Reportedly, the first use of a periscope by the US Navy occurred April 12, 1864, when a gun fired from the USS Osage, a river Monitor using a periscope, hit Confederate General Thomas Green and took his head off. A marker was placed there within the last two years at the Lock and Dam No. 4 access road at what is called the Battle of Blair's Landing.
The periscope was invented a few days earlier by Lt. Cmdr, Thomas Selfridge who was also the one who fired the gun. He wrote about it in his memoirs.
The reason I'm writing about the Osage was that it was sunk by a mine the day after the USS Milwaukee off Spanish Fort, Alabama.
So, Even Though Selfridge wasn't on the Osage When It Sank, He Had Commanded It Earlier. Bad Luck Officer. --Old B-Runner
The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Battles of Newtonia, Missouri
I came across this article from the Joplin (Mo) Globe from April 2008 while going through some older Civil War notebooks and found that I hadn't had an entry about it. Better late than never.
Of course, I am fully behind Civil War preservation at any time. Plus, I know the Missouri Route 66 Association is planning a motor tour in 2011 to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the conflict. These two battles are not ones I'm familiar with either.
Newtonia is a small town of about 200 people near Springfield, Missouri, in the southwestern part of the state.
The article said that a dedicated group of people called the Newtonia Battlefield Preservation Association has been trying to get national recognition for the past ten years. A bill sponsored by US Representative Roy Blount (R-Mo)to have the National Park Service look into adding them to their holdings passed the Senate and was heading back to the House. where a decision was expected soon.
I did not have any follow up on it.
Always Great to Preserve Part of History
Of course, I am fully behind Civil War preservation at any time. Plus, I know the Missouri Route 66 Association is planning a motor tour in 2011 to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the conflict. These two battles are not ones I'm familiar with either.
Newtonia is a small town of about 200 people near Springfield, Missouri, in the southwestern part of the state.
The article said that a dedicated group of people called the Newtonia Battlefield Preservation Association has been trying to get national recognition for the past ten years. A bill sponsored by US Representative Roy Blount (R-Mo)to have the National Park Service look into adding them to their holdings passed the Senate and was heading back to the House. where a decision was expected soon.
I did not have any follow up on it.
Always Great to Preserve Part of History
H. L. Hunley-- Part 2
OTHER OBJECTS FOUND
A primitive shelf which served as the Hunley's dashboard which was notched for a depth gauge to fit behind it.
A compass box and oil can on a shelf where it is believed a candle was located.
Three pocket knives, one belonging to Lt. Dixon that looked like silver but actually was a nickel and copper alloy. Dixon did not engrave his name on it as he did with most of his possessions.
A silk bandanna was on James Wick's neck. He was one of the oldest crewmen. Silk is one of the few surviving textiles from the wreck because it is the strongest of cloth fibers. Cotton can degrade in a week.
However, the knot, probably tied by Wick, can not be untied. The color of it also can't be determined, but it was probably a vegetable die which washes out. The orange tint on it probably came from the oxidizing of the ship's iron hull.
Always Interested in This Kind of Stuff. --B-Runner
A primitive shelf which served as the Hunley's dashboard which was notched for a depth gauge to fit behind it.
A compass box and oil can on a shelf where it is believed a candle was located.
Three pocket knives, one belonging to Lt. Dixon that looked like silver but actually was a nickel and copper alloy. Dixon did not engrave his name on it as he did with most of his possessions.
A silk bandanna was on James Wick's neck. He was one of the oldest crewmen. Silk is one of the few surviving textiles from the wreck because it is the strongest of cloth fibers. Cotton can degrade in a week.
However, the knot, probably tied by Wick, can not be untied. The color of it also can't be determined, but it was probably a vegetable die which washes out. The orange tint on it probably came from the oxidizing of the ship's iron hull.
