Raphael Semmes ( / s ɪ m z / SIMZ ; September 27, 1809 – August 30, 1877) was an officer in the Confederate Navy during the American Civil War . He had served as an officer in the United States Navy from 1826 to 1860.
143-616: During the American Civil War, Semmes was captain of the cruiser CSS Alabama , the most successful commerce raider in maritime history, taking 65 prizes. Late in the war, he was promoted to rear admiral . He also acted as a brigadier general in the Confederate States Army from April 5 to April 26, 1865, although this appointment was never submitted to or officially confirmed by the Confederate Senate . Semmes
286-457: A Joint French-American Scientific Committee for archaeological exploration. This agreement established a precedent for international cooperation in archaeological research and in the protection of a unique historic shipwreck. The Association CSS Alabama and the Naval History and Heritage Command signed on 23 March 1995 an official agreement accrediting Association CSS Alabama as operator of
429-402: A Joint French-American Scientific Committee for archaeological exploration. This agreement established a precedent for international cooperation in archaeological research and in the protection of a unique historic shipwreck. The Association CSS Alabama and the Naval History and Heritage Command signed on 23 March 1995 an official agreement accrediting Association CSS Alabama as operator of
572-689: A ceremonial Stainless Banner (the second national flag of the Confederacy, used 1863-1865) with him. It was inherited by his grandchildren, Raphael Semmes III and Mrs. Eunice Semmes Thorington. After his sister's death, Raphael Semmes III donated the ensign to the state of Alabama on September 19, 1929. Today, the battle ensign resides in the collection of the Alabama Department of Archives and History among its Confederate Naval collection, listed as "Admiral Semmes' Flag, Catalogue No. 86.1893.1 (PN10149-10150)". Their provenance reconstruction shows that it
715-417: A fast rate of fire compared to Kearsarge ' s gun crews, who fired less than half that number, taking more careful aim. In the confusion of battle, five more rounds were fired at Alabama after her colors were struck. (Her gun ports had been left open and the broadside cannon were still run out, appearing to threaten Kearsarge .) A hand-held white flag at Alabama ' s stern spanker boom finally halted
858-417: A fast rate of fire compared to Kearsarge ' s gun crews, who fired less than half that number, taking more careful aim. In the confusion of battle, five more rounds were fired at Alabama after her colors were struck. (Her gun ports had been left open and the broadside cannon were still run out, appearing to threaten Kearsarge .) A hand-held white flag at Alabama ' s stern spanker boom finally halted
1001-557: A makeshift partial ironclad; 30 feet (9.1 m) of the ship's port and starboard midsection were stepped-up-and-down to the waterline with overlapping rows of heavy chain armor, hidden behind black-painted wooden deal board covers. Alabama ' s much-too-rapid gunnery and misplaced aim, combined with the deteriorated state of her gunpowder and shell fuses, enabled a victory for both of Kearsarge ' s 11-inch (28 cm) Dahlgren smoothbore cannon. While Alabama opened fire at long range, Kearsarge steamed straight at her, exposing
1144-535: A memorial window and tablet were placed at Easton Royal Church. Another tablet was placed in Charing Cross Hospital , London, where he attended medical school. During her two-year career as a commerce raider , Alabama damaged Union merchant shipping around the world. The Confederate cruiser claimed 65 prizes valued at nearly $ 6,000,000 (about $ 117,000,000 in today's dollars ); in 1862 alone 28 were claimed. In an important development in international law,
1287-471: A memorial window and tablet were placed at Easton Royal Church. Another tablet was placed in Charing Cross Hospital , London, where he attended medical school. During her two-year career as a commerce raider , Alabama damaged Union merchant shipping around the world. The Confederate cruiser claimed 65 prizes valued at nearly $ 6,000,000 (about $ 117,000,000 in today's dollars ); in 1862 alone 28 were claimed. In an important development in international law,
1430-468: A proportionately greater force when compared with the numbers of ships attacking (see Battle of the Atlantic ). Union officials proved immovable on the blockade, however, and although insurance prices soared, shipping costs went up, and many vessels transferred to a neutral flag, very few naval vessels were taken off the southern blockade. In fact, with clever use of resources and a mammoth shipbuilding program,
1573-417: A proportionately greater force when compared with the numbers of ships attacking (see Battle of the Atlantic ). Union officials proved immovable on the blockade, however, and although insurance prices soared, shipping costs went up, and many vessels transferred to a neutral flag, very few naval vessels were taken off the southern blockade. In fact, with clever use of resources and a mammoth shipbuilding program,
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#17328491438591716-532: A vigil outside the harbor until she was disarmed and sold at auction in December 1862, eventually being renamed and converted to a blockade runner. Semmes and several of his officers traveled to England, where he was promoted to captain. He then was ordered to the Azores to take up command and oversee the coaling and outfitting with cannon of the newly built British steamer Enrica as a sloop-of-war, which thereafter became
