roads just in time to save the day.
Good Thing for the Union. --Old B-R
I've never heard of him or this connection. Unfortunately, the blog entry onlt talked about the Monitor and said nothing about his connection.
Using good old Wikipedia, I found out what it was. At the outbreak of the war, Bushnell was in DC and volunteered to serve with a militia unit to protect the capital.
When word reached of the Confederates converting the Merrimack into an ironclad, Washington got into a tizzy. Bushnell and a group of others came up with a design that later became the ironclad USS Galena. Concerned about the vessel's stability, Bushnell visited Catain John Ericsson who was working on his own design. Upon seeing the low-slung ironclad with a revolving turret, Bushnell was so impressed he returned to DC and pitched it to the Navy and within a short eight days it was accepted.
Work on the vessel was rushed, and, as we know, it got to Hampton Roads just in time to save the day.
Good Thing for the Union. --Old B-R
Friday, August 22, 2008
Civil War Stamps-- Part 2
Continuing with the brochure.
As I mentioned, this series features every Civil War stamp ever issued, including the entire Centennial series and a special 20-stamp issue from 1995. Each stamp is in mint condition.
There was a 3 cent 1749 Washington and Lee University stamp. Probably a bicentennial as the first date was 1749 but last date was covered.
Also, a 4 cent Lee-Jackson stamp with a picture of Stratford Hall, Lee's birthplace.
A 4 cent Fort Sumter 1861-1961 centennial stamp.
A 5 cent Appomattox Civil War Centennial 1865-1965 stamp with a shadow of a soldier with stacked rifles and the words "WITH MALICE TOWARD NONE..." Considering the amount of hatred displayed in battles, the aftermath of the war was suprisingly peaceful as far as the soldiers on both sides.
The "Stonewall" Jackson 32 cent stamp was issued June 29, 1995 in Gettysburg, Pa. Of interest, and something I didn't know, at the First Battle of Bull Run he was wearing his blue US Army uniform. Gray was not the standardized Confederate uniform in the early months of the war.
So, you get the Civil War stamps along with a history of US postal increases with this set.
What Will Postage Increase to Next? When Will It Break the Dollar Mark? --Old B-Runner
As I mentioned, this series features every Civil War stamp ever issued, including the entire Centennial series and a special 20-stamp issue from 1995. Each stamp is in mint condition.
There was a 3 cent 1749 Washington and Lee University stamp. Probably a bicentennial as the first date was 1749 but last date was covered.
Also, a 4 cent Lee-Jackson stamp with a picture of Stratford Hall, Lee's birthplace.
A 4 cent Fort Sumter 1861-1961 centennial stamp.
A 5 cent Appomattox Civil War Centennial 1865-1965 stamp with a shadow of a soldier with stacked rifles and the words "WITH MALICE TOWARD NONE..." Considering the amount of hatred displayed in battles, the aftermath of the war was suprisingly peaceful as far as the soldiers on both sides.
The "Stonewall" Jackson 32 cent stamp was issued June 29, 1995 in Gettysburg, Pa. Of interest, and something I didn't know, at the First Battle of Bull Run he was wearing his blue US Army uniform. Gray was not the standardized Confederate uniform in the early months of the war.
So, you get the Civil War stamps along with a history of US postal increases with this set.
What Will Postage Increase to Next? When Will It Break the Dollar Mark? --Old B-Runner
Civil War Stamps Collection
I received an interesting brochure from the US Post Office concerning a Civil War stamp collection. It featues a notebook in which you can place pages as you get them. Each page has a Mort Kunstler print, a blurb, and an authentic stamp.
Being retired and cutting back, I'm not buying it, but sure would like to do so. Anyway, I enjoyed reading the brochure and looking at the prints and stamps.
There was a 3 cent Final Encampment of the GAR (Grand Army of the Republic), the main Union veterans group. There was also a 3 cent Final Reunion- United Confederate Veterans issued May 30, 1951 at Norfolk, Virginia. Interestingly enough, both the UCV and GAR featured the same picture of a young man and old man. Only the GAR one was in red and the insignia on the cap was GAR. The UCV was gray and either UCV or CSA on the insignia. I couldn't tell. The final GAR Encampment must have been around the same time as the UCV one. Only the GAR called their annual get-togethers encampments and the UCV had reunions.
Imagine, 3 CENT postage back in 1951!!!
There was also a 3 cent Sherman-Grant-Sheridan stamp issued Feb. 18, 1937 at Washington, DC. So the price of a stamp stayed the same from 1931 to 1951.
