From Wikipedia. On February 13th, I had an entry about this ship.
The Robert E. Lee later served as the USS Fort Donelson and later as the Concepcion in the Chilean navy.
It was built on the River Clyde, Scotland in 1862 and bought by the Confederate government for 32,000 pounds. After many successful runs through the blockade, it was captured Nov. 9, 1863, by the USS James Adger and condemned in Boston and acquired by the US Navy and commissioned June 29, 1864 as the USS Fort Donelson.
It joined the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron and participated in both attacks on Fort Fisher.
In 1866, it was purchased by the Chilean Navy and sold by them in 1868.
The ship had a speed of 13.5 knots, weighed 900 tons, 283 feet long with 20 foot beam and carried seven guns as a blockader.
Someone Catch That Blockade-Runner. --Old B-Runner
The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Great Story
Today, at the Camp Douglas Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp meeting at the Silver Stallion in Des Plaines, Illinois, our newest members drove in from Rockford, the Kings. They are related to General Turner Ashby and were officially made members at the Lee-Jackson dinner back in Monday.
Both the father and son were there as was the wife. Very pleasant folks. Of course, I figured that the men joined because of the father and was much surprised to find out that they joined because of the son, Jacques, who is his in his teens. To find someone that age who is interested in history and heritage to that degree is not something you'd expect in today's generation.
A Welcome Addition to the Camp. --Blockade-R
Both the father and son were there as was the wife. Very pleasant folks. Of course, I figured that the men joined because of the father and was much surprised to find out that they joined because of the son, Jacques, who is his in his teens. To find someone that age who is interested in history and heritage to that degree is not something you'd expect in today's generation.
A Welcome Addition to the Camp. --Blockade-R
USS Virginia
While on the subject of the Arcadia, the USS Virginia is given credit for destroying it.
According to Wikipedia, the USS Virginia was launched in Scotland as the Pet and became a blockade runner before being captured off Mexico by the USS Wachusetts and USS Sonoma January 18, 1863.
It was purchased by the US Navy after condemnation and renamed the USS Virginia. It spent most of its career operating along the Texas coast. Until the remainder of the war, it either captured or destroyed eleven blockade runners, making a nice sum of money for its crew.
In February, 1865, it helped destroy the Arcadia and was decommissioned July 17, 1865, and sold. It was eventually turned into a barge.
The History of a Ship. --Old B-Runner
According to Wikipedia, the USS Virginia was launched in Scotland as the Pet and became a blockade runner before being captured off Mexico by the USS Wachusetts and USS Sonoma January 18, 1863.
It was purchased by the US Navy after condemnation and renamed the USS Virginia. It spent most of its career operating along the Texas coast. Until the remainder of the war, it either captured or destroyed eleven blockade runners, making a nice sum of money for its crew.
In February, 1865, it helped destroy the Arcadia and was decommissioned July 17, 1865, and sold. It was eventually turned into a barge.
The History of a Ship. --Old B-Runner
The Blockade Runner Arcadia
Back on February 8th, I wrote about the blockade runner Arcadia being "rediscovered." I found a column about it by Murray Montgomery in the Lone Star Diary, who said surf fishing was very good by the Arcadia's wreck.
It was destroyed the USS Virginia of the Union Navy and was 211 feet long, 31 feet at the beam, and a side wheel steamer.
In the late 1960s, early 1970s, Wendell E. Pierce and Frank Hole examined the site and recovered artifacts that are now housed at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. It was at this time that the site was designated a state archaeological landmark.
As of 1984, the remains of a hand dug canal was still visible near San Luis Pass which was built to allow blockade runners to avoid the Union ships. This is not far from the wreck.
Now Where Did I Put That Ship? --Old B-R'er
It was destroyed the USS Virginia of the Union Navy and was 211 feet long, 31 feet at the beam, and a side wheel steamer.
In the late 1960s, early 1970s, Wendell E. Pierce and Frank Hole examined the site and recovered artifacts that are now housed at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. It was at this time that the site was designated a state archaeological landmark.
As of 1984, the remains of a hand dug canal was still visible near San Luis Pass which was built to allow blockade runners to avoid the Union ships. This is not far from the wreck.
Now Where Did I Put That Ship? --Old B-R'er
Friday, February 13, 2009
Blockade Runner Giraffe/Robert E. Lee
J.C. Knowles, in his excellent "North Carolina Minute" column in the Feb. 11th Topsail Advertiser wrote about the blockade runner Giraffe, which was later renamed the Robert E. Lee.