Always Interested in This Kind of Stuff. --B-Runner
H. L. Hunley-- Part 1
The January 2, 2008 Charlotte (NC) Observer, ran an article on the ongoing efforts to restore the Confederate submarine Hunley.
At the time, an oil can, silk bandanna, and a pocket knife had been recovered and a lot of conserving was being on done on these as they would fall apart quickly after over 100 years underwater.
Clemson University is preparing the Hunley for a multi-year restoration by scientists at the Warren Lasch Conservation Center in North Charleston. They have been working to save the hundreds of artifacts found on board.
This will take many years as a long soak in fresh water to draw corrosive salts out is necessary.
More to Come. --Old B-R
At the time, an oil can, silk bandanna, and a pocket knife had been recovered and a lot of conserving was being on done on these as they would fall apart quickly after over 100 years underwater.
Clemson University is preparing the Hunley for a multi-year restoration by scientists at the Warren Lasch Conservation Center in North Charleston. They have been working to save the hundreds of artifacts found on board.
This will take many years as a long soak in fresh water to draw corrosive salts out is necessary.
More to Come. --Old B-R
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Back to That Napoleon Cannon at Grant Park
And it just goes on. Some more stuff in relation to the cannon at Grant Park in Galena, Illinois, that has led me on so many excursions in the Civil War.
The Ohio State House has two 12-pdr. Napoleons and two six-pdr. Napoleons made by Miles Greenwood's Foundry. They were never used in combat and restored by Paul "Big Boom" Miller of Cannon Ltd. in 1995.
According to the Galena newspaper, the one in Grant Park has the registry number 3 on it along with the name of the Federal ordnance officer in charge of production, John Rufus Edie, and weight at 1200 lbs.
The April 20, 1865, issue of the Galena Daily Gazette says it was captured at Vicksburg, but there is thought this might be post-war bravado.
It was displayed at the Galena Fairgrounds (Recreation Park) until 1882 when it was mounted on a granite block at the Soldier's Monument.
I have sure found out a lot of interesting stuff while looking up stuff for this cannon. What next? This thread started August 31st and continued September 1-11th, then 9-14, and today.
The Story That Just Won't End. --B-R'er
The Ohio State House has two 12-pdr. Napoleons and two six-pdr. Napoleons made by Miles Greenwood's Foundry. They were never used in combat and restored by Paul "Big Boom" Miller of Cannon Ltd. in 1995.
According to the Galena newspaper, the one in Grant Park has the registry number 3 on it along with the name of the Federal ordnance officer in charge of production, John Rufus Edie, and weight at 1200 lbs.
The April 20, 1865, issue of the Galena Daily Gazette says it was captured at Vicksburg, but there is thought this might be post-war bravado.
It was displayed at the Galena Fairgrounds (Recreation Park) until 1882 when it was mounted on a granite block at the Soldier's Monument.
I have sure found out a lot of interesting stuff while looking up stuff for this cannon. What next? This thread started August 31st and continued September 1-11th, then 9-14, and today.
The Story That Just Won't End. --B-R'er
Running the Blockade: Flags Online-- 1874 Naval Auction
Some New News About an Old War.
1. FLAGS ONLINE-- The August 29th Richmond (Va) Times-Ledger reports that the Museum of the Confederacy's entire 685 flag collection are now available on a searchable data base including color photos, ids, history, and measurements.
2. 1874 NAVAL AUCTION-- Ships sold at auction by the US Navy at New Orleans September 12, 1874:
USS Winnebago
USS Yuma
USS Chickasaw
USS Klamath
USS Kickapoo
All were ironclads. Some white elephant sale? Perhaps estate? I guess they were considered excess at the time. Too bad that at least one wasn't kept to be used as a museum of some sort.
How Much for That Monitor inthe Window. --Old B-Runner
1. FLAGS ONLINE-- The August 29th Richmond (Va) Times-Ledger reports that the Museum of the Confederacy's entire 685 flag collection are now available on a searchable data base including color photos, ids, history, and measurements.