So, Who Sends Letters Anymore? --Da B-R'er
Being retired and cutting back, I'm not buying it, but sure would like to do so. Anyway, I enjoyed reading the brochure and looking at the prints and stamps.
There was a 3 cent Final Encampment of the GAR (Grand Army of the Republic), the main Union veterans group. There was also a 3 cent Final Reunion- United Confederate Veterans issued May 30, 1951 at Norfolk, Virginia. Interestingly enough, both the UCV and GAR featured the same picture of a young man and old man. Only the GAR one was in red and the insignia on the cap was GAR. The UCV was gray and either UCV or CSA on the insignia. I couldn't tell. The final GAR Encampment must have been around the same time as the UCV one. Only the GAR called their annual get-togethers encampments and the UCV had reunions.
Imagine, 3 CENT postage back in 1951!!!
There was also a 3 cent Sherman-Grant-Sheridan stamp issued Feb. 18, 1937 at Washington, DC. So the price of a stamp stayed the same from 1931 to 1951.
So, Who Sends Letters Anymore? --Da B-R'er
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Pikeville, Kentucky
This Cantrell research just keeps getting bigger.
Pileville and Pike County, Kentucky.
Pikeville, population 6,295, has been named as one of the top 100 small towns in which to live. Both the town and county are named for Zebulon Pike.
Col. James A. Garfield was commissioned a brigadier general here in January 1862.. He later became president.
This is the center for the Hatfield-McCoy feud.
Pike County is the very eastern-most county in the state.
Don'tShoot,Mr.Hatfield. --Old B-Runner
Pileville and Pike County, Kentucky.
Pikeville, population 6,295, has been named as one of the top 100 small towns in which to live. Both the town and county are named for Zebulon Pike.
Col. James A. Garfield was commissioned a brigadier general here in January 1862.. He later became president.
This is the center for the Hatfield-McCoy feud.
Pike County is the very eastern-most county in the state.
Don'tShoot,Mr.Hatfield. --Old B-Runner
Skirmish at Pikeville, Ky-- Camp Chase, Ohio
Still following up on Cantrell's Confederate Service.
SKIRMISH AT PIKEVILLE, KENTUCKY
There is not much about this fight. I had never heard of it. It definitely wasn't a major battle.
Union forces in eastern Kentucky learned that Major French had a camp at Pikeville and was in the process of raising a unit so they decided to have a pre-emptive strike. They attacked April 15, 1863, and after an hour's skirmish, captured 17 officers, 70 men, 30 horses, 40 guns, and destroyed French's camp. And that was about it. Obviously, this was a training camp where the unit was being raised. With 40 guns for 70 men, I'd have to say they weren't even armed yet. Information from Jeffrey C. Weaver.
CAMP CHASE, OHIO-- Wikipedia
Cantrell and French's Battalion were sent to Camp Chase in Columbus, Ohio. Like many other Union training camps, it was turned into a Confederate prisoner camp later in the war.
It is estimated that at least 150,000 Union troops trained here and 25,000 Confederates were held. There are more than 2000 Confederates buried on the site. Captured soldiers from Morgan's Raid were also held on the site.
Wikipedia mentioned that four future presidents passed through the camp: Andrew Johnson, Rutherford B. Hayes, James Garfield, and William McKinly. I'm not sure about what Andrew Johnson had to do with it.
More Stuff I Didn'tKnow. --Da Runner
SKIRMISH AT PIKEVILLE, KENTUCKY
There is not much about this fight. I had never heard of it. It definitely wasn't a major battle.
Union forces in eastern Kentucky learned that Major French had a camp at Pikeville and was in the process of raising a unit so they decided to have a pre-emptive strike. They attacked April 15, 1863, and after an hour's skirmish, captured 17 officers, 70 men, 30 horses, 40 guns, and destroyed French's camp. And that was about it. Obviously, this was a training camp where the unit was being raised. With 40 guns for 70 men, I'd have to say they weren't even armed yet. Information from Jeffrey C. Weaver.
CAMP CHASE, OHIO-- Wikipedia
Cantrell and French's Battalion were sent to Camp Chase in Columbus, Ohio. Like many other Union training camps, it was turned into a Confederate prisoner camp later in the war.
It is estimated that at least 150,000 Union troops trained here and 25,000 Confederates were held. There are more than 2000 Confederates buried on the site. Captured soldiers from Morgan's Raid were also held on the site.
Wikipedia mentioned that four future presidents passed through the camp: Andrew Johnson, Rutherford B. Hayes, James Garfield, and William McKinly. I'm not sure about what Andrew Johnson had to do with it.