It was owned by the Confederate government and under the command of Captain Wilkerson. The ship cost $160,000 in gold and during its career, transported 7,000 bales of cotton, worth $2 million in gold.
The Lee ran the blockade 21 times before its capture in 1863.
A Nassau merchant wrote that a ship ran the blockade twice, it would have paid for itself, and "After that the Yankees can have it."
The Navy records show that 1,504 blockade runners were captured or destroyed during the war.
Blockade Running, a Little-Known Aspect of the War. --Old Blockade-Runner
It was owned by the Confederate government and under the command of Captain Wilkerson. The ship cost $160,000 in gold and during its career, transported 7,000 bales of cotton, worth $2 million in gold.
The Lee ran the blockade 21 times before its capture in 1863.
A Nassau merchant wrote that a ship ran the blockade twice, it would have paid for itself, and "After that the Yankees can have it."
The Navy records show that 1,504 blockade runners were captured or destroyed during the war.
Blockade Running, a Little-Known Aspect of the War. --Old Blockade-Runner
Running the Blockade: Alligator-- Beach Bomb-- New DUVCW Chapter
Some New News About an Old War.
1. ALLIGATOR-- There is a 50-minute DVD out about the "Hunt for the USS Alligator," the US Navy's first submarine which sunk in bad weather off the coast of North Carolina. Everyone's heard so much about the Confederate Hunley, but not much about the Union's counterpart.
2. BEACH BOMB-- The Feb. 11th Virginian Pilot reports that the FBI and Virginia Beach police bomb squad removed three pieces of live ammunition from the home of a Civil War collector. The Beach Bomb Squad took a cannonball to a safe location and detonated it. A mortar shell and grenade were turned over to the US Navy for disposal. Remember, don't play with that old Civil War ammunition.
3. NEW DUVCW CHAPTER-- The Feb. 11th Lansing (Mi) State Journal reports that the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War has a new chapter for the Greater Lansing area, the Anne Etheridge Tent #59.
They will be officially organized March 28th at the Turner Dodge House.
The DUVCW claims to be the largest and oldest of all Civil War organizations based on lineal groups. Local groups are organized into Tents.
Congratulations, but I thought the Daughters of the Confederacy were larger.
Now, You Know. --Old B-Runner
1. ALLIGATOR-- There is a 50-minute DVD out about the "Hunt for the USS Alligator," the US Navy's first submarine which sunk in bad weather off the coast of North Carolina. Everyone's heard so much about the Confederate Hunley, but not much about the Union's counterpart.
2. BEACH BOMB-- The Feb. 11th Virginian Pilot reports that the FBI and Virginia Beach police bomb squad removed three pieces of live ammunition from the home of a Civil War collector. The Beach Bomb Squad took a cannonball to a safe location and detonated it. A mortar shell and grenade were turned over to the US Navy for disposal. Remember, don't play with that old Civil War ammunition.
3. NEW DUVCW CHAPTER-- The Feb. 11th Lansing (Mi) State Journal reports that the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War has a new chapter for the Greater Lansing area, the Anne Etheridge Tent #59.
They will be officially organized March 28th at the Turner Dodge House.
The DUVCW claims to be the largest and oldest of all Civil War organizations based on lineal groups. Local groups are organized into Tents.
Congratulations, but I thought the Daughters of the Confederacy were larger.
Now, You Know. --Old B-Runner
Thursday, February 12, 2009
And, Speaking of the USS Patapsco...
The January 24th Charleston (SC) Post and Courier reported that the South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of South Carolina received a $28,000 grant to map the many Civil War wrecks in and around Charleston Harbor.
This is a part of the American Battlefield Protection Program and they plan to look at blockade runners, ironclads, some Confederate defenses now underwater, and torpedoes.
Some wrecks to be looked at are the 677-ton Monitor Keokuk which is buried in the sand off Morris Island, the side-wheel blockade runner Mary Bowers by Isle of Pines, and the Monitor Patapsco which I wrote about yesterday.
A total of 31 wrecks are in Charleston, many well-known, but few with up-to-date GPS coordinates. Some are now on land and others covered by beaches.
Where Did We lose That Ship? --Old B-Runner
This is a part of the American Battlefield Protection Program and they plan to look at blockade runners, ironclads, some Confederate defenses now underwater, and torpedoes.