1859-630: Is the subject of an Afrikaans folk song, "Daar kom die Alibama" still popular in South Africa today. She then sailed for the East Indies where she spent six months, destroying seven more ships before finally returning via the Cape of Good Hope en route to France. Union warships hunted frequently for the Confederate raider, but on the few occasions Alabama was spotted, she eluded her pursuers by vanishing over
2002-422: Is the subject of an Afrikaans folk song, "Daar kom die Alibama" still popular in South Africa today. She then sailed for the East Indies where she spent six months, destroying seven more ships before finally returning via the Cape of Good Hope en route to France. Union warships hunted frequently for the Confederate raider, but on the few occasions Alabama was spotted, she eluded her pursuers by vanishing over
2145-736: The Alabama arrived at Cherbourg, France, where she was overhauled. Shortly after, a Union sloop-of-war, USS Kearsarge , arrived; and on June 19, the Battle of Cherbourg commenced outside the port of Cherbourg, France , whereby the Kearsarge sank the Alabama in approximately one hour after the Alabama's opening shot. Alabama was built in secrecy in 1862 by British shipbuilders John Laird Sons and Company , in north-west England at their shipyards at Birkenhead , Wirral , opposite Liverpool . The construction
2288-453: The Battle of Cherbourg commenced outside the port of Cherbourg, France , whereby the Kearsarge sank the Alabama in approximately one hour after the Alabama's opening shot. Alabama was built in secrecy in 1862 by British shipbuilders John Laird Sons and Company , in north-west England at their shipyards at Birkenhead , Wirral , opposite Liverpool . The construction was arranged by the Confederate agent Commander James Bulloch , who led
2431-481: The Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean; his actions accounted for the loss of 18 merchant vessels, while always eluding pursuit by Union warships. By January 1862, Sumter required a major overhaul. Semmes' crew surveyed the vessel while in neutral Gibraltar and determined that the repairs to her boilers were too extensive to be completed there. Semmes paid off the crew and laid up the vessel. US Navy vessels maintained
2574-507: The Kearsarge as soon as I can make the necessary arrangements. I hope these will not detain me more than until to-morrow or the morrow morning at farthest. I beg she will not depart until I am ready to go out. I have the honor to be Your obedient servant, R. Semmes, Captain." On 19 June, Alabama sailed out to meet the Union cruiser. Jurist Tom Bingham later wrote, "The ensuing battle was witnessed by Édouard Manet , who went out to paint it, and
2717-459: The Kearsarge as soon as I can make the necessary arrangements. I hope these will not detain me more than until to-morrow or the morrow morning at farthest. I beg she will not depart until I am ready to go out. I have the honor to be Your obedient servant, R. Semmes, Captain." On 19 June, Alabama sailed out to meet the Union cruiser. Jurist Tom Bingham later wrote, "The ensuing battle was witnessed by Édouard Manet , who went out to paint it, and
2860-622: The Memphis Bulletin newspaper in Memphis, Tennessee . He defended his actions of warfare at sea and the political actions of the seceded southern states in his 1869 Memoirs of Service Afloat During The War Between the States . The book was viewed by some, including Putnam's Magazine , as one of the most cogent but bitter defenses of the South's " Lost Cause ". Semmes is credited with helping to popularize
3003-468: The Second Confederate Congress adjourned for the last time on March 18, 1865. Historian Bruce Allardice notes that Semmes was vague about this appointment in his memoirs and considered his naval rank of rear admiral to be the equivalent of a brigadier general. After the destruction of the naval squadron, Semmes' sailors were turned into an infantry unit and dubbed the "Naval Brigade"; Semmes
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#17328491438593146-657: The West Indies , where she raised more havoc before finally cruising west into the Gulf of Mexico . There, in January 1863, Alabama had her first military engagement. She came upon and quickly sank the Union side-wheeler USS Hatteras just off the Texas coast, near Galveston , capturing that warship's crew. She then continued further south, eventually crossing the Equator , where she took
3289-412: The West Indies , where she raised more havoc before finally cruising west into the Gulf of Mexico . There, in January 1863, Alabama had her first military engagement. She came upon and quickly sank the Union side-wheeler USS Hatteras just off the Texas coast, near Galveston , capturing that warship's crew. She then continued further south, eventually crossing the Equator , where she took
3432-564: The 17th century. The fledgling Confederate Navy therefore adopted and used jacks, commissioning pennants, battle ensigns, small boat ensigns, designating flags, and signal flags aboard its warships during the Civil War. At the beginning of Alabama ' s raiding ventures, the newly commissioned cruiser may have been forced, out of necessity, to fly the only battle ensign available to Captain Semmes: an early 1861, 7-star First National Flag, possibly
3575-463: The 17th century. The fledgling Confederate Navy therefore adopted and used jacks, commissioning pennants, battle ensigns, small boat ensigns, designating flags, and signal flags aboard its warships during the Civil War. At the beginning of Alabama ' s raiding ventures, the newly commissioned cruiser may have been forced, out of necessity, to fly the only battle ensign available to Captain Semmes: an early 1861, 7-star First National Flag, possibly
