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The Sinking of the USS Housatonic by the Submarine CSS H.L. Hunley, off
Charleston, South Carolina, 17 February 1864.
Original U.S. Navy Documents:
Original Confederate States Navy Documents:
Related Resources:
Original U.S. Navy Documents
Order of Rear-Admiral Dahlgren, U.S. Navy, commanding
South Atlantic Blockading Squadron,
ordering defensive measures against Confederate torpedo boats.
FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA,
Off Morris Island, South Carolina, January 7, 1864.
I have reliable information
that the rebels have two torpedo boats ready for service, which may be expected on the
first night when the water is suitable for their movement. One of these is the
"David," which attacked the Ironsides in October; the other is similar to
it.
There is also one of another
kind [H. L. Hunley], which is nearly submerged and can be entirely so. It is intended to
go under the bottoms of vessels and there operate.
This is believed by my
informant to be sure of well working, though from bad management it has hitherto met with
accidents, and was lying off Mount Pleasant two nights since.
There being every reason to
expect a visit from some or all of these torpedoes, the greatest vigilance will be needed
to guard against them.
The ironclads must have their
fenders rigged out and their own boats in motion about them.
A netting must also be dropped
overboard from the ends of the fenders, kept down with shot, and extending along the whole
length of the sides; howitzers loaded with canister on the decks and a calcium [light] for
each monitor. The tugs and picket boats must be incessantly upon the lookout, when the
water is not rough, whether the weather be clear or rainy.
I observe the ironclads are
not anchored so as to be entirely clear of each other's fire if opened suddenly in the
dark. This must be corrected, and Captain Rowan will assign the monitors suitable
positions for this purpose, particularly with reference to his own vessel.
It is also advisable not to
anchor in the deepest part of the channel, for by not leaving much space between the
bottom of the vessel and the bottom of the channel it will be impossible for the diving
torpedo to operate except on the sides, and there will be less difficulty in raising a
vessel if sunk.
JOHN A. DAHLGREN,
Rear-Admiral, Comdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron.
Source: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the
Rebellion. Series II, vol. 1 (Washington, Government Printing Office, 1921): 226-227.
Information on the Hunley obtained by the U.S.
Navy from the interrogation of Confederate deserters.
JANUARY 7, 1864.
The "American
Diver," [H. L. Hunley] was built at Mobile and was brought on two platform
cars from Mobile to Charleston; saw her in all stages of construction at Mobile. Sometimes
worked near her in the same shop. Thinks she is about 35 feet long; height about same as
"David" (5½ feet); has propellers at the end; she is not driven by steam, but
her propeller is turned by hand. Has two manholes on the upper side, about 12 to 14 feet
apart. The entrance into her is through these manholes, the covers being turned back. They
are all used to look out of. (Will give a sketch and description of her.) She has had bad
accidents hitherto, but was owing to those in her not understanding her. Thinks that she
can be worked perfectly safe by persons who understand her. Can be driven 5 knots an hour
without exertion to the men working her. Manholes are about 16 inches high and are just
above water when trimmed. Believes was brought here about 1st September; has seen her
working in the water afloat; passed her in the gigshe being [sic] the last time before his
arrival. Has drowned three crews, one at Mobile and two here, 17 men in all. When she went
down the last time, was on the bottom two weeks before she was raised. Saw her when she
was raised the last time. They then hoisted her out of the water, refitted her, and got
another crew. Saw her after that submerged. Saw her go under the Indian Chief, and
then saw her go back under again. She made about one-half mile in the dives. Saw her dive
under the Charleston; went under about 250 feet from her, and came up about 300
feet beyond her. Was about twenty minutes under the water when she went under the Indian
Chief. Her keel is of cast iron, in sections, which can be cast loose when she wishes
to rise to the surface of the water. Believes she is at Mount Pleasant. One of her crew,
who belongs to this vessel, came back for his clothes, and said she was going down there
as a station, where they would watch her time for operations.