More Stuff I Didn'tKnow. --Da Runner
French's Battalion-- Virginia State Line
In doing some more research on William Cantrell, I came across this information.
FRENCH'S BATTALION, VIRGINIA INFANTRY
There is a 54 page booklet on French's Battalion written by Jeffrey C. Weaver. A review of it had this:
It was a short-lived Confederate unit led by Wise, County, Virginia lawyer James Milton French. He recruited mostly from the remanants of the Virginia State Line. The unit last just two months before almost being captured en masse at Pikeville, Ky, in April 1863.
They were sent to Camp Chase in Columbus, Ohio, and after exchange, most joined Clarence Prentice's 7th Battalion Confederate Cavalry.
VIRGINIA STATE LINE
I'd never heard of them. They were approved by the Virginia legislature on May 15, 1862 and were to include men not available for military duty. That would mean too old, too young, or infirm. Probably why Cantrell was able to get into the military at age 16. The State Line was transferred to Confederate service March 31, 1863 and at this time Major French of the 63rd Virginia received permission to raise a regiment from the State Line.
Many of his troops came from western Virginia and eastern Kentucky.
Information from Jeffrey C. Weaver.
So, Now You Know. --B-R'er
FRENCH'S BATTALION, VIRGINIA INFANTRY
There is a 54 page booklet on French's Battalion written by Jeffrey C. Weaver. A review of it had this:
It was a short-lived Confederate unit led by Wise, County, Virginia lawyer James Milton French. He recruited mostly from the remanants of the Virginia State Line. The unit last just two months before almost being captured en masse at Pikeville, Ky, in April 1863.
They were sent to Camp Chase in Columbus, Ohio, and after exchange, most joined Clarence Prentice's 7th Battalion Confederate Cavalry.
VIRGINIA STATE LINE
I'd never heard of them. They were approved by the Virginia legislature on May 15, 1862 and were to include men not available for military duty. That would mean too old, too young, or infirm. Probably why Cantrell was able to get into the military at age 16. The State Line was transferred to Confederate service March 31, 1863 and at this time Major French of the 63rd Virginia received permission to raise a regiment from the State Line.
Many of his troops came from western Virginia and eastern Kentucky.
Information from Jeffrey C. Weaver.
So, Now You Know. --B-R'er
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
William Cantrell, CSA
William Cantrell's widow just died at age 93. This made the news all over the place.
A short history of his service follows.
He served in Co. A, French's Battalion of the Virginia infantry ( didn't say what regiment). He enlisted at age 16 in Pikeville, Ky, and was captured the same year and sent to prison in Ohio where he was later exchanged. After the war, he moved to Arkansas.
In a 2004 interview, Maudie White Hopkins said he recalled how lice infested his sock supports and "ate a trail around his legs."
And, then, at age 86, he married a 19 year-old girl.
A short history of his service follows.
He served in Co. A, French's Battalion of the Virginia infantry ( didn't say what regiment). He enlisted at age 16 in Pikeville, Ky, and was captured the same year and sent to prison in Ohio where he was later exchanged. After the war, he moved to Arkansas.
In a 2004 interview, Maudie White Hopkins said he recalled how lice infested his sock supports and "ate a trail around his legs."
And, then, at age 86, he married a 19 year-old girl.
Confederate Widow Dies
I picked up today's copy of the Chicago Tribune and was shocked to read of the death of a Confederate widow. I had thought the last one died several years ago.
"TEENAGE BRIDE OF CONFEDERATE SOLDIER" by Peggy Harris, AP
MAUDIE WHITE HOPKINS (1914-2008)
She had a very hard life in the Ozarks and, during the Depression, was working for William Cantrell, 86, when he asked her to marry him if she would take care of him in his old age. In return, he would give her his home and she would receive his pension. She was 19 at the time.
These were hard times and this was a way out for her.
For a long time, she kept it secret for fear that people would think less of her, but when another widow in Alabama claimed to be the last Confederate widow, she decided to come forward.
Baxter County records show that they were married in Januray 1934. Cantrell supported her with his Confederate pension which she described as $25 every two or three months. She also received his home after his death three years later.
She was married a total of four times and had three children from her second marriage.
I talked about young girls marrying old men for their pensions to my classes back when the last widow died and they were shocked. I tried to explain the the hard times that would make a teenage girl marry a much older man like this.
A member of the Daughters of the Confederacy said that there are other Confederate widows still living, but they don't want any publicity.