Some wrecks to be looked at are the 677-ton Monitor Keokuk which is buried in the sand off Morris Island, the side-wheel blockade runner Mary Bowers by Isle of Pines, and the Monitor Patapsco which I wrote about yesterday.
A total of 31 wrecks are in Charleston, many well-known, but few with up-to-date GPS coordinates. Some are now on land and others covered by beaches.
Where Did We lose That Ship? --Old B-Runner
Some Lincoln Stuff on His Birthday
This would seem like a good day to write about Abraham Lincoln.
The Feb. 11th Topeka (Ks) Capital-Journal reports that a privately-owned "Lincoln Flag" will be on display for the duration of the Presidential Lecture Series at the University of Kansas in Lawrence.
The 34-star National Flag is called the Lincoln flag because he was the only president in office during the time it flew from 1862 to 1863. Lincoln also would not allow any of the stars for the southern states to be removed.
The Feb. 11th Lebanon (Oh) Western Star reports that Miami University student Lydia Smith discovered a rare Lincoln fingerprint while doing transcribing of an October 5, 1863, letter from Lincoln for a class project. While doing it, she noticed a smudge.
The Papers of Abraham Lincoln, a project of the Illinois Historical Preservation Agency and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum reviewed the letter and confirmed it as the real thing. This is the second Lincoln fingerprint in the university's holdings.
The papers group has a website www.papersofabrahamlincoln.org/. This is a long-term project dedicated to identifying, imaging, and publishing all the documents written y Lincoln in his whole lifetime.
Big Happy 200. --Old B-Runner
The Feb. 11th Topeka (Ks) Capital-Journal reports that a privately-owned "Lincoln Flag" will be on display for the duration of the Presidential Lecture Series at the University of Kansas in Lawrence.
The 34-star National Flag is called the Lincoln flag because he was the only president in office during the time it flew from 1862 to 1863. Lincoln also would not allow any of the stars for the southern states to be removed.
The Feb. 11th Lebanon (Oh) Western Star reports that Miami University student Lydia Smith discovered a rare Lincoln fingerprint while doing transcribing of an October 5, 1863, letter from Lincoln for a class project. While doing it, she noticed a smudge.
The Papers of Abraham Lincoln, a project of the Illinois Historical Preservation Agency and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum reviewed the letter and confirmed it as the real thing. This is the second Lincoln fingerprint in the university's holdings.
The papers group has a website www.papersofabrahamlincoln.org/. This is a long-term project dedicated to identifying, imaging, and publishing all the documents written y Lincoln in his whole lifetime.
Big Happy 200. --Old B-Runner
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
USS Patapsco
The Jan. 18, 2009, HMdb, Historical Marker database focused on Fort Moultrie, Charleston, SC, which has the grave of Seminole chief Osceola who died at the fort Jan. 30, 1838.
There is also a marker for USS Monitor Patapsco which was sunk in Charleston Harbor Jan. 15, 1865, (the same day Fort Fisher, NC, fell) after hitting a Confederate mine. Sixty-two members of the 105 officers and enlisted died. Five are buried on the fort's grounds.
The Patapsco was a Passaic-class monitor, commissioned Jan. 2, 1863 and joined the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, taking part in the shelling of Fort McAllister and Fort Sumter. Its armament consisted of 1 x 15 inch smoothbore and 1 X 8 inch Parrot rifle. It was 241 feet long and had a 46 foot beam.
On the evening it sank, it was providing support for scout and picket boats clearing the harbor of obstructions and torpedoes.
And, I'd never Heard of This Ship Before. --B-R
There is also a marker for USS Monitor Patapsco which was sunk in Charleston Harbor Jan. 15, 1865, (the same day Fort Fisher, NC, fell) after hitting a Confederate mine. Sixty-two members of the 105 officers and enlisted died. Five are buried on the fort's grounds.
The Patapsco was a Passaic-class monitor, commissioned Jan. 2, 1863 and joined the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, taking part in the shelling of Fort McAllister and Fort Sumter. Its armament consisted of 1 x 15 inch smoothbore and 1 X 8 inch Parrot rifle. It was 241 feet long and had a 46 foot beam.
On the evening it sank, it was providing support for scout and picket boats clearing the harbor of obstructions and torpedoes.