Source: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the
Rebellion. Series II, vol. 1 (Washington, Government Printing Office, 1921): 229
U.S. Navy Interrogation of George L. Shipp,
Confederate deserter, regarding the Hunley.
JANUARY 8, 1864
Believes that the
"American Diver" [H. L. Hunley] is at Mount Pleasant; saw her when they
were getting the drowned men out of her. She was pulled upon the wharf at the time. He was
about 30 yards from her. There were seven men drowned in her. Was looking at her when she
went down 60 yards from the receiving ship. She went down several times but came up again.
She would stay under water ten minutes each time, and would come up 75 to 80 yards from
where she went down. At last she went down and would not come up again. She remained down
nine days before she was raised. This was about two months ago. She was then taken to the
wharf and hauled up. They launched her again in about a week, but nothing was done with
her until lately, when they fitted her up again and sent her down to Mount Pleasant, where
she now is. Does not know that she has dived since. It was promised to the men that went
in her that she would not dive again. When she does not dive, she only shows two heads
above the water about the size of a man's head. He thinks she is about 20 feet long and
the manholes are about 8 feet apart. She is made of iron.
Source: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the
Rebellion. Series II, vol. 1 (Washington, Government Printing Office, 1921): 231.
Report of Rear-Admiral Dahlgren, U.S. Navy, regarding
the
Confederate "Davids" and the "Diver" (H.L. Hunley).
No. 16.]
FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA,
Off Morris Island, January 13, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge having received your letter of the 5th instant,
enclosing one from Mr. Haynes.
The information therein
contained is, I doubt not, substantially correct in general.
One week ago, however, two
deserters made known to me the whole project more in detail, confirming much that I had
previously suspected.
It seems there are ten
"Davids" building in Charleston, similar to that which torpedoed the Ironsides.
Of these, one is completed and ready for service; the others are in different stages from
the mere keel to a more advanced stage.
The "Diver," [H.
L. Hunley] as she is now called, is also ready, and with the original
"David" is now at Mount Pleasant, [S. C.], on the lookout for a chance.
The action of the
"Davids" has been, of course, pretty well exemplified on the Ironsides;
that of the "Diver" is different, as it is intended to submerge completely, get
under the bottom, attach the torpedo, haul off and pull trigger. So far the trials have
been unlucky, having drowned three crews of 17 men in all. Still she does dive, as one of
the deserters saw her pass twice under the bottom of the vessel he was in and once under
the Charleston. The "Diver" can also be used as a "David," so
that there are really three of these machines ready to operate.
On receiving this intelligence
I caused additional means of prevention to be used, as will be seen by copies of enclosed
orders, and the Department may be assured that if any of our monitors are injured it will
not be for lack of the utmost vigilance.
It is only in smooth water,
and when the tide is slack, that any danger is imminent. As my flagship is disabled in the
rudder, and has therefore to remain in the inlet, I leave her at night, go aboard of some
steamer in the roads, and pass the night near the ironclads, giving my own personal
attention to their condition. Last night I went up to the advanced monitor about 9
o'clock. It was an ugly, rainy night, but I found all on the alert. It is indeed dangerous
to approach an ironclad, as they fire on the instant. Besides their outriggers and
submerged nettings, the water in advanced and around is patrolled by several steam tugs
and a number of cutters, while the scout boats are thrown out far ahead.
If those who so ignorantly or
basely endeavor to persuade the public that the monitors here are idle could witness one
night of such vigils, they would feel disgraced at having so wantonly traduced the
officers and men, who give themselves to such incessant and hard service; a battle would
be far preferable.
There is, no doubt, much to be
apprehended from these torpedoes, and I have already suggested to the Department an
extensive use of similar means. I again respectfully urge on your consideration the most
prompt resort thereto; nothing better could be devised for the security of our own vessels
or for an examination of the enemy's position.
The length of these torpedo
boats might be about 40 feet, and 5 to 6 feet in diameter, with a high- pressure engine
that will drive them 5 knots. It is not necessary to expend much finish on them.