Another Civil War Connection. Not-So-Old B-Runner
"TEENAGE BRIDE OF CONFEDERATE SOLDIER" by Peggy Harris, AP
MAUDIE WHITE HOPKINS (1914-2008)
She had a very hard life in the Ozarks and, during the Depression, was working for William Cantrell, 86, when he asked her to marry him if she would take care of him in his old age. In return, he would give her his home and she would receive his pension. She was 19 at the time.
These were hard times and this was a way out for her.
For a long time, she kept it secret for fear that people would think less of her, but when another widow in Alabama claimed to be the last Confederate widow, she decided to come forward.
Baxter County records show that they were married in Januray 1934. Cantrell supported her with his Confederate pension which she described as $25 every two or three months. She also received his home after his death three years later.
She was married a total of four times and had three children from her second marriage.
I talked about young girls marrying old men for their pensions to my classes back when the last widow died and they were shocked. I tried to explain the the hard times that would make a teenage girl marry a much older man like this.
A member of the Daughters of the Confederacy said that there are other Confederate widows still living, but they don't want any publicity.
Another Civil War Connection. Not-So-Old B-Runner
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Book Review on William Cushing, USN
One of the true characters and adventuresome souls on the Union side during the Civil War was the brother of Alonzo Cushing who won a medal of honor and lost his life at Gettysburg. That would be William Cushing.
The H Net did a book review on the 2004 "Cushing Civil War Seal" by Brassey's Military Profiles. I'm not sure who wrote it, but the reviewer was impressed with it overall, other than calling him a Civil War Seal.
Cushing had more courage than most naval personnel even though he came from Wisconsin and did not have a seafaring background. He was appointed to the US Naval Academy in 1857, but was forced to resign before graduation. However, the Union's need for officers at the outbreak of the war gave him his commission.
He had a flair for special operations, the most famous of which was the sinking of the Confederate ram Albemarle October 27, 1864. He also participated in the naval land attack on Fort Fisher, NC, on January 15, 1865.
The book mentioned that his impetuosity sometimes bordered on insubordination.
One of the Great Union Naval Officers. --B-Runner
The H Net did a book review on the 2004 "Cushing Civil War Seal" by Brassey's Military Profiles. I'm not sure who wrote it, but the reviewer was impressed with it overall, other than calling him a Civil War Seal.
Cushing had more courage than most naval personnel even though he came from Wisconsin and did not have a seafaring background. He was appointed to the US Naval Academy in 1857, but was forced to resign before graduation. However, the Union's need for officers at the outbreak of the war gave him his commission.
He had a flair for special operations, the most famous of which was the sinking of the Confederate ram Albemarle October 27, 1864. He also participated in the naval land attack on Fort Fisher, NC, on January 15, 1865.
The book mentioned that his impetuosity sometimes bordered on insubordination.
One of the Great Union Naval Officers. --B-Runner
Monday, August 18, 2008
USS Saginaw
Came across an article in the August 16th Honolulu Advertiser about the wreck 1837 British whaling ship that was located near Kure Atoll in the Hawaiian Islands. The expedition that is going out to explore the site is also going to look at the wreck of the USS Saginaw which was a Union ship on the west coast during the Civil War and sank in 1870. The shipwreck was located in 2003.
The USS Saginaw was the first ship built at the Navy's New Mare Island Shipyard near San Francisco, so probably the first US ship constructed on the west coast. The Navy bought the site in 1853 and Commander David Farragut was in charge. It was launched in 1859 and joined the East Indian Squadron with thegoal of protecting American interests and citizens as well as stopping piracy.
In 1862, it was decommissioned in Hong Kong and taken back to Mare Island for refitting. The Saginaw's Civil War duty with the Pacific Squadron was to prevent Confederate activity. In 1863, the ship sailed to the Puget Sound when word reached that Confederate privateers were being outfitted in British Columbia, but this proved unfounded. In 1864, the Saginaw visited Mexican ports and Central America.
THE WRECK OF THE SAGINAW AND QUITE AN ACCOMPLISHMENT
On October 29, 1870. the Saginaw hit a reef at the isolated Kure Atoll in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and was battered to pieces. The crew made it to shore, but were stranded except for the ship's gig. A party of five decided to go for help in Honolulu and covered 1500 miles in 31 days, but unfortunately were upset and tossed into the ocean at Kauai. Only one survived, but got word to authorities and help was on its way for the other survivors. The original ship's gig is on display at the Saginaw Historical Museum.
