THE BATTLE OVER CATTLE, Ft. Myers, Florida. Florida was a Confederate state, but Union troops used the fort here as a base for stealing local cattle being raised to feed the Confederate Army elsewhere. Over 4,000 head taken. In February 1865, Confederates attacked the fort but were repulsed. Light casualties on both sides. Probably the southernmosty fight in the war.
FIRST SUBMARINE ATTACK, Charleston, SC. Charleston, as the seat of the secession movement came under major Union attack starting in 1863. It was hoped submarine Hunley would be able to turn the tide. On Feb. 17, 1864, it attacked the USS Housatonic and sank it. The Hunley never returned, but was recovered in 2001. You can see it undergoing preservation.
Old Secesh
This blog grew out of my "Down Da Road I Go Blog," which was originally to be about stuff I was interested in, music and what I was doing. There was so much history and Civil War entries, I spun two more off. Starting Jan. 1, 2012, I will be spinning a Naval blog off this one called "Running the Blockade."
The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
Showing posts with label H. L. Hunley. Show all posts
Showing posts with label H. L. Hunley. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Confederate Sub Upright for First Time Since 1864
Scientists in North Charleston, SC, are hoping that the newly revealed "hidden side" of the Confederate submarine Hunley will give clues as to its sinking and deaths of its eight crew members.
So far, there have been no immediate things that stick out as to the answer, but there are "tantalizing clues" according to researchers. They already knew that there were large hull breaches on the starboard side that had remained out of view ever after the sub's raising.
Even stranger, the areas around the breaches was smooth where the sediments that had hardened all over the rest of the hull had been blasted away. Scientists are not sure if the breaches are man-made, caused by an explosion or caused by nature.
The sediment might have been scoured away by water and tides.
In any event, the newly upright Hunley now looks more like the stealth weapon that it was.
The next step will take place when the sub is lowered onto its keel blocks and in another month, the truss and slings will be removed, giving an even better view of the ship.
There are many good videos of the rotation process on YouTube.
Looking Forward to Seeing the Ship. --Old B-Runner
So far, there have been no immediate things that stick out as to the answer, but there are "tantalizing clues" according to researchers. They already knew that there were large hull breaches on the starboard side that had remained out of view ever after the sub's raising.
Even stranger, the areas around the breaches was smooth where the sediments that had hardened all over the rest of the hull had been blasted away. Scientists are not sure if the breaches are man-made, caused by an explosion or caused by nature.
The sediment might have been scoured away by water and tides.
In any event, the newly upright Hunley now looks more like the stealth weapon that it was.
The next step will take place when the sub is lowered onto its keel blocks and in another month, the truss and slings will be removed, giving an even better view of the ship.
There are many good videos of the rotation process on YouTube.
Looking Forward to Seeing the Ship. --Old B-Runner
Labels:
Charleston,
H. L. Hunley,
South Carolina,
submarines
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
The Hunley on a Slow Roll-- Part 2
Two lab workers began ratcheting down each sling, one at a time. In the first hour, the submarine rotated about 2 degrees. By early afternoon, more than a dozen workers were stationed along the strap controls and the Hunley began moving about 4 milliliters at a time.
Shortly after 4:30 pm, worked came to a stop after the Hunley had moved some 200 milliliters and the sub now didn't look quite as wide as it had before and, it looked smaller.
There were several comments in the article, with several wondering how much this effort had cost taxpayers. One reply said that all money for the project had come from the Clemson University Restoration Institute, the South Carolina Hunley Commission and the Naval Historical Center.
Saving a Ship, One Millileter at a Time. --Old B-Runner
Shortly after 4:30 pm, worked came to a stop after the Hunley had moved some 200 milliliters and the sub now didn't look quite as wide as it had before and, it looked smaller.
There were several comments in the article, with several wondering how much this effort had cost taxpayers. One reply said that all money for the project had come from the Clemson University Restoration Institute, the South Carolina Hunley Commission and the Naval Historical Center.
Saving a Ship, One Millileter at a Time. --Old B-Runner
Labels:
Charleston,
H. L. Hunley,
South Carolina,
submarines
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
The Hunley on a Slow Roll-- Part 1
Sure is a lot of news about the rotating of the Confederate submarine Hunley to an upright position. From the Charleston (SC) Post and Courier by Brian Hicks.