With the ample mechanical
means of the North it seems that in one month five or six could be gotten into service.
The deserters say that the
rebels believe that their batteries will do us much damage if we attack, but rely chiefly
on the torpedoes for defense, and apply them in a variety of ways, at the bows of their
ironclads, upon their "Davids," upon rafts, which carry six of the 60-pounders
in a line, and even their small boats are equipped to receive a torpedo.
I regret to find that the
strike among the mechanics (referred to by the Department December 3) has delayed the
completion of the monitors Onondaga, Tecumseh and Canonicus even beyond the
date (January 1) anticipate by the Department (December 3).
They will be very welcome when
they do come.
The Nantucket and Montauk
are the only monitors here in the hands of the mechanics. The latter requires some
attention to her boilers, which are rather tender, and a new gun; the Nantucket
requires the additions, repairs, etc.
I shall be ready, however,
when the Onondaga, Canonicus, Tecumseh, and Sangamon arrive.
Yesterday I had an interview
with the agent for raising the Weehauken. He informs me that he is proceeding as
rapidly as possible with the work, and proposes to construct a wooden coffer, so as to
pump the water from above the vessel as well as out of her.
The following statement by one
of the deserters is of interest: He is a mechanic from Michigan, and some for years since
crossed into Kentucky, pursuing his vocation. Moving about, he at last found himself in
Alabama, driving an engine on the railroad from Montgomery to Mobile. Forced by the
conscription to bear arms, he chose the Navy as affording better chance to leave, and was
sent to Charleston, where he was put into a boat. He, with two others, watched their
chance for two months. It is evident that when the rebels are compelled to use such men as
engineers and mechanics to pull a bow oar, they are consuming their own vitals.
I have the honor to be, very
respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. A. DAHLGREN,
Rear-Admiral, Comdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,
Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.
Source: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the
Rebellion. Series II, vol. 1 (Washington, Government Printing Office, 1921): 238-239.
Report of Captain Green, U.S. Navy, commanding USS Canandaigua,
on the sinking of the Housatonic.
U. S. S. CANANDAIGUA,
Off Charleston, S. C., February 18, 1864.
SIR: I have respectfully to report that a boat belonging to the Housatonic
reached this ship last night at about 9:20, giving me information that that vessel had
been sunk at 8:45 p. m., by a rebel torpedo craft.
I immediately slipped our
cable and started for her anchorage, and on arriving near it, at 9:35, discovered her sunk
with her hammock nettings under water; dispatched all boats and rescued from the wreck 21
officers and 129 men.
There are missing, and
supposed to be drowned, the following-named officers and men:
Ensign Edward C. Hazeltine,
Captain's Clerk Charles O. Muzzey, Quartermaster John Williams, Second-Class Fireman John
Walsh, Landsman Theodore Parker.
Captain Pickering is very
much, but not dangerously, bruised, and one man is slightly bruised.
I have transferred to the Wabash
8 of her officers and 49 men, on the account of the limited accommodations on board of
this vessel.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. F. GREEN,
Captain.
Commodore S. C. ROWAN,
Commanding Officer off Charleston, S. C.
Source: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the
Rebellion. Series II, vol. 1 (Washington, Government Printing Office, 1921): 327-328.
Report of Lieutenant Higginson, U.S. Navy, executive
officer of the USS Housatonic.
U. S. S. CANANDAIGUA,
Off Charleston, S. C., February 18, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the sinking of the U. S. S. Housatonic,
by a rebel torpedo off Charleston, S. C., on the evening of the 17th instant.
About 8:45 p. m. the officer
of the deck, Acting Master J. K. Crosby, discovered something in the water about 100 yards
from and moving toward the ship. It had the appearance of a plank moving in the water. It
came directly toward the ship, the time from when it was first seen till it was close
alongside being about two minutes.
During this time the chain was
slipped, engine backed, and all hands called to quarters.
The torpedo struck the ship
forward of the mizzenmast, on the starboard side, in a line with the magazine. Having the
after pivot gun pivoted to port we were unable to bring a gun to bear upon her.