2. 1874 NAVAL AUCTION-- Ships sold at auction by the US Navy at New Orleans September 12, 1874:
USS Winnebago
USS Yuma
USS Chickasaw
USS Klamath
USS Kickapoo
All were ironclads. Some white elephant sale? Perhaps estate? I guess they were considered excess at the time. Too bad that at least one wasn't kept to be used as a museum of some sort.
How Much for That Monitor inthe Window. --Old B-Runner
Monday, September 28, 2009
USS Milwaukee
Still continuing with what started out as a look at the Napoleon cannon at Galena, Illinois, in Grant Park. This led to Cincinnati which eventually led to monitors built along the inland areas.
The monitor USS Milwaukee was launched by James Eads in February, 1864 and commissioned in August. It was sunk March 28, 1865. It was 1300 tons, 229 feet long, 58.8 feet beam, and six foot draft. It had double turrets mounting 4 X 11-inch Dahlgreen smoothbore cannons.
It was launched by James B. Eads at his Carondolet, Missouri, ironworks and commanded by Lt. James M. Magune. It was sent to the West Gulf Blockading Squadron and in November, Lt. Cmdy. James H. Gillis.
On August 5, 1965, the Union Navy won the Battle of Mobile Bay, but the city remained in Confederate hands. It was decided to capture the town from the east. The key to that was Confederate fortifications along the Blakely River called Spanish Fort.
On March 27th, the Milwaukee and five other vessels crossed the Dog River Bar. The next day, the Milwaukee and the USS Winnebago steamed up the Blakely River to attack a ship resupplying Spanish Fort. After it withdrew, the Milwaukee dropped downriver, hit a torpedo and sank almost immediately. The entire crew was saved by the USS Kickapoo, which also came to the aid of the USS Osage when it met a similar fate the next day.
In 1868, the Milwaukee was raised and towed to St. Louis, where it was melted down and part reportedly used in the construction of the Eads Bridge.
From Monitor to Bridge. --Old B-R'er
The monitor USS Milwaukee was launched by James Eads in February, 1864 and commissioned in August. It was sunk March 28, 1865. It was 1300 tons, 229 feet long, 58.8 feet beam, and six foot draft. It had double turrets mounting 4 X 11-inch Dahlgreen smoothbore cannons.
It was launched by James B. Eads at his Carondolet, Missouri, ironworks and commanded by Lt. James M. Magune. It was sent to the West Gulf Blockading Squadron and in November, Lt. Cmdy. James H. Gillis.
On August 5, 1965, the Union Navy won the Battle of Mobile Bay, but the city remained in Confederate hands. It was decided to capture the town from the east. The key to that was Confederate fortifications along the Blakely River called Spanish Fort.
On March 27th, the Milwaukee and five other vessels crossed the Dog River Bar. The next day, the Milwaukee and the USS Winnebago steamed up the Blakely River to attack a ship resupplying Spanish Fort. After it withdrew, the Milwaukee dropped downriver, hit a torpedo and sank almost immediately. The entire crew was saved by the USS Kickapoo, which also came to the aid of the USS Osage when it met a similar fate the next day.
In 1868, the Milwaukee was raised and towed to St. Louis, where it was melted down and part reportedly used in the construction of the Eads Bridge.
From Monitor to Bridge. --Old B-R'er
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Confederate Fort Fisher Veterans Invited North
Augustv 19th Wilmington Star News.
The newspaper prints stories from 100 and 50 years ago. This one from August 19, 1909.
Confederate veterans of the Fort Fisher Survivors Association were invited to attend the reunion of the 117th New York regiment September 7-9, 1909 in Utica, New York. They had previously attended the Confederate group's reunion in Wilmington.
The Utica Chamber of Commerce had also invited the women of the association.
My Friend, the Enemy. --Old B-Runner
The newspaper prints stories from 100 and 50 years ago. This one from August 19, 1909.