Engineers and scientists at Warren Lasch Conservation Center in North Charleston are working at uprighting the Hunley, three milliliters at a time. The pace is plodding and progress barely visible, but they are avoiding hull stress by adjusting the 15 straps holding the vessel.
They are also keeping a laser sight running from stern to bow to detect any twisting of the hull.
One upright, conservators can begin removing the crusted sand and shells on this part of the hull they were formerly unable to approach.
Work began last Wednesday while the ship rested at a 45 degree angle (actually 49.3 degrees starboard).
More to Come. --Old B-Runner
Engineers and scientists at Warren Lasch Conservation Center in North Charleston are working at uprighting the Hunley, three milliliters at a time. The pace is plodding and progress barely visible, but they are avoiding hull stress by adjusting the 15 straps holding the vessel.
They are also keeping a laser sight running from stern to bow to detect any twisting of the hull.
One upright, conservators can begin removing the crusted sand and shells on this part of the hull they were formerly unable to approach.
Work began last Wednesday while the ship rested at a 45 degree angle (actually 49.3 degrees starboard).
More to Come. --Old B-Runner
Labels:
Charleston,
H. L. Hunley,
South Carolina,
submarines
Monday, June 27, 2011
Rotating the Hunley
From the June 23rd Houston Chronicle.
Rotating the Hunley, which began on the 22nd, is taking longer than expected. As of the publish date, the submarine had been rotated about 30 degrees and the job was expected to be finished by June 24th.
A laser monitoring system had to be readjusted on the 23rd when the vessel's bow began to dip, so workers had to level it out again.
Once completed and the sub is sitting upright, the entire hull will be visible for the first time and scientists hope the reason for the ship's sinking will become apparent.
Wednesday, the 22nd, the final progress was ten degrees.
Can't Be Too Careful with This Valuable Artifact. --Old B-Runner
Rotating the Hunley, which began on the 22nd, is taking longer than expected. As of the publish date, the submarine had been rotated about 30 degrees and the job was expected to be finished by June 24th.
A laser monitoring system had to be readjusted on the 23rd when the vessel's bow began to dip, so workers had to level it out again.
Once completed and the sub is sitting upright, the entire hull will be visible for the first time and scientists hope the reason for the ship's sinking will become apparent.
Wednesday, the 22nd, the final progress was ten degrees.
Can't Be Too Careful with This Valuable Artifact. --Old B-Runner
Saturday, June 25, 2011
What Sank the Hunley?
From the June 22nd Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
There are three major theories as to why the Hunley sank on its way back from sinking the USS Housatonic.
1. It was hit by cannon fire from the Housatonic.
2. The crew was knocked out from the concussion of the blst of the torpedo that sank the Housatonic.
3. It was damaged by another Union vessel coming to the aid of the stricken Union ship.
Studies conducted since the ship was raised show that the crew died from lack of oxygen. They were all found at their stations when the ship was excavated. Death came quickly. There was no evidence of a rush to escape.
This Will Be Interesting. --Old B-R'er
There are three major theories as to why the Hunley sank on its way back from sinking the USS Housatonic.
1. It was hit by cannon fire from the Housatonic.
2. The crew was knocked out from the concussion of the blst of the torpedo that sank the Housatonic.
3. It was damaged by another Union vessel coming to the aid of the stricken Union ship.
Studies conducted since the ship was raised show that the crew died from lack of oxygen. They were all found at their stations when the ship was excavated. Death came quickly. There was no evidence of a rush to escape.
This Will Be Interesting. --Old B-R'er
Labels:
Charleston,
H. L. Hunley,
South Carolina,
submarines
Righting the Hunley
From the June 22nd Atlanta (Ga) Journal-Constitution.
On June 22nd, the Hunley was rotated by 10 degrees by mid-afternoon in a delicate effort expected to take two days. In all, the ship will be righted into an upright position a little over 45 degrees.
Experts are hoping that once the submarine is upright and the slings removed, that they will be able to find what sank the ship back in 1864. The exact reason has nor been found for the ten years the ship has been ashore.
Last week, the ship was raised three feet off the floor of the tank it rests in and 90,000 gallons of water drained. After that, half of the 15 slings were removed. The remaining ones now have sophisticated sensors to tell how much weight each is supporting.
Once upright, it will rest on keel blocks.
Several years of planning have gone into this effort.