About one minute after she was
close alongside the explosion took place, the ship sinking stern first and heeling to port
as she sank.
Most of the crew saved
themselves by going into the rigging, while a boat was dispatched to the Canandaigua.
This vessel came gallantly to our assistance and succeeded in rescuing all but the
following-named officers and men, viz, Ensign E. C. Hazeltine, Captain's Clerk C. O.
Muzzey, Quartermaster John Williams, Landsman Theodore Parker, Second-Class Fireman John
Walsh.
The above officers and men are
missing and are supposed to have been drowned.
Captain Pickering was
seriously bruised by the explosion and is at present unable to make a report of the
disaster.
Very respectfully, your
obedient servant,
F. J. HIGGINSON,
Lieutenant.
Rear-Admiral JOHN A. DAHLGREN,
Commanding South Atlantic Blockading Squadron.
Source: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the
Rebellion. Series II, vol. 1 (Washington, Government Printing Office, 1921): 328.
Report of Rear-Admiral Dahlgren, U.S. Navy,
commanding the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron.
No. 69.]
FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA,
Port Royal Harbor, S. C., February 19, 1864.
SIR: I much regret to inform the Department that the U. S. S. Housatonic, on the
blockade off Charleston, S. C., was torpedoed by a rebel "David" [H. L. Hunley]
and sunk on the night of the 17th February about 9 o'clock.
From the time the
"David" was seen until the vessel was on the bottom a very brief period must
have elapsed; so far as the executive officer (Lieutenant Higginson) can judge, and he is
the only officer of the Housatonic whom I have seen, it did not exceed five or
seven minutes.
The officer of the deck
perceived a moving object on the water quite near and ordered the chain to be slipped; the
captain and executive officer went on deck, saw the object, and each fired at it with a
small arm. In an instant the ship was struck on the starboard side, between the main and
mizzen masts; those on deck near were stunned, the vessel begun to sink, and went down
almost immediately. Happily the loss of life was small: Ensign E. C. Hazeltine, Captain's
Clerk C. O. Muzzey, and three of the crew, Quartermaster John Williams, Second- Class
Fireman John Walsh, and Landsman Theodore Parker.
Two boats of the Housatonic
were lowered and received all they could hold; the Canandaigua, which knew
nothing of the catastrophe, sent her boats immediately on hearing of it, and took off the
crew, who had ascended into the rigging.
The enclosed printed orders
will show the precautions which have been directed from time to time to guard the
ironclads that lay inside the bar, and would naturally be the objects of attack from their
importance and proximity, and I also transmit copy of a communication (January 15) to the
senior officer outside on the same subject.
In addition I have been in the
habit of giving personal attention to the inside blockade, sometimes visiting the picket
monitors several hours after dark.
Being notified on the 5th of
February by General Gillmore that he was about to throw a force into Florida, and would
need naval assistance, I left promptly for the St. John's, in order to be sure that no aid
should be wanted that was possible, leaving Commodore Rowan, an experienced officer,
commanding the Ironsides, in charge of the blockade of Charleston.
On my return I touched here to
examine into the condition of our depots, and particularly in regard to the repairs on the
monitors, intending also to visit the blockade of Savannah River.
The Department will readily
perceive the consequences likely to result from this event; the whole line of blockade
will be infested with these cheap, convenient, and formidable defenses, and we must guard
every point. The measures for prevention may not be so obvious.
I am inclined to the belief
that in addition to the various devices for keeping the torpedoes from the vessels, an
effective preventive may be found in the use of similar contrivances.
I would therefore request that
a number of torpedo boats be made and sent here with dispatch; length about 40 feet,
diameter amidships 5 to 6 feet, and tapering to a point at each end; small engine and
propeller, an opening of about 15 feet above with a hatch coaming, to float not more than
18 inches above water, somewhat as thus sketched.
I have already submitted a
requisition on the Bureau of Construction (January 16) for some craft of this kind, copy
enclosed, which, with the great mechanical facilities of the North, should be very quickly
supplied.