Confederate veterans of the Fort Fisher Survivors Association were invited to attend the reunion of the 117th New York regiment September 7-9, 1909 in Utica, New York. They had previously attended the Confederate group's reunion in Wilmington.
The Utica Chamber of Commerce had also invited the women of the association.
My Friend, the Enemy. --Old B-Runner
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Captain Albert Parks Hurt
Probably the first commander of the steamer A. P. Hurt. By 1870, he was captain of the Governor Worth.
An account of the fall of Fayetteville, NC, states that there was a serious food shortage because the railroad was cut off and steamboats were being detained in Wilmington.
Captain Hurt and five others volunteered to go to Wilmington to get supplies and proceeded down the river. General J. C. Abbott, in temporary command, promised to aid them, but when General Hawley returned, the assassination of Lincoln took place along with Johnston's surrender to Sherman being rejected. Hawley ordered them to return to Fayetteville.
One of the group, Ralph P. Buxton, pleaded to remain,even if he were jailed, to continue seeking relief. A week later, Johnston has surrendedered and the war was over. The steamer A. P. Hurt was given to him and loaded with provisions, went to Fayetteville.
Captain Hurt came to Wilmington and the Cape Fear River from Virginia in 1851. He supervised the building of the A. P. Hurt, Flora McDonald and other steamers and was a favorite captain on the river. He later tried his hand in the mercantile trade, but retired.
On June 10, 1883 the Wilmington Morning Star reported that he was found dead in his room at the Fayetteville Hotel.
Information from The Steamboats of the Cape Fear Blog.
An Interesting Story. Old B-Runner
An account of the fall of Fayetteville, NC, states that there was a serious food shortage because the railroad was cut off and steamboats were being detained in Wilmington.
Captain Hurt and five others volunteered to go to Wilmington to get supplies and proceeded down the river. General J. C. Abbott, in temporary command, promised to aid them, but when General Hawley returned, the assassination of Lincoln took place along with Johnston's surrender to Sherman being rejected. Hawley ordered them to return to Fayetteville.
One of the group, Ralph P. Buxton, pleaded to remain,even if he were jailed, to continue seeking relief. A week later, Johnston has surrendedered and the war was over. The steamer A. P. Hurt was given to him and loaded with provisions, went to Fayetteville.
Captain Hurt came to Wilmington and the Cape Fear River from Virginia in 1851. He supervised the building of the A. P. Hurt, Flora McDonald and other steamers and was a favorite captain on the river. He later tried his hand in the mercantile trade, but retired.
On June 10, 1883 the Wilmington Morning Star reported that he was found dead in his room at the Fayetteville Hotel.
Information from The Steamboats of the Cape Fear Blog.
An Interesting Story. Old B-Runner
Friday, September 25, 2009
Wreck of the Steamer A. P. Hurt
The wreck of the steamer A. P. Hurt lies in 15 feet of water in the Cape Fear River near Wilmington. It was launched in 1860 and sank in 1924. Apparently it plied the waters of the Cape Fear for most of its career, including the years of the Civil War.
It is owned by the state and on the National Register as part of an archaeological district of sunken ships and marine enterprises in the area.
It was built in Wilmington, Delaware, at a cost of $16,000 and became part of the Cape Fear Steamboat Line. It was built under the supervision of Captain A. P. Hurt and named after him. It was 118 feet long, had an 18 foot beam, weighed 125 tons and was both a passenger and freight boat.
It was powered by a sidewheel and had six state rooms and is described as having a steel hull.
In 1895, the Cape Fear River dropped suddenly, stranding steamers on land. This destroyed the steamer Cape Fear, but caused no damage to the A. P. Hurt.
I could not find any mention of what caused he ship to sink in 1924 or how much of it is left.
More to Come. --Old B-R
It is owned by the state and on the National Register as part of an archaeological district of sunken ships and marine enterprises in the area.