Go, Guys!! --Old B-Runner
On June 22nd, the Hunley was rotated by 10 degrees by mid-afternoon in a delicate effort expected to take two days. In all, the ship will be righted into an upright position a little over 45 degrees.
Experts are hoping that once the submarine is upright and the slings removed, that they will be able to find what sank the ship back in 1864. The exact reason has nor been found for the ten years the ship has been ashore.
Last week, the ship was raised three feet off the floor of the tank it rests in and 90,000 gallons of water drained. After that, half of the 15 slings were removed. The remaining ones now have sophisticated sensors to tell how much weight each is supporting.
Once upright, it will rest on keel blocks.
Several years of planning have gone into this effort.
Go, Guys!! --Old B-Runner
Labels:
Charleston,
H. L. Hunley,
South Carolina,
submarines
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Submarine Hunley Raised in Preparation for Rotation
From the June 15th Charleston ABC News 4 and Beaufort (SC) Gazette.
The Hunley was raised three in preparation for being set upright. When the submarine was found over ten years ago, it was resting at a 45 degree list to the starboard and that angle has been maintained in its research facility tank.
Crane operators hoisted the Hunley on the 15th, the first step in a two-week process to stand it upright. This is the first time the ship has been moved in nearly eleven years.
Cecil Douglas was handling the crane, the same person who put the Hunley in its tank August 8, 20000, just hours after it had been raised from the Atlantic Ocean.
Since then several pieces have been removed and the interior completely excavated, including the remains of the crew and over 2,000 artifacts.
It is hoped that the new perspective will show the cause for the sub's sinking, which is still not known for sure.
I'll be Keeping Updates on the Story. --Old B-R'er
The Hunley was raised three in preparation for being set upright. When the submarine was found over ten years ago, it was resting at a 45 degree list to the starboard and that angle has been maintained in its research facility tank.
Crane operators hoisted the Hunley on the 15th, the first step in a two-week process to stand it upright. This is the first time the ship has been moved in nearly eleven years.
Cecil Douglas was handling the crane, the same person who put the Hunley in its tank August 8, 20000, just hours after it had been raised from the Atlantic Ocean.
Since then several pieces have been removed and the interior completely excavated, including the remains of the crew and over 2,000 artifacts.
It is hoped that the new perspective will show the cause for the sub's sinking, which is still not known for sure.
I'll be Keeping Updates on the Story. --Old B-R'er
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Running the Blockade: Kid Rock-- Hunley
Some New News About an Old War.
1. KID ROCK-- I've been following with some interest, the reaction of the NAACP in regards to their Detroit chapter's decision to honor entertainer Kid Rock at their annual Fight for Freedom Fundraiser this May 1st.
Other groups of the NAACP are threatening to boycott and are really against the Detroit group's decision.
And why is this? Because Kid Rock sometimes has a big Confederate flag onstage when he performs and we all know that is like the red flag in front of a bull. Because of the flag, Kid Rock is a Racist according to them. Of course, calling Rock a racist because of a flag is kind of racist as well. After all, Kid Rock is white. But, you'd never get them to admit to it.
Now, if anything, the NAACP should be upset with Rock because of his profuse usage of cuss words. But, wait a minute, rap music isn't excactly church-worthy either.
It is time for the NAACP to stop their campaign against that flag.
2. HUNLEY-- This summer, plans are in the works to move the Confederate submarine Hunley to an upright position, the first time it will be at that angle since it sank.
It was raised at the same angle, 45 degrees, that it was found.
It is hoped that the upright position will better help researchers find out why the vessel sank.
Just Some News. --Old B-Runner
1. KID ROCK-- I've been following with some interest, the reaction of the NAACP in regards to their Detroit chapter's decision to honor entertainer Kid Rock at their annual Fight for Freedom Fundraiser this May 1st.
Other groups of the NAACP are threatening to boycott and are really against the Detroit group's decision.
And why is this? Because Kid Rock sometimes has a big Confederate flag onstage when he performs and we all know that is like the red flag in front of a bull. Because of the flag, Kid Rock is a Racist according to them. Of course, calling Rock a racist because of a flag is kind of racist as well. After all, Kid Rock is white. But, you'd never get them to admit to it.
Now, if anything, the NAACP should be upset with Rock because of his profuse usage of cuss words. But, wait a minute, rap music isn't excactly church-worthy either.
It is time for the NAACP to stop their campaign against that flag.