3718-470: The 41 crew members successfully reached England. Semmes eventually returned to the Confederacy and became a Confederate admiral in the last weeks of the war. The sinking of Alabama by Kearsarge is honored by the United States Navy with a battle star on the Civil War campaign streamer . As They Signed Themselves. Dr. David Herbert Llewellyn, a Briton and the ship's assistant surgeon, tended
3861-410: The 41 crew members successfully reached England. Semmes eventually returned to the Confederacy and became a Confederate admiral in the last weeks of the war. The sinking of Alabama by Kearsarge is honored by the United States Navy with a battle star on the Civil War campaign streamer . As They Signed Themselves. Dr. David Herbert Llewellyn, a Briton and the ship's assistant surgeon, tended
4004-566: The Atlantic and made port in Cherbourg , France, for a much-needed overhaul; she was soon blockaded by the pursuing Union steam sloop-of-war USS Kearsarge . Captain Semmes took Alabama out on June 19, 1864, and met the similar Kearsarge in one of the most famous naval engagements of the Civil War. The commander of Kearsarge had, while in port at the Azores the year before, turned his warship into
4147-508: The Azores; six of those were 32-pounder smooth bores. Seven cannon were identified at the wreck site: Two were cast from a Royal Navy pattern and three were of a later pattern produced by Fawcett, Preston, and Company in Liverpool . One of the Blakely pattern 32-pounders was found lying across the starboard side of the hull, forward of the boilers. A second Blakely 32-pounder was identified outside
4290-407: The Azores; six of those were 32-pounder smooth bores. Seven cannon were identified at the wreck site: Two were cast from a Royal Navy pattern and three were of a later pattern produced by Fawcett, Preston, and Company in Liverpool . One of the Blakely pattern 32-pounders was found lying across the starboard side of the hull, forward of the boilers. A second Blakely 32-pounder was identified outside
4433-487: The Confederate Navy. Alabama ' s British-made ordnance consisted of six muzzle-loading, broadside , 32-pounder naval smoothbores (three firing to port and three firing to starboard) and two larger and more powerful pivot cannons . The pivot cannons were placed fore and aft of the main mast and positioned roughly amidships along the deck's center line. From those positions, they could be rotated to fire across
Raphael Semmes - Misplaced Pages Continue
4576-428: The Confederate Navy. Alabama ' s British-made ordnance consisted of six muzzle-loading, broadside , 32-pounder naval smoothbores (three firing to port and three firing to starboard) and two larger and more powerful pivot cannons . The pivot cannons were placed fore and aft of the main mast and positioned roughly amidships along the deck's center line. From those positions, they could be rotated to fire across
4719-519: The Confederate commerce raider CSS Alabama . Semmes sailed on Alabama from August 1862 to June 1864. His operations carried him from the Atlantic to the Gulf of Mexico , around Africa's Cape of Good Hope , and into the Pacific to the East Indies . During this cruise, Alabama captured 65 US merchantmen and quickly destroyed the USS ; Hatteras , off Galveston . Alabama finally sailed back to
4862-445: The Confederate congress for all destroyed Union ships. The men began to shout "Hear! Hear!" in response. 83 seamen, many of them British, signed on for service in the Confederate Navy. Bulloch and the remaining seamen then boarded their respective ships for the return to England. Semmes still needed another 20 or so men for a full complement, but there were enough to at least handle the new commerce raider. The rest would be recruited from
5005-445: The Confederate congress for all destroyed Union ships. The men began to shout "Hear! Hear!" in response. 83 seamen, many of them British, signed on for service in the Confederate Navy. Bulloch and the remaining seamen then boarded their respective ships for the return to England. Semmes still needed another 20 or so men for a full complement, but there were enough to at least handle the new commerce raider. The rest would be recruited from
5148-774: The English Channel. Jules Verne had himself made a previous comparison between the Birkenhead-built CSS Alabama and the Nautilus in a letter to his publisher Jules Hetzel in March 1869. Other arguments in favor of a connection were made by Birkenhead born geography teacher John Lamb. Both the United States Navy and the Confederate States Navy flew an ensign and a jack (primary and secondary naval flags) following British naval tradition that originated in
5291-482: The English Channel. Jules Verne had himself made a previous comparison between the Birkenhead-built CSS Alabama and the Nautilus in a letter to his publisher Jules Hetzel in March 1869. Other arguments in favor of a connection were made by Birkenhead born geography teacher John Lamb. Both the United States Navy and the Confederate States Navy flew an ensign and a jack (primary and secondary naval flags) following British naval tradition that originated in
5434-563: The Louisiana State Seminary (today's Louisiana State University ) offered Semmes a position as Professor of Moral Philosophy and English Literature. The position paid $ 3,000 per year. Semmes assumed this role on January 1, 1867. His fellow faculty-members described him as "dignified and easy to talk with". His teaching consisted mainly of formal lectures, with very little open discussion or questions. After only five months on campus, Semmes resigned from academia to take over as editor of