I have also ordered a quantity
of floating torpedoes, which I saw tried here and thought promised to be useful. Meanwhile
I hope the expected monitors may soon arrive, when an attack on the defenses of the lower
harbor may be made.
I have attached more
importance to the use of torpedoes than others have done, and believe them to constitute
the most formidable of the difficulties in the way to Charleston. Their effect on the Ironsides,
in October, and now on the Housatonic, sustains me in this idea.
The Department will perceive
from the printed injunctions issued that I have been solicitous for some time in regard to
these mischievous devices, though it may not be aware of the personal attention which I
have also given to the security of the ironclads; I naturally feel disappointed that the
rebels should have been able to achieve a single success, mingled with no little concern,
lest, in spite of every precaution, they may occasionally give us trouble. But it will
create no dismay nor relax any effort; on the contrary, the usual enquiry will be ordered,
though the whole story is no doubt fully known.
I desire to suggest to the
Department the policy of offering a large reward of prize money for the capture or
destruction of a "David;" I should say not less than $20,000 or $30,000 for
each. They are worth more than that to us.
I have the honor to be, very
respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. A. DAHLGREN
Rear-Admiral, Comdg. South Atlantic Blockdg. Squadron.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,
Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.
Source: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the
Rebellion. Series II, vol. 1 (Washington, Government Printing Office, 1921): 329-330.
Proceedings of a court of inquiry convened on board
the USS Wabash, February 26, 1864.
U. S. STEAM FRIGATE WABASH, March 7, 1864.
The testimony having been
closed, the court was cleared for deliberation, and after maturely considering the
evidence adduced, find the following facts established:
First. That the U. S. S. Housatonic
was blown up and sunk by a rebel torpedo craft on the night of February 17 last, about
9 o'clock p. m., while lying at an anchor in 27 feet of water off Charleston, S. C.,
bearing E. S. E., and distant from Fort Sumter about 5½ miles. The weather at the time of
the occurrence was clear, the night bright and moonlight, wind moderate from the northward
and westward, sea smooth and tide half ebb, the ship's head about W. N. W.
Second. That between 8:45 and
9 o'clock p. m. on said night an object in the water was discovered almost simultaneously
by the officer of the deck and the lookout stationed at the starboard cathead, on the
starboard bow of the ship, about 75 or 100 yards distant, having the appearance of a log.
That on further and closer observation it presented a suspicious appearance, moved
apparently with a speed of 3 or 4 knots in the direction of the starboard quarter of the
ship, exhibiting two protuberances above and making a slight ripple in the water.
Third. That the strange object
approached the ship with a rapidity precluding a gun of the battery being brought to bear
upon it, and finally came in contact with the ship on her starboard quarter.
Fourth. That about one and a
half minutes after the first discovery of the strange object the crew were called to
quarters, the cable slipped, and the engine backed.
Fifth. That an explosion
occurred about three minutes after the first discovery of the object, which blew up the
after part of the ship, causing her to sink immediately after to the bottom, with her spar
deck submerged.
Sixth. That several shots from
small arms were fired at the object while it was alongside or near the ship before the
explosion occurred.
Seventh. That the watch on
deck, ship, and ship's battery were in all respects prepared for a sudden offensive or
defensive movement; that lookouts were properly stationed and vigilance observed, and that
officers and crew promptly assembled at their quarters.
Eighth. That order was
preserved on board, and orders promptly obeyed by officers and crew up to the time of the
sinking of the ship.
In view of the above facts the
court have to express the opinion that no further military proceedings are necessary.
J. F. GREEN,
Captain and President.
JAS. B. YOUNG,
Second Lieutenant, U. S. Marines, Judge-Advocate.
Forwarded for the information
of the Navy Department by,
Very respectfully, your
obedient servant,
S. C. ROWAN,
Captain, Commanding South Atlantic Blockading Squadron.
Source: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the
Rebellion. Series II, vol. 1 (Washington, Government Printing Office, 1921): 332-333.