2. HUNLEY-- This summer, plans are in the works to move the Confederate submarine Hunley to an upright position, the first time it will be at that angle since it sank.
It was raised at the same angle, 45 degrees, that it was found.
It is hoped that the upright position will better help researchers find out why the vessel sank.
Just Some News. --Old B-Runner
Friday, January 21, 2011
Blue If Successful: Hunley Light Replicas
From the Dec. 8, 2010, Pa. Republican & Herald.
This is the kind of Civil War story I really like to read as it involves young people getting a taste of the Civil War and hopefully turning them into our future buffs.
The National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, has accepted a replica of a lantern that may have been used on the Confederate submarine Hunley when it sank the USS Housatonic in 1864. It is one of four made by 12 Hamburg Area High School, Pa., students. It will be placed in the Navy section.
The museum is also receiving signal flags from the CSS Virginia II and artifacts from the CSS Albemarle.
The Hunley sank Feb. 17, 1864, while returning from the attack. A Confederate soldier on shore reported seeing an agreed upon blue light signal likely from the submarine.
Students also recreated two working lanterns in their six month project accomplished with much research and after school hours. These two showed blue lights that could be seen 1,100 feet.
All of the remaining lanterns are being taken to the Warren Lasch Conservation Center in North Chicago which is preserving the remains of the Hunley. One will be put on permanent display and the two working ones will be tested in the spring of 2012.
The Student's' Teacher is to Be Commended. --Old B-Runner
This is the kind of Civil War story I really like to read as it involves young people getting a taste of the Civil War and hopefully turning them into our future buffs.
The National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, has accepted a replica of a lantern that may have been used on the Confederate submarine Hunley when it sank the USS Housatonic in 1864. It is one of four made by 12 Hamburg Area High School, Pa., students. It will be placed in the Navy section.
The museum is also receiving signal flags from the CSS Virginia II and artifacts from the CSS Albemarle.
The Hunley sank Feb. 17, 1864, while returning from the attack. A Confederate soldier on shore reported seeing an agreed upon blue light signal likely from the submarine.
Students also recreated two working lanterns in their six month project accomplished with much research and after school hours. These two showed blue lights that could be seen 1,100 feet.
All of the remaining lanterns are being taken to the Warren Lasch Conservation Center in North Chicago which is preserving the remains of the Hunley. One will be put on permanent display and the two working ones will be tested in the spring of 2012.
The Student's' Teacher is to Be Commended. --Old B-Runner
Monday, November 1, 2010
Rotating the H. L. Hunley
From the August 6 Charleston (SC) Post and Courier.
Plans call for rotating the hull of the Confederate submarine Hunley so that it will sit flat instead of the 45 degree angle where it has rested since 1864. When it was raised, it was kept at that angle.
Rotating the hull is a very tricky process as some parts of the vessel are a lot weaker than others. There is concretion (hardened sand, sediment and shell) from its 136 years under the sea which needs to be removed. The delicate process of removal involves the use of chemicals and electric current.
"It's like pouring concrete on and egg and then trying to remove it without breaking the egg," said Paul Mardikan, the senior conservator at the warren Lasch Conservation center in North Charleston, where the ship is now.
The starboard side, where the Hunley has been resting, until now has been largely unseen. You can't even see it in Conrad Wise Chapman's painting of the sub from the war.
It is hoped that clues to the submarine's demise might solve the question.
I Sure Would Like to See That Sub. --Old B-Runner
Plans call for rotating the hull of the Confederate submarine Hunley so that it will sit flat instead of the 45 degree angle where it has rested since 1864. When it was raised, it was kept at that angle.
Rotating the hull is a very tricky process as some parts of the vessel are a lot weaker than others. There is concretion (hardened sand, sediment and shell) from its 136 years under the sea which needs to be removed. The delicate process of removal involves the use of chemicals and electric current.
"It's like pouring concrete on and egg and then trying to remove it without breaking the egg," said Paul Mardikan, the senior conservator at the warren Lasch Conservation center in North Charleston, where the ship is now.
The starboard side, where the Hunley has been resting, until now has been largely unseen. You can't even see it in Conrad Wise Chapman's painting of the sub from the war.
It is hoped that clues to the submarine's demise might solve the question.