5577-476: The Naval Brigade were surrendered to Union Major General William T. Sherman with Johnston's army at Bennett Place near Durham Station , North Carolina; he was subsequently paroled on May 1, 1865. Semmes' parole notes that he held commissions as both a brigadier general and rear admiral in the Confederate service when he surrendered with General Johnston's army. He insisted on his parole being written to include
5720-568: The North Atlantic, as well as intercepting American grain ships bound for Europe. The Alabama continued its wrath through the West Indies and further into the East Indies, destroying over seven ships before returning to Europe. On June 11, 1864, the Alabama arrived at Cherbourg, France, where she was overhauled. Shortly after, a Union sloop-of-war, USS Kearsarge , arrived; and on June 19,
5863-482: The U.S. government pursued the " Alabama Claims " against the United Kingdom for the losses caused by Alabama and other raiders fitted out there. A joint arbitration commission awarded the U.S. $ 15.5 million in damages. Ironically, in 1851, a decade before the Civil War, Captain Semmes had observed: (Commerce raiders) are little better than licensed pirates; and it behooves all civilized nations [...] to suppress
Raphael Semmes - Misplaced Pages Continue
6006-425: The U.S. government pursued the " Alabama Claims " against the United Kingdom for the losses caused by Alabama and other raiders fitted out there. A joint arbitration commission awarded the U.S. $ 15.5 million in damages. Ironically, in 1851, a decade before the Civil War, Captain Semmes had observed: (Commerce raiders) are little better than licensed pirates; and it behooves all civilized nations [...] to suppress
6149-601: The Union managed to steadily increase the blockade throughout the war. It also sent vessels to protect merchant shipping and to hunt and destroy the few Confederate raiders and privateers still operating. In November 1984 the French Navy mine hunter Circé discovered a wreck under nearly 200 ft (60 m) of water off Cherbourg at 49°45′9″N 1°41′42″W / 49.75250°N 1.69500°W / 49.75250; -1.69500 . Captain Max Guerout later confirmed
6292-494: The Union managed to steadily increase the blockade throughout the war. It also sent vessels to protect merchant shipping and to hunt and destroy the few Confederate raiders and privateers still operating. In November 1984 the French Navy mine hunter Circé discovered a wreck under nearly 200 ft (60 m) of water off Cherbourg at 49°45′9″N 1°41′42″W / 49.75250°N 1.69500°W / 49.75250; -1.69500 . Captain Max Guerout later confirmed
6435-452: The Union sloop-of-war to potentially devastating raking fire. In their haste, however, Alabama's gunners fired many shells too high. At 1,000 yards (910 m), Kearsarge turned broadside to engage and opened fire. Soon the heavy 11-inch (28 cm) Dahlgren cannon began to find their mark. After receiving a fatal shell to the starboard waterline, which tore open a portion of Alabama ' s hull, causing her steam engine to explode from
6578-616: The archaeological investigation of the remains of the ship. The association, which is funded solely from private donations, is continuing to make this an international project through its fundraising in France and in the US, thanks to its sister organization, the CSS Alabama Association, incorporated in the State of Delaware . Alabama was fitted with eight pieces of ordnance after she arrived at
6721-408: The archaeological investigation of the remains of the ship. The association, which is funded solely from private donations, is continuing to make this an international project through its fundraising in France and in the US, thanks to its sister organization, the CSS Alabama Association, incorporated in the State of Delaware . Alabama was fitted with eight pieces of ordnance after she arrived at
6864-399: The bow of his opponent to deliver a heavy raking fire (to " cross the T "). The battle quickly turned against Alabama due to the superior gunnery displayed by Kearsarge and the deteriorated state of Alabama ' s contaminated powder and fuses. Her most telling shot, fired from the forward 7-inch (178 mm) Blakely pivot rifle, hit very near Kearsarge ' s vulnerable stern post ,
7007-399: The bow of his opponent to deliver a heavy raking fire (to " cross the T "). The battle quickly turned against Alabama due to the superior gunnery displayed by Kearsarge and the deteriorated state of Alabama ' s contaminated powder and fuses. Her most telling shot, fired from the forward 7-inch (178 mm) Blakely pivot rifle, hit very near Kearsarge ' s vulnerable stern post ,
7150-537: The boxed-in James River Squadron from his flagship, the heavily armored ironclad CSS Virginia II . With the fall of Richmond , in April 1865, Semmes supervised the destruction of all the squadron's nearby warships and thereafter acted as a brigadier general in the Confederate States Army , the implication being that he was appointed to that grade. Historians John and David Eicher show Semmes as appointed to
7293-502: The brigadier general commission in anticipation of being charged with piracy by the United States government. The U.S. briefly held Semmes as a prisoner after the war, but released him again on a second parole, then later rearrested him for treason on December 15, 1865. After a good deal of behind-the-scenes of legal and political machinations, all charges were eventually dropped, and he was released on April 7, 1866. In October 1866,
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#17328491438597436-517: The captured crews of raided ships or from friendly ports-of-call. Many of the 83 crewmen who signed on completed the full voyage. Under Captain Semmes, Alabama spent her first two months in the Eastern Atlantic , ranging southwest of the Azores and then redoubling east, capturing and burning northern merchant ships. After a difficult Atlantic crossing, she continued her cruise in the greater New England region. She then sailed south, arriving in
