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Navies of the world

Chapter 70: DASHES.
By Edward W. Very
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About This Book

A systematic technical survey of the world's principal naval forces, presenting concise descriptions and specifications for ships of about twenty maritime nations, comparing design, armor, armament, propulsion, and torpedo and ordnance developments. It reviews recent innovations in engines, armor, and naval architecture, catalogs tabled measurements and weapon data, and outlines torpedo vessels and boats. The work also summarizes major naval engagements and bombardments from the preceding decades to illustrate tactics and ship performance, enabling readers to assess contemporary strengths and the evolving character of naval warfare.

DASHES.

Passes of the Mississippi,
October 12, 1861.

At 4 a.m. the Confederate ram Manassas steamed suddenly into the Federal squadron at anchor in the Passes below New Orleans—

  Guns.
Richmond 25
Water Witch    3
Union  4
 
SAILING CORVETTES.
Vincennes 10
Preble 11

striking the Richmond a glancing blow. Chains were slipped at once, and the Richmond avoided a second blow by sheering. The ram passed back up the river. On the Confederate side the dash was a failure. On the Federal side the Vincennes was run ashore, deserted, and accident only saved the vessel, a train having been laid to her magazine and fired by Commander Handy. The train is said to have been put out by one of the crew before leaving, and the ship was hauled off after daylight.

Mississippi River, above Vicksburg,
July 15, 1862.

At about 7 a.m. the Confederate ram Arkansas made a dash down the river through the Federal squadron lying at anchor.

  Guns.
Hartford 28
Richmond 25
Oneida 10
Iroquois  7
Wissahickon    4
Winona  4
Sciota  4

As she passed through without attempting to ram, broadsides were exchanged. The Arkansas was disabled, but not caught. Federal loss: killed, 5; wounded, 16.

Charleston Blockading Fleet,
February 2, 1863.

At about 4 a.m. a Confederate iron-clad ram made a dash from the harbor into the blockading squadron.

  Guns.
Keystone State   13
Housatonic 13
Quaker City  9
Augusta 10
Mercedita  9
Memphis  7

Running at the Mercedita, she rammed her on the starboard beam, and at the same time put a shot through her boiler, completely disabling her. The ram then passed under her stern, demanded and received her surrender, but did not take possession, the crew being paroled. The Keystone State was then attacked, but avoided being rammed, although she received a shot through her boilers, completely disabling her. The ram then retired. Attack successful. Federal loss: killed, 24; wounded, 23; one crew paroled, two vessels disabled. Duration of attack, one hour.