Report of Lieutenant W. L. Churchill, U.S. Navy, on examining
the wrecks of sunken blockade runners and the Housatonic.
U. S. SCHOONER G. W. BLUNT
Port Royal Harbor, S. C., November 27, 1864.
SIR: After a careful examination of the wrecks of the sunken blockade runners and Housatonic,
I have the honor to make the following report:
I find that the wrecks of the
blockade runners are so badly broken up as to be worthless. The Housatonic is very
much worm-eaten, as I find from pieces which have been brought up. She is in an upright
position; has settled in the sand about 5 feet, forming a bank of mud and sand around her
bed; the mud has collected in her in small quantities. The cabin is completely demolished,
as are also all the bulkheads abaft the mainmast; the coal is scattered about her lower
decks in heaps, as well as muskets, small arms, and quantities of rubbish.
I tried to find the magazine,
but the weather has been so unfavorable and the swell so great that it was not safe to
keep a diver in the wreck. I took advantage of all the good weather that I had, and
examined as much as was possible.
The propeller is in an upright
position; the shaft appears to be broken. The rudderpost and rudder have been partially
blown off; the upper parts of both are in their proper places, while the lower parts have
been forced aft. The stern frame rests on the rudderpost and propeller; any part of it can
be easily slung with chain slings, and a powerful steamer can detach each part.
I have also caused the bottom
to be dragged for an area of 500 yards around the wreck,
finding nothing of the torpedo boat. On the 24th the drag ropes caught something heavy (as
I reported). On sending a diver down to examine it, proved to be a quantity of rubbish.
The examination being completed, I could accomplish nothing further unless it is the
intention to raise the wreck or propeller, in which case it will be necessary to have more
machinery.
Very respectfully, your
obedient servant,
W. L. CHURCHILL,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.
Rear-Admiral J. A. DAHLGREN,
Commanding South Atlantic Blockading Squadron.
Source: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the
Rebellion. Series II, vol. 1 (Washington, Government Printing Office, 1921): 334.
Original Confederate States Navy Documents
Notes from papers of First Engineer Tomb, C.S. Navy,
regarding the submarine torpedo boat, H.L. Hunley.
CHARLESTON, S. C., January, 1865.
There was a submarine
torpedo boat, not under the orders of the Navy, and I was ordered to tow her down the
harbor three or four times by Flag-Officer Tucker, who also gave me orders to report as to
her efficiency as well as safety. In my report to him I stated, "The only way to use
a torpedo was on the same plan as the 'David' that is, a spar torpedo and to strike with his
boat on the surface, the torpedo being lowered to 8 feet. Should she attempt to use a
torpedo as Lieutenant Dixon intended, by submerging the boat and striking from below, the
level of the torpedo would be above his own boat, and as she had little buoyancy and no
power, the chances were the suction caused by the water passing into the sinking ship
would prevent her rising to the surface, besides the possibility of his own boat being
disabled." Lieutenant Dixon was a very brave and cool-headed man, and had every
confidence in his boat, but had great trouble when under the water from lack of air and
light. At the time she made the attempt to dive under the receiving ship in Charleston
Harbor, Lieutenant Dixon, James A. Eason, and myself stood on the wharf as she passed out
and saw her dive, but she did not rise again, and after a week's effort she was brought to
the surface and the crew of 7 men were found in a bunch near the manhole. Lieutenant Dixon
said they had failed to close the after valve.
The last night the
"David" towed him down the harbor his torpedo got foul of us and came near
blowing up both boats before we got it clear of the bottom, where it had drifted. I let
him go after passing Fort Sumter, and on my making report of this, Flag-Officer Tucker
refused to have the "David" tow him again. The power for driving this boat came
from 7 or 8 men turning cranks attached to the propeller shaft, and when working at their
best would make about 3 knots. She was very slow in turning, but would sink at a minute's
notice and at times without it. The understanding was that from the time of her
construction at Mobile up to the time when she struck Housatonic not less than 33
men had lost their lives in her. She was a veritable coffin to this brave officer and his
men.