7579-459: The captured crews of raided ships or from friendly ports-of-call. Many of the 83 crewmen who signed on completed the full voyage. Under Captain Semmes, Alabama spent her first two months in the Eastern Atlantic , ranging southwest of the Azores and then redoubling east, capturing and burning northern merchant ships. After a difficult Atlantic crossing, she continued her cruise in the greater New England region. She then sailed south, arriving in
7722-416: The engagement. Prior to this, she had her steering gear damaged by shell hits, but the fatal shot came later when one of Kearsarge ' s 11-inch (280 mm) shells tore open a mid-section of Alabama ' s starboard waterline. Water quickly rushed through the hull, eventually flooding the boilers and taking her down by the stern to the bottom. As Alabama sank, the injured Semmes threw his sword into
7865-416: The engagement. Prior to this, she had her steering gear damaged by shell hits, but the fatal shot came later when one of Kearsarge ' s 11-inch (280 mm) shells tore open a mid-section of Alabama ' s starboard waterline. Water quickly rushed through the hull, eventually flooding the boilers and taking her down by the stern to the bottom. As Alabama sank, the injured Semmes threw his sword into
8008-523: The ensign from his uncle. At the suggestion of retired Rear Admiral Beverly M. Coleman, Sawtell donated it to the State of Alabama on 3 June 1975. CSS Alabama CSS Alabama was a screw sloop-of-war built in 1862 for the Confederate States Navy . The vessel was built in Birkenhead on the River Mersey opposite Liverpool , England, by John Laird Sons and Company . Launched as Enrica , she
8151-584: The globe, before heading to France for refit and repairs: Upon the completion of her seven expeditionary raids, Alabama had been at sea for 534 days out of 657, never visiting a Confederate port. She boarded nearly 450 vessels, captured or burned 65 Union merchant ships, and took more than 2,000 prisoners without any loss of life among either prisoners or her own crew. On 11 June 1864, Alabama arrived in port at Cherbourg , France. Captain Semmes soon requested permission to dry dock and overhaul his ship, necessary after naval action and so long at sea. Pursuing
8294-584: The globe, before heading to France for refit and repairs: Upon the completion of her seven expeditionary raids, Alabama had been at sea for 534 days out of 657, never visiting a Confederate port. She boarded nearly 450 vessels, captured or burned 65 Union merchant ships, and took more than 2,000 prisoners without any loss of life among either prisoners or her own crew. On 11 June 1864, Alabama arrived in port at Cherbourg , France. Captain Semmes soon requested permission to dry dock and overhaul his ship, necessary after naval action and so long at sea. Pursuing
8437-520: The grade of temporary brigadier general (unconfirmed) on April 5, 1865. Semmes' appointment as a brigadier general was at most an informal arrangement made four days before General Robert E. Lee 's surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia at the Battle of Appomattox Courthouse on April 9, 1865. That appointment was not and could not have been submitted to or confirmed by the Confederate Senate, since
8580-409: The horizon. All together, she burned 65 Union vessels of various types, most of them merchant ships . During all of Alabama ' s raiding ventures, captured ships' crews and passengers were never harmed, only detained until they could be placed aboard a neutral ship or placed ashore in a friendly or neutral port. All together, Alabama conducted a total of seven expeditionary raids, spanning
8723-409: The horizon. All together, she burned 65 Union vessels of various types, most of them merchant ships . During all of Alabama ' s raiding ventures, captured ships' crews and passengers were never harmed, only detained until they could be placed aboard a neutral ship or placed ashore in a friendly or neutral port. All together, Alabama conducted a total of seven expeditionary raids, spanning
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#17328491438598866-400: The hull planking underneath. A second 32-pounder shell exploded and broke a link of the chain armor, tearing away a portion of the deal-board covering. Had those rounds come from Alabama ' s more powerful 100-pounder Blakely pivot rifle, they would have easily penetrated, but the likely result would not have been very serious, as both shots struck the hull a little more than five feet above
9009-400: The hull planking underneath. A second 32-pounder shell exploded and broke a link of the chain armor, tearing away a portion of the deal-board covering. Had those rounds come from Alabama ' s more powerful 100-pounder Blakely pivot rifle, they would have easily penetrated, but the likely result would not have been very serious, as both shots struck the hull a little more than five feet above
9152-578: The hull structure, immediately forward of the propeller and its lifting frame; the forward 32-pounder was recovered in 2000. Both of the Royal Navy pattern 32-pounders were identified: One lies inside the starboard hull, forward of the boilers, adjacent to the forward Downton pump . The second was identified as lying on the iron deck structure, immediately aft of the smoke pipe; it was recovered in 2001. The sole remaining 32-pounder has not been positively identified, but it could be underneath hull debris forward of
9295-525: The hull structure, immediately forward of the propeller and its lifting frame; the forward 32-pounder was recovered in 2000. Both of the Royal Navy pattern 32-pounders were identified: One lies inside the starboard hull, forward of the boilers, adjacent to the forward Downton pump . The second was identified as lying on the iron deck structure, immediately aft of the smoke pipe; it was recovered in 2001. The sole remaining 32-pounder has not been positively identified, but it could be underneath hull debris forward of