It was built in Wilmington, Delaware, at a cost of $16,000 and became part of the Cape Fear Steamboat Line. It was built under the supervision of Captain A. P. Hurt and named after him. It was 118 feet long, had an 18 foot beam, weighed 125 tons and was both a passenger and freight boat.
It was powered by a sidewheel and had six state rooms and is described as having a steel hull.
In 1895, the Cape Fear River dropped suddenly, stranding steamers on land. This destroyed the steamer Cape Fear, but caused no damage to the A. P. Hurt.
I could not find any mention of what caused he ship to sink in 1924 or how much of it is left.
More to Come. --Old B-R
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Running the Blockade: 75th Anniversary of Gettysburg-- Tampa Park-- Cape Fear Historic Byway
Some New News About an Old War.
1. 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF GETTYSBURG-- In 1938, the 75th anniversary of the battle was held in Gettysburg. Around 1,900 Union and Confederate veterans attended. Some interesting statistics for the event; a fleet of wheel chairs was on hand for the aging men, 3,800tents, 20 miles of electric wire, 50,000 yards of mosquito netting, and 27 cases of whiskey were on hand.
The average age of the veterans was 94 and the only thing in short supply was whiskey. I guess some things you just can't change.
2. TAMPA PARK-- The Sons of Confederate Veterans Florida Division has dedicated a park near Tampa which flies the largest Confederate flag ever made. The 2,100 square foot flag is the size of an average American home and can easily be seen from two interstates.
It is part of the Division's Flags Across Florida project and will not be the last site. This flag has stirred up quite a bit of controversy, especially from one group in particular.
3. CAPE FEAR HISTORIC BYWAY-- The state's first urban and 50th byway overall became a part of the North Carolina Scenic Byways Program. This one is 7 miles in length and has great views of the Cape Fear River and Greenfield Lake.
It begins and ends at US-74/NC-133 and Third Street and covers the historic waterfront district, portions of US-421, Third Street, Water Street, Castle Street, and Lake Shore Drive. You can get a brochure by contacting www.ncdot.org/public/publications.
Now, You Know. --Old B-Runner
1. 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF GETTYSBURG-- In 1938, the 75th anniversary of the battle was held in Gettysburg. Around 1,900 Union and Confederate veterans attended. Some interesting statistics for the event; a fleet of wheel chairs was on hand for the aging men, 3,800tents, 20 miles of electric wire, 50,000 yards of mosquito netting, and 27 cases of whiskey were on hand.
The average age of the veterans was 94 and the only thing in short supply was whiskey. I guess some things you just can't change.
2. TAMPA PARK-- The Sons of Confederate Veterans Florida Division has dedicated a park near Tampa which flies the largest Confederate flag ever made. The 2,100 square foot flag is the size of an average American home and can easily be seen from two interstates.
It is part of the Division's Flags Across Florida project and will not be the last site. This flag has stirred up quite a bit of controversy, especially from one group in particular.
3. CAPE FEAR HISTORIC BYWAY-- The state's first urban and 50th byway overall became a part of the North Carolina Scenic Byways Program. This one is 7 miles in length and has great views of the Cape Fear River and Greenfield Lake.
It begins and ends at US-74/NC-133 and Third Street and covers the historic waterfront district, portions of US-421, Third Street, Water Street, Castle Street, and Lake Shore Drive. You can get a brochure by contacting www.ncdot.org/public/publications.
Now, You Know. --Old B-Runner
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
UT to Preserve Part of Battlefield
The August 31st WHNT News reported that the University of Tennessee has announced that it will preserve a section of a Civil War site discovered as crews began building parking and roads for a new sorority row.
They found Confederate gun emplacements and trenches over the 21 acre site between Neyland Drive, Kingston Pike, and Alcoa Highway where 13 new sorority houses are going to be built.
These date from the failed Confederate siege of Knoxville November 18 through December 4, 1863 and Battle of Fort Sanders November 29, 1863. Ruts from cannon wheels, friction primers and belt buckles were found.