J. H. TOMB
Source: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the
Rebellion. Series II, vol. 1 (Washington, Government Printing Office, 1921): 334-335.
Extract from Journal of Operations, kept at
Confederate headquarters, Charleston, S.C.,
regarding the accident to the submarine torpedo boat.
October 15, 1863. Raining again this morning, and too hazy to get report of the
fleet.
To-day was exceedingly quiet,
and the enemy did not fire a single shot, although Batteries Simkins and Cheves were in
slow action, the former firing 33 rounds and the latter 10 rounds.
An unfortunate accident
occurred this morning with the submarine boat, by which Captain H. L. Hunley and 7 men
lost their lives in an attempt to run under the navy receiving ship. The boat left the
wharf at 9:25 a. m. and disappeared at 9:35. As soon as she sunk air bubbles were seen to
rise to the surface of the water, and from this fact it is supposed the hole in the top of
the boat by which the men entered was not properly closed. It was impossible at the time
to make any effort to rescue the unfortunate men, as the water was some 9 fathoms deep.
October 16, 1863.Still raining and foggy. The report of the fleet from Sumter is
that the Ironsides, four monitors, and twenty-two other vessels are inside the bar,
and seven blockading vessels outside.
October 18, 1863.The abolition fleet at Hilton Head is one steam frigate, two
sloops of war, one cutter, seven wooden gunboats, and seventy-six transports.
Mr. Smith, provided with
submarine armor, found the sunken submarine boat to-day in 9 fathoms of water. The
engineer department was instructed to furnish Mr. Smith all facilities in the way of
ropes, chains, etc., that an attempt might be made to recover the boat.
Source: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the
Rebellion. Series II, vol. 1 (Washington, Government Printing Office, 1921): 692-693.
Letter from General Beauregard, C.S. Army, to Mr.
Leary,
announcing the probable loss of the torpedo boat H.L. Hunley and her commanding
officer.
HEADQUARTERS, ETC, March 10, 1864.
SIR: I am directed by the commanding general to inform you that it was the torpedo boat
H. L. Hunley that destroyed the Federal man-of-war Housatonic, and that
Lieutenant Dixon commanded the expedition, but I regret to say that nothing since has been
heard either of Lieutenant Dixon or the torpedo boat. It is therefore feared that that
gallant officer and his brave companions have perished.
Respectfully, your obedient
servant,
H. W. FEILDEN.
Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.
Source: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the
Rebellion. Series II, vol. 1 (Washington, Government Printing Office, 1921): 337.
Letter from Captain Gray, C.S. Army, to
Major-General Maury, C.S. Army,
regarding the loss of the H.L. Hunley and her crew.
OFFICE SUBMARINE DEFENSES,
Charleston, S. C., April 29, 1864.
GENERAL: In answer to a communication of yours, received through headquarters, relative
to Lieutenant Dixon and crew, I beg leave to state that I was not informed as to the
service in which Lieutenant Dixon was engaged or under what orders he was acting. I am
informed that he requested Commodore Tucker to furnish him some men, which he did. Their
names are as follows, viz: Arnold Becker, C. Simkins, James A. Wicks, F. Collins, and
Ridgeway, all of the Navy, and Corporal C. F. Carlsen, of Captain Wagener's company of
artillery.
The United States sloop of war
was attacked and destroyed on the night of the 17th of February. Since that time no
information has been received of either the boat or crew. I am of the opinion that the
torpedoes being placed at the bow of the boat, she went into the hole made in the Housatonic
by explosion of torpedoes and did not have sufficient power to back out, consequently sunk
with her.
I have the honor to be,
general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
M. M. GRAY,
Captain in Charge of Torpedoes.
Major-General DABNEY H. MAURY,
Mobile, Ala.
Source: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the
Rebellion. Series II, vol. 1 (Washington, Government Printing Office, 1921): 337-338.
13 April 2000
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The Confederate States Submarine H L Hunley