9438-492: The impact binding the ship's rudder badly. That rifled shell , however, failed to explode. If it had done so, it would have seriously disabled Kearsarge ' s steering, possibly sinking the warship, and ending the contest. In addition, Alabama ' s too rapid rate-of-fire resulted in poor gunnery, with many of her shots going too high, and as a result Kearsarge 's outboard chain armor received little damage. Semmes later said that he did not know about Kearsarge 's armor at
9581-492: The impact binding the ship's rudder badly. That rifled shell , however, failed to explode. If it had done so, it would have seriously disabled Kearsarge ' s steering, possibly sinking the warship, and ending the contest. In addition, Alabama ' s too rapid rate-of-fire resulted in poor gunnery, with many of her shots going too high, and as a result Kearsarge 's outboard chain armor received little damage. Semmes later said that he did not know about Kearsarge 's armor at
9724-541: The landing force at Veracruz, and was dispatched inland to catch up with Army forces proceeding to Mexico City . Following the war, Semmes went on extended leave at Mobile, Alabama , where he practiced law and wrote Service Afloat and Ashore During the Mexican War . He became extremely popular, and the nearby town of Semmes, Alabama , was named after him. He also maintained a home in Josephine, Alabama , on Perdido Bay . He
9867-499: The loss of Alabama. From England, Semmes made his way back to America via Cuba and from there a safe shore landing on the Texas gulf coast. It took his small party many weeks of journeying through the war-devastated South before he was finally able to make his way to the Confederate capital. He was promoted to rear admiral in February 1865, and during the last months of the war he commanded
10010-560: The most prizes of her raiding career while cruising off the coast of Brazil . After a second, easterly Atlantic crossing, Alabama sailed down the southwestern African coast where she continued the campaign against northern commerce. After stopping in Saldanha Bay on 29 July 1863 in order to verify that no enemy ships were in Table Bay , she finally made a much-needed refitting and reprovisioning visit to Cape Town , South Africa . Alabama
10153-455: The most prizes of her raiding career while cruising off the coast of Brazil . After a second, easterly Atlantic crossing, Alabama sailed down the southwestern African coast where she continued the campaign against northern commerce. After stopping in Saldanha Bay on 29 July 1863 in order to verify that no enemy ships were in Table Bay , she finally made a much-needed refitting and reprovisioning visit to Cape Town , South Africa . Alabama
10296-449: The much less well armed blockade ship Hatteras . The Kearsarge was not clearly superior to Alabama , and Semmes did not wish his ship to be interned by the French. Therefore, after preparing his ship and drilling the crew for the coming battle during the next several days, Semmes issued, through diplomatic channels, a challenge to the Kearsarge ' s commander, "my intention is to fight
10439-400: The much less well armed blockade ship Hatteras . The Kearsarge was not clearly superior to Alabama , and Semmes did not wish his ship to be interned by the French. Therefore, after preparing his ship and drilling the crew for the coming battle during the next several days, Semmes issued, through diplomatic channels, a challenge to the Kearsarge ' s commander, "my intention is to fight
10582-637: The new cruiser. Upon completion of the reading, musicians assembled from among the three ships' crews began to play the tune "Dixie" as the quartermaster finished hauling down Enrica ' s British colors. A signal cannon was fired and the ship's new battle ensign and commissioning pennant were broken out at the peaks of the mizzen gaff and mainmast. With that the cruiser became the Confederate States Steamer Alabama . The ship's motto: Aide-toi et Dieu t'aidera (French which approximately translates as " God helps those who help themselves ")
10725-561: The new cruiser. Upon completion of the reading, musicians assembled from among the three ships' crews began to play the tune "Dixie" as the quartermaster finished hauling down Enrica ' s British colors. A signal cannon was fired and the ship's new battle ensign and commissioning pennant were broken out at the peaks of the mizzen gaff and mainmast. With that the cruiser became the Confederate States Steamer Alabama . The ship's motto: Aide-toi et Dieu t'aidera (French which approximately translates as " God helps those who help themselves ")
10868-439: The owner of an English yacht who had offered his children a choice between watching the battle and going to church." As Kearsarge turned to meet her opponent, Alabama opened fire. Kearsarge waited until the range had closed to less than 1,000 yards (900 m). According to combatants, the two ships steamed on opposite courses in seven spiraling circles, moving southwesterly with the 3-knot current, each commander trying to cross
11011-439: The owner of an English yacht who had offered his children a choice between watching the battle and going to church." As Kearsarge turned to meet her opponent, Alabama opened fire. Kearsarge waited until the range had closed to less than 1,000 yards (900 m). According to combatants, the two ships steamed on opposite courses in seven spiraling circles, moving southwesterly with the 3-knot current, each commander trying to cross