The USS Saginaw was a sidewheel steamer, 155 feet long, 4 foot 5 inches draft, and carried a crew of 50 and four cannons.
Sounds Like the Stuff for a Hollywood Movie. This Pacific Voyage is Right Up There With That of Captain Bligh. --Old B-R'er
The USS Saginaw was the first ship built at the Navy's New Mare Island Shipyard near San Francisco, so probably the first US ship constructed on the west coast. The Navy bought the site in 1853 and Commander David Farragut was in charge. It was launched in 1859 and joined the East Indian Squadron with thegoal of protecting American interests and citizens as well as stopping piracy.
In 1862, it was decommissioned in Hong Kong and taken back to Mare Island for refitting. The Saginaw's Civil War duty with the Pacific Squadron was to prevent Confederate activity. In 1863, the ship sailed to the Puget Sound when word reached that Confederate privateers were being outfitted in British Columbia, but this proved unfounded. In 1864, the Saginaw visited Mexican ports and Central America.
THE WRECK OF THE SAGINAW AND QUITE AN ACCOMPLISHMENT
On October 29, 1870. the Saginaw hit a reef at the isolated Kure Atoll in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and was battered to pieces. The crew made it to shore, but were stranded except for the ship's gig. A party of five decided to go for help in Honolulu and covered 1500 miles in 31 days, but unfortunately were upset and tossed into the ocean at Kauai. Only one survived, but got word to authorities and help was on its way for the other survivors. The original ship's gig is on display at the Saginaw Historical Museum.
The USS Saginaw was a sidewheel steamer, 155 feet long, 4 foot 5 inches draft, and carried a crew of 50 and four cannons.
Sounds Like the Stuff for a Hollywood Movie. This Pacific Voyage is Right Up There With That of Captain Bligh. --Old B-R'er
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Running the Blockade: Civil War Grave Vandalized-- St. Augustine in the War-- Davis Statue
Some New News About an Old War.
1. CIVIL WAR GRAVE VANDALIZED-- June 13th Virginia Pilot-- Took place in Southampton County, Virginia. The grave of Confederate Major Joseph Ezra Gillette was opened by individuals probably in pursuit of artifacts. A member of the local SCV found it.
It is thought the vandals were looking for a sword which could bring as much as $200,000. The sheriff's department is offering a $1000 reward which has been matched by the SCV.
2. ST. AUGUSTINE IN THE WAR-- Florida's Civil War historian Dale Cox is doing a series of blog entries at http://civilwarflorida.blogspot.com. His first two are about the water battery at Castillo San Marcos, called Fort Marion during the war.
The east moat was filled in and the guns mounted en-barbette. These 20 cannons had been seized by state forces Jan. 7, 1861.
Mr. Cox says the water battery is in good condition and the remains of the gun mounts can still be seen. The Union Navy reoccupied St. Augustine in 1862.
3. DAVIS STATUE-- The Sons of Confederate Veterans has offered to donate a $100,000 statue of Jefferson Davis to the American Civil War Center in Richmond, Virginia, at the site of the old Tredigar Ironworks. This is in honor of Davis' 200th birthday being celebrated this year.
There is some question as to whether the museum will accept. Big surprise, but the NAACP is against it.
Take the Statue!! --Old B-Runner
1. CIVIL WAR GRAVE VANDALIZED-- June 13th Virginia Pilot-- Took place in Southampton County, Virginia. The grave of Confederate Major Joseph Ezra Gillette was opened by individuals probably in pursuit of artifacts. A member of the local SCV found it.
It is thought the vandals were looking for a sword which could bring as much as $200,000. The sheriff's department is offering a $1000 reward which has been matched by the SCV.
2. ST. AUGUSTINE IN THE WAR-- Florida's Civil War historian Dale Cox is doing a series of blog entries at http://civilwarflorida.blogspot.com. His first two are about the water battery at Castillo San Marcos, called Fort Marion during the war.
The east moat was filled in and the guns mounted en-barbette. These 20 cannons had been seized by state forces Jan. 7, 1861.
Mr. Cox says the water battery is in good condition and the remains of the gun mounts can still be seen. The Union Navy reoccupied St. Augustine in 1862.
3. DAVIS STATUE-- The Sons of Confederate Veterans has offered to donate a $100,000 statue of Jefferson Davis to the American Civil War Center in Richmond, Virginia, at the site of the old Tredigar Ironworks. This is in honor of Davis' 200th birthday being celebrated this year.
There is some question as to whether the museum will accept. Big surprise, but the NAACP is against it.
Take the Statue!! --Old B-Runner
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