And, I'd never Heard of This Ship Before. --B-R
Fort Walton Beach, Florida's Name
We were just down enjoying the winter weather in Florida's Panhandle this past week, and even though we didn't get all the way west to Fort Walton Beach as we had intended (Panama City Beach waylaid us).
It was interesting to see how this town got its name in Dale Cox's Civil War Florida blog.
It got its name from a Civil War fort established by the Walton Guards in 1861 and occupied until 1862. On April 1, 1862, it was attacked by Union troops who had marched over from Fort Pickens, Pensacola who found out there had been a fight between the fort's occupants and the crew of a Union naval blockader.
The Guards were driven off, but General Braxton Bragg sent a 16-pdr cannon to help defend against future attacks. When the Walton Guards left the fort in the summer of that year, they buried the cannon in a shell mound.
It has since been dug up and is on display at Fort Walton Beach;s Heritage Park, which occupies the site of the old Confederate fort..
I Didn't Know That. --Old B-Runner
It was interesting to see how this town got its name in Dale Cox's Civil War Florida blog.
It got its name from a Civil War fort established by the Walton Guards in 1861 and occupied until 1862. On April 1, 1862, it was attacked by Union troops who had marched over from Fort Pickens, Pensacola who found out there had been a fight between the fort's occupants and the crew of a Union naval blockader.
The Guards were driven off, but General Braxton Bragg sent a 16-pdr cannon to help defend against future attacks. When the Walton Guards left the fort in the summer of that year, they buried the cannon in a shell mound.
It has since been dug up and is on display at Fort Walton Beach;s Heritage Park, which occupies the site of the old Confederate fort..
I Didn't Know That. --Old B-Runner
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Running the Blockade: Re-Enactor Indicted-- SCV Suit
Some New News About an Old War.
1. RE-ENACTOR INDICTED-- The Jan. 17th Hampton Roads Online reports that a grand jury in Isle of Wight, Virginia, has a Confederate re-enactor for shooting Thomas R. Lord, Sr., 72, in the shoulder. Lord was portraying a northern soldier during the filming of "The Civil War Overland Campaign Web Series Project" on September 27, 2008. The southern soldier voluntarily turned himself in to authorities. Probably apologized for shooting the "Yankee."
2. SCV SUIT-- the Florida Division of the SCV is filing suit in the US District Court to force the state of Florida to approve license plates with a Confederate flag on them. The SCV group spent years completing the preliminary requirements like the $60,000 application fee, marketing strategies, and collecting the names of 30,000 people who said they would purchase it. The bill was killed in the house of representatives.
Careful, Florida, the Guy from Virginia Just Might Pay a Visit. --Old B-R'er
1. RE-ENACTOR INDICTED-- The Jan. 17th Hampton Roads Online reports that a grand jury in Isle of Wight, Virginia, has a Confederate re-enactor for shooting Thomas R. Lord, Sr., 72, in the shoulder. Lord was portraying a northern soldier during the filming of "The Civil War Overland Campaign Web Series Project" on September 27, 2008. The southern soldier voluntarily turned himself in to authorities. Probably apologized for shooting the "Yankee."
2. SCV SUIT-- the Florida Division of the SCV is filing suit in the US District Court to force the state of Florida to approve license plates with a Confederate flag on them. The SCV group spent years completing the preliminary requirements like the $60,000 application fee, marketing strategies, and collecting the names of 30,000 people who said they would purchase it. The bill was killed in the house of representatives.
Careful, Florida, the Guy from Virginia Just Might Pay a Visit. --Old B-R'er
Arcadia "Found" Again
The Texas General Land Office, while looking for underwater damage debris from Hurricane Ike, 'Rediscovered" the wreck of the 738 ton blockade runner Arcadia which was sunk in 1865.
Archaeologists and locals have known about it a long time and some items, including a toilet are on display in the Brazzoria County Historical Museum. Until 1961, the smoke stacks were still visible until Hurricane Carla destroyed them. Locals even called the area "The Boilers" and was known for good fishing.
The 211-foot long ship was on its maiden voyage as a blockade runner when it ran aground and was abandoned by its crew Feb. 6, 1865.
It was named a Texas Archaeological Landmark in the 1960s. Even though people already knew about the wreck, this is the first time a complete sonar imaging has been done which should aid in future work at the site.
From the Jan. 29th Facts of Brazorria County.
Wonderin' What a Civil War Toilet Looks Like. ---Old B-R
Archaeologists and locals have known about it a long time and some items, including a toilet are on display in the Brazzoria County Historical Museum. Until 1961, the smoke stacks were still visible until Hurricane Carla destroyed them. Locals even called the area "The Boilers" and was known for good fishing.