11154-458: The port or starboard sides of the cruiser. The fore pivot cannon was a heavy, long-range 100-pounder, 7-inch-bore (178 mm) Blakely rifled muzzleloader ; the aft pivot cannon a large, 8-inch (203 mm) smoothbore. The new Confederate cruiser was powered by both sail and by a two-cylinder John Laird Sons and Company 300 horsepower (220 kW) horizontal steam engine , driving a single, Griffiths-type, twin-bladed brass screw. (Note: At
11297-458: The port or starboard sides of the cruiser. The fore pivot cannon was a heavy, long-range 100-pounder, 7-inch-bore (178 mm) Blakely rifled muzzleloader ; the aft pivot cannon a large, 8-inch (203 mm) smoothbore. The new Confederate cruiser was powered by both sail and by a two-cylinder John Laird Sons and Company 300 horsepower (220 kW) horizontal steam engine , driving a single, Griffiths-type, twin-bladed brass screw. (Note: At
11440-411: The practice altogether. However, she and other raiders failed in their primary purpose, which was to draw Union vessels away from the blockade of the southern coastline that was slowly strangling the Confederacy. The Confederate government had hoped that panicking shipping companies would force the Union to dispatch ships to protect merchant shipping and hunt down the raiders, a task which always requires
11583-411: The practice altogether. However, she and other raiders failed in their primary purpose, which was to draw Union vessels away from the blockade of the southern coastline that was slowly strangling the Confederacy. The Confederate government had hoped that panicking shipping companies would force the Union to dispatch ships to protect merchant shipping and hunt down the raiders, a task which always requires
11726-546: The procurement of sorely needed ships for the fledgling Confederate States Navy . The contract was arranged through the Fraser Trenholm Company, a cotton broker in Liverpool with ties to the Confederacy. Under prevailing British neutrality law, it was possible to build a ship designed as an armed vessel, provided that it was not actually armed until after it was in international waters. In light of this loophole, Alabama
11869-409: The protection of early steam vessels, such as protected cruisers ). A hit to her engine or boilers could easily have left Kearsarge dead in the water, or even caused a boiler explosion or fire that could destroy the cruiser. Her armor belt was struck twice during the fight. The first hit, by one of Alabama ' s 32-pounder shells, was in the starboard gangway, cutting the chain armor and damaging
12012-409: The protection of early steam vessels, such as protected cruisers ). A hit to her engine or boilers could easily have left Kearsarge dead in the water, or even caused a boiler explosion or fire that could destroy the cruiser. Her armor belt was struck twice during the fight. The first hit, by one of Alabama ' s 32-pounder shells, was in the starboard gangway, cutting the chain armor and damaging
12155-520: The raider's two surviving longboats. As his command sank, the wounded Semmes threw his sword into the sea, depriving Kearsarge ' s Winslow of the traditional surrender ceremony of having it handed over to him as victor. Semmes was eventually rescued, along with 41 of his crewmen, by the British yacht Deerhound and three French pilot boats. He and his men were taken to England where all but one recovered; while there they were hailed as naval heroes, despite
12298-609: The raider, the American sloop-of-war , USS Kearsarge , under the command of Captain John Ancrum Winslow , arrived three days later and took up station just outside the harbor. While at his previous port-of-call , Winslow had telegraphed Gibraltar to send the old sloop-of-war USS St. Louis with provisions and to provide blockading assistance. Kearsarge now had Alabama boxed in with no place left to run. Up to this point, Semmes had faced another warship only once -
12441-497: The raider, the American sloop-of-war , USS Kearsarge , under the command of Captain John Ancrum Winslow , arrived three days later and took up station just outside the harbor. While at his previous port-of-call , Winslow had telegraphed Gibraltar to send the old sloop-of-war USS St. Louis with provisions and to provide blockading assistance. Kearsarge now had Alabama boxed in with no place left to run. Up to this point, Semmes had faced another warship only once -
12584-499: The refitting of the new vessel with various provisions, including armaments, and 350 tons of coal, brought there by Agrippina , his new ship's supply vessel. After three days' work by the three ships' crews, Enrica was equipped as a naval cruiser , designated a commerce raider , for the Confederate States of America . Following her commissioning as CSS Alabama , Bulloch then returned to Liverpool to continue his secret work for
12727-439: The refitting of the new vessel with various provisions, including armaments, and 350 tons of coal, brought there by Agrippina , his new ship's supply vessel. After three days' work by the three ships' crews, Enrica was equipped as a naval cruiser , designated a commerce raider , for the Confederate States of America . Following her commissioning as CSS Alabama , Bulloch then returned to Liverpool to continue his secret work for
12870-532: The same battle ensign flown aboard his previous command, the smaller commerce raider CSS Sumter . Between 21 May and 28 November 1861, six more Southern states seceded and joined the Confederacy. Well before Alabama was launched as Enrica at Birkenhead, Merseyside in North West England, six more white, 5-pointed stars had been added to the "Stars and Bars" far away across the Atlantic on the Confederate mainland. One such early "Stars and Bars" battle ensign