I Sure Would Like to See That Sub. --Old B-Runner
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Tenth Anniversary of the Raising of the Hunley-- Part 1
From the August 7th Chattanooga Times Free Press "10 years on mystery of Confederate sub remains" by Bruce Smith, AP.
When the H.L. Hunley sank, it came to rest on the sea floor resting at a 45 degree angle to starboard. Ten years ago, when the vessel was lifted, it was kept at the same angle and remains so. August 8th marked the tenth anniversary of the Hunley's raising. Thousands watched then and thousands more witnessed the 2004 burial of its crew.
During the past 15 years, $22 million has been spent on excavating, raising and preserving the sub according to the Friends of the Hunley, a non-profit group that raises money for the project.
We visited the place in North Charleston where the Hunley is being preserved, but, unfortunately at the time, it was only open on the weekends. Maybe we'll get lucky next time.
More tomorrow.
The First Successful Submarine Attack. --B-R'er
When the H.L. Hunley sank, it came to rest on the sea floor resting at a 45 degree angle to starboard. Ten years ago, when the vessel was lifted, it was kept at the same angle and remains so. August 8th marked the tenth anniversary of the Hunley's raising. Thousands watched then and thousands more witnessed the 2004 burial of its crew.
During the past 15 years, $22 million has been spent on excavating, raising and preserving the sub according to the Friends of the Hunley, a non-profit group that raises money for the project.
We visited the place in North Charleston where the Hunley is being preserved, but, unfortunately at the time, it was only open on the weekends. Maybe we'll get lucky next time.
More tomorrow.
The First Successful Submarine Attack. --B-R'er
Thursday, July 15, 2010
The First Hunley Crew
Before the Hunley sank the second time, it also went down August 29, 1863. By this time, the Confederate Navy had taken over the submarine and it was under the command of Lt. John A. Payne, who had come over from the CSS Chicora, a Confederate ironclad in Charleston Harbor.
It sank off the wharf of Fort Johnson. Four men escaped this tragedy and five drowned.
Survivor Charles Hasker reported that Payne accidentally stepped on a lever controlling the dive planes during a test run and the submarine submerged with its hatches still open.
It was, of course, raised. Three crew members escaped and five drowned.
Crew:
Michael Caine
Nicholas Davis
Frank Doyle
Charles Hasker (survived)
John Kelly
Lt. John A. Payne (survived)
Absolum Williams
William Robinson (survived)
I Don't Think I'd Volunteer for Duty on That Ship. --Old B-R'er
It sank off the wharf of Fort Johnson. Four men escaped this tragedy and five drowned.
Survivor Charles Hasker reported that Payne accidentally stepped on a lever controlling the dive planes during a test run and the submarine submerged with its hatches still open.
It was, of course, raised. Three crew members escaped and five drowned.
Crew:
Michael Caine
Nicholas Davis
Frank Doyle
Charles Hasker (survived)
John Kelly
Lt. John A. Payne (survived)
Absolum Williams
William Robinson (survived)
I Don't Think I'd Volunteer for Duty on That Ship. --Old B-R'er
Saturday, January 17, 2009
H.L. Hunley Mysteries Continue
This story was from way out west, in Monterey, California and dated Jan. 15, 2009.
As work continues on the Confederate submarine, it is hoped that mysteries surround it will be solved.
They have already discovered that the overall design is different from what was expected and that there were 8, not 9 crew members. The interior of the vessel has been excavated and now they can turn to the exterior, which is being soaked in chemicals to remove all those salts from the years it was on the sea floor.
Already, it has been discovered that there is no glass in the conning tower window. Perhaps it was shot out by rifle fire from the Housatonic. However, no glass has been found inside the Hunley not do the remains of Lt. George Dixon show any skull injuries that might indicate a bullet wound.
The crew's remains were found at duty stations suggesting that there was no emergency and the bilge pump controls were not set to pump water out.
More to Come. --Old Blockade-R
As work continues on the Confederate submarine, it is hoped that mysteries surround it will be solved.
They have already discovered that the overall design is different from what was expected and that there were 8, not 9 crew members. The interior of the vessel has been excavated and now they can turn to the exterior, which is being soaked in chemicals to remove all those salts from the years it was on the sea floor.
Already, it has been discovered that there is no glass in the conning tower window. Perhaps it was shot out by rifle fire from the Housatonic. However, no glass has been found inside the Hunley not do the remains of Lt. George Dixon show any skull injuries that might indicate a bullet wound.