A sixty feet stretch will be preserved. That is not much, but better than none at all. I'll take it.
Better Some, Than None. --Old B-Runner
They found Confederate gun emplacements and trenches over the 21 acre site between Neyland Drive, Kingston Pike, and Alcoa Highway where 13 new sorority houses are going to be built.
These date from the failed Confederate siege of Knoxville November 18 through December 4, 1863 and Battle of Fort Sanders November 29, 1863. Ruts from cannon wheels, friction primers and belt buckles were found.
A sixty feet stretch will be preserved. That is not much, but better than none at all. I'll take it.
Better Some, Than None. --Old B-Runner
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
First-Ever Combat Photograph?
What might be the first-ever picture taken of combat might have been taken at Dutch Gap Channel during the Civil War while it was being dug.
Two pictures were taken in a short time.
By the time the second was taken, smoke was evident and workers were scrambling on the dam.
An 1869 caption reads, "The mist arising against the bank is caused by a rebel shell, which exploded just as the view was being photographed."
You can see the two photographs yourself at
http://www.civilwarphotography.org/3d-17.html.
Never Heard of This Before. --B-R'er
Two pictures were taken in a short time.
By the time the second was taken, smoke was evident and workers were scrambling on the dam.
An 1869 caption reads, "The mist arising against the bank is caused by a rebel shell, which exploded just as the view was being photographed."
You can see the two photographs yourself at
http://www.civilwarphotography.org/3d-17.html.
Never Heard of This Before. --B-R'er
Monday, September 21, 2009
Weird Things Happening at the Museum
If you visit the Columbus National Civil War Naval Museum in Georgia and go into the store, you'd best beware of flying books. A customer was hit recently and another book landed several feet away. And, nobody threw them.
Workers at the museum say this happens all the time. In addition, there is a square black spindle on the front counter with key rings, pins, and whistles that sometimes spins without anyone touching it.
The Alabama Paranormal Research Team will conduct an investigation.
August 10th Columbus Ledger-Enquirer.
Another Night at the Museum. --Old B-Runner
Workers at the museum say this happens all the time. In addition, there is a square black spindle on the front counter with key rings, pins, and whistles that sometimes spins without anyone touching it.
The Alabama Paranormal Research Team will conduct an investigation.
August 10th Columbus Ledger-Enquirer.
Another Night at the Museum. --Old B-Runner
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Sure Scared Me
The re-enactment battle was going on when I left the Lake Villa Civil War Days today. A slight rain was beginning to fall and I couldn't find the truck. Finally found it.
As I was backing up. it sounded like I hit something, even though there was no bump. Stopped and continued again, but the same thing. A loud noise and then a whole bunch of loud noises.
Finally realized the noises were coming from the artillery.
Felt kind of stupid, but continued backing up slowly.
ANOTHER ILLINOIS ROUTE 66 CIVIL WAR IDEA
One group at the re-enactment featured women serving in the military. They had a picture and information on Jenny Hodgers who fought with the 95th Illinois at 40 battles. After the war, she lived in Sauneman, about 16 miles east of Pontiac which is on the Mother Road.
She kept her identity secret until injured in an auto accident.
The Cannon That Roared. --Old B-Runner
As I was backing up. it sounded like I hit something, even though there was no bump. Stopped and continued again, but the same thing. A loud noise and then a whole bunch of loud noises.
Finally realized the noises were coming from the artillery.
Felt kind of stupid, but continued backing up slowly.
ANOTHER ILLINOIS ROUTE 66 CIVIL WAR IDEA
One group at the re-enactment featured women serving in the military. They had a picture and information on Jenny Hodgers who fought with the 95th Illinois at 40 battles. After the war, she lived in Sauneman, about 16 miles east of Pontiac which is on the Mother Road.
She kept her identity secret until injured in an auto accident.
The Cannon That Roared. --Old B-Runner
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