13013-471: The same battle ensign flown aboard his previous command, the smaller commerce raider CSS Sumter . Between 21 May and 28 November 1861, six more Southern states seceded and joined the Confederacy. Well before Alabama was launched as Enrica at Birkenhead, Merseyside in North West England, six more white, 5-pointed stars had been added to the "Stars and Bars" far away across the Atlantic on the Confederate mainland. One such early "Stars and Bars" battle ensign
13156-669: The sea, depriving Kearsarge ' s commander, Winslow, of the traditional surrender of the sword (an act which was seen as dishonorable by many at the time). Of her 170 crew, the Alabama had 19 fatalities (9 killed and 10 drowned) and 21 wounded Kearsarge rescued most of the survivors, but 41 of Alabama ' s officers and crew, including Semmes, were rescued by John Lancaster's private British steam yacht Deerhound , while Kearsarge stood off to recover her rescue boats as Alabama sank. Captain Winslow had to stand by and watch Deerhound spirit his adversary away to England. Semmes and
13299-619: The sea, depriving Kearsarge ' s commander, Winslow, of the traditional surrender of the sword (an act which was seen as dishonorable by many at the time). Of her 170 crew, the Alabama had 19 fatalities (9 killed and 10 drowned) and 21 wounded Kearsarge rescued most of the survivors, but 41 of Alabama ' s officers and crew, including Semmes, were rescued by John Lancaster's private British steam yacht Deerhound , while Kearsarge stood off to recover her rescue boats as Alabama sank. Captain Winslow had to stand by and watch Deerhound spirit his adversary away to England. Semmes and
13442-450: The shell's impact, Semmes was forced to order the striking of his ship's Stainless Banner battle ensign and later to display a hand-held white flag of surrender to finally halt the engagement. As the commerce raider was going down by the stern, Kearsarge stood off at a distance and observed at the orders of her captain, John Ancrum Winslow , who eventually sent rescue boats for survivors after taking aboard Alabama survivors from one of
13585-496: The ship's bell along with more than 300 other artifacts, including more cannons, structural samples, tableware, ornate commodes, and numerous other items that reveal much about life aboard the Confederate warship. Many of the artifacts are now housed in the Underwater Archaeology Branch, Naval History & Heritage Command conservation lab. Alabama is the subject of a sea shanty , Roll, Alabama, Roll which
13728-425: The ship's bell along with more than 300 other artifacts, including more cannons, structural samples, tableware, ornate commodes, and numerous other items that reveal much about life aboard the Confederate warship. Many of the artifacts are now housed in the Underwater Archaeology Branch, Naval History & Heritage Command conservation lab. Alabama is the subject of a sea shanty , Roll, Alabama, Roll which
13871-409: The starboard Trotman anchor. Alabama ' s heavy ordnance were one Blakely Patent 7-inch 100-pounder shell rifle mounted on a pivot carriage forward and one 68-pounder smoothbore similarly mounted aft. The Blakely 7-inch 100-pounder was found beside its pivot carriage, atop the forward starboard boiler; this was the first cannon recovered from Alabama . The 68-pounder smoothbore was located aft, at
14014-409: The starboard Trotman anchor. Alabama ' s heavy ordnance were one Blakely Patent 7-inch 100-pounder shell rifle mounted on a pivot carriage forward and one 68-pounder smoothbore similarly mounted aft. The Blakely 7-inch 100-pounder was found beside its pivot carriage, atop the forward starboard boiler; this was the first cannon recovered from Alabama . The 68-pounder smoothbore was located aft, at
14157-473: The steamer Habana into the cruiser/commerce raider CSS Sumter . In June 1861, Semmes, in Sumter , outran the USS Brooklyn , breaching the Union blockade of New Orleans, and then launched a brilliant career as one of the greatest commerce raider captains in naval history. Semmes' command of CSS Sumter lasted only six months, but during that time he ranged wide, raiding US commercial shipping in both
14300-414: The stern, immediately outside the starboard hull structure; it is possible that the remains of its truck and pivot carriage lie underneath the gun barrel. Both heavy cannon were recovered in 1994. In addition to the seven cannon, the wreck site contained shot, gun truck wheels, and brass tracks for the gun carriages; many of the brass tracks were recovered. Two shot were recovered, and one conical projectile
14443-414: The stern, immediately outside the starboard hull structure; it is possible that the remains of its truck and pivot carriage lie underneath the gun barrel. Both heavy cannon were recovered in 1994. In addition to the seven cannon, the wreck site contained shot, gun truck wheels, and brass tracks for the gun carriages; many of the brass tracks were recovered. Two shot were recovered, and one conical projectile
14586-458: The streets on the current Louisiana State University campus once carried his full name, as does Semmes Avenue in Richmond, Virginia . A life-sized statue of Admiral Semmes was removed by the city of Mobile early on June 5, 2020. A suburban area of western Mobile County is named for him, as well as a hotel in downtown Mobile, The Admiral Hotel. When Semmes returned to the South from England, he brought
14729-580: The term “ War Between the States ". In 1871, the citizens of Mobile presented Semmes with the Raphael Semmes House , an 1858 brick townhouse at 804 Government Street. He lived there until he died in 1877, from complications that followed food poisoning from eating some contaminated shrimp. Semmes was interred in Mobile's Old Catholic Cemetery . Semmes is a member of the Alabama Hall