The crew's remains were found at duty stations suggesting that there was no emergency and the bilge pump controls were not set to pump water out.
More to Come. --Old Blockade-R
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Hunley Talk
The Jan. 24, 2008 Statesboro Herald reports that the Ogeechee Rifles Camp #941 SCV held their 7th annual Lee-Jackson Dinner this past January with 125 in attendance. Compatriots Terry Paltray and Raymond Todd were recognized for their efforts to secure a site and their efforts to place three 50 foot flagpoles flanked by two cannons off the Ash Branch Road which will be very visible from I-16.
Keynote speaker, Fred Tetor, from Mt. Pleasant, SC, has been very involved with the Confederate submarine Hunley for about seven years. It is his contention that the compass aboard the Hunley was useless and a big reason for the vessel's loss. Once the wreck of the Hunley was found, the US Navy claimed it as an enemy ship of war, and as such, rightfully their prize. South Carolina claimed it was acting as a privateer and not a Confederate vessel. (I never see it referred to as the CSS Hunley.)
A compromise was reached where the US Navy can veto any restoration it deems incorrect, but the state of South Carolina is the owner of the submarine and all artifacts therein.
The City of North Charleston, SC, was awarded the right to hold both the Hunley and Dr. Perry's Collection of Confederate Memorabilia.
Always Interested in the Hunley. --Old B-R'er
Keynote speaker, Fred Tetor, from Mt. Pleasant, SC, has been very involved with the Confederate submarine Hunley for about seven years. It is his contention that the compass aboard the Hunley was useless and a big reason for the vessel's loss. Once the wreck of the Hunley was found, the US Navy claimed it as an enemy ship of war, and as such, rightfully their prize. South Carolina claimed it was acting as a privateer and not a Confederate vessel. (I never see it referred to as the CSS Hunley.)
A compromise was reached where the US Navy can veto any restoration it deems incorrect, but the state of South Carolina is the owner of the submarine and all artifacts therein.
The City of North Charleston, SC, was awarded the right to hold both the Hunley and Dr. Perry's Collection of Confederate Memorabilia.
Always Interested in the Hunley. --Old B-R'er
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Update on the Hunley
The Jan. 10th Mooresville (SC) Tribune had an article about a Hunley Commission member giving a talk before the local SCV Camp.
Jack Marlar, chief technical advisor of the H. L. Hunley Commission. The technology on the Hunley was ahead of its time.
To cut through the water, an angled piece of metal on the top of the sub divided the passing water helping with stabilization and aerodynamics.
The sub had an air box, now called a snorkel, for air flow.
The seven crew members had to bend over to operate the crank, putting the weight of their bodies "exactly perpendicular to the axle" which helped keep it upright.
The four section ballast bar at the bottom allowed it to remain vertical and doubled as a safety device. Each section could be detached individually (it was still intact when the Hunley was raised).
There was also a fly wheel and balance tube to keep actuation (whatever that means).
The Hunley was "brilliant engineering."
Besides Lt. George E. Dixon's gold watch and a $20 gold piece, there was also a 9 diamond gold ring and a 37 diamond gold broach which have been discovered wrapped in a cloth under his seat.
All of these items can be viewed at the Warren Lasch Conservative Center in Charleston.
Looking Forward to When the Whole Submarine Will Be Open to the Public. --Old B-Runner
Jack Marlar, chief technical advisor of the H. L. Hunley Commission. The technology on the Hunley was ahead of its time.
To cut through the water, an angled piece of metal on the top of the sub divided the passing water helping with stabilization and aerodynamics.
The sub had an air box, now called a snorkel, for air flow.
The seven crew members had to bend over to operate the crank, putting the weight of their bodies "exactly perpendicular to the axle" which helped keep it upright.
The four section ballast bar at the bottom allowed it to remain vertical and doubled as a safety device. Each section could be detached individually (it was still intact when the Hunley was raised).
There was also a fly wheel and balance tube to keep actuation (whatever that means).
The Hunley was "brilliant engineering."
Besides Lt. George E. Dixon's gold watch and a $20 gold piece, there was also a 9 diamond gold ring and a 37 diamond gold broach which have been discovered wrapped in a cloth under his seat.
All of these items can be viewed at the Warren Lasch Conservative Center in Charleston.
Looking Forward to When the Whole Submarine Will Be Open to the Public. --Old B-Runner
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