The 211-foot long ship was on its maiden voyage as a blockade runner when it ran aground and was abandoned by its crew Feb. 6, 1865.
It was named a Texas Archaeological Landmark in the 1960s. Even though people already knew about the wreck, this is the first time a complete sonar imaging has been done which should aid in future work at the site.
From the Jan. 29th Facts of Brazorria County.
Wonderin' What a Civil War Toilet Looks Like. ---Old B-R
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Running the Blockade: Want a Cannon?-- Ferry Reopens-- No "C" Flags Here
Some New News about an Old War.
1. WANT A CANNON-- The South Bent Tribune, Indiana, reports that an American Legion post in Niles is closing and something needs to be done with their cannon that dates to the Civil War.
2. FERRY REOPENS-- The Fort Fisher-Southport NC ferry reopened Monday, Feb. 2nd. It had been close3d for two months for repairs. Sure makes it easier to get across the Cape Fear River without going all the way through Wilmington, quite a long drive.
3. NO "C" FLAGS HERE-- The United Daughters of the Confederacy have been accustomed to flying Confederate flags downtown in honor of Lee's birthday on Jan. 19th. However, this year, they were not allowed to because of President Obama's inauguration. Come on guys!!!
Just Some Stuff. --Old B-R
1. WANT A CANNON-- The South Bent Tribune, Indiana, reports that an American Legion post in Niles is closing and something needs to be done with their cannon that dates to the Civil War.
2. FERRY REOPENS-- The Fort Fisher-Southport NC ferry reopened Monday, Feb. 2nd. It had been close3d for two months for repairs. Sure makes it easier to get across the Cape Fear River without going all the way through Wilmington, quite a long drive.
3. NO "C" FLAGS HERE-- The United Daughters of the Confederacy have been accustomed to flying Confederate flags downtown in honor of Lee's birthday on Jan. 19th. However, this year, they were not allowed to because of President Obama's inauguration. Come on guys!!!
Just Some Stuff. --Old B-R
Good News Out of South Carolina
How's this for an interesting story in these days of anti-Confederate everything? I see that the South Carolina Senate has passed a resolution to make all counties in the state observe Confederate Memorial Day by giving employees a paid holiday.
And, one of the senators pushing it is black, Robert Ford, from Charleston. He maintains that observing it will help both blacks and whites understand each other's heritage better.
Currently, only ten of the state's 46 counties recognize it. The bill now goes to the senate judiciary committee. It will be interesting to see when the opposition comes about.
Of course, with all the economic problems every where these days, I don't know about how the counties will be able to financially pay workers for another day off.
Here's Hoping, and a Tip of the Hat to Mr. Ford. --Old B-Runner
And, one of the senators pushing it is black, Robert Ford, from Charleston. He maintains that observing it will help both blacks and whites understand each other's heritage better.
Currently, only ten of the state's 46 counties recognize it. The bill now goes to the senate judiciary committee. It will be interesting to see when the opposition comes about.
Of course, with all the economic problems every where these days, I don't know about how the counties will be able to financially pay workers for another day off.
Here's Hoping, and a Tip of the Hat to Mr. Ford. --Old B-Runner
Sunday, February 1, 2009
On the Road with the Rebels
While driving down south to get out of all this global warming, I was happy to see a few items of Confedimpotance.
First, south of Franklin, Tennessee, on I-65, I saw an interstate sign with a Confederate flag with Elm Springs SCV on it.
In Alabama, I saw one interstate sign with Confederate Memorial Park at another exit, then, best of all, between Birmingham and Montgomery, there was a bog old flagpole with battle flag flying tall and proud with a sign out front proclaiming Alabama Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans.
OK, so it's not exactly pc, and I don't mean personal computer.
Way to Go, Compatriots. --Old B-Runner
First, south of Franklin, Tennessee, on I-65, I saw an interstate sign with a Confederate flag with Elm Springs SCV on it.
In Alabama, I saw one interstate sign with Confederate Memorial Park at another exit, then, best of all, between Birmingham and Montgomery, there was a bog old flagpole with battle flag flying tall and proud with a sign out front proclaiming Alabama Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans.
OK, so it's not exactly pc, and I don't mean personal computer.
Way to Go, Compatriots. --Old B-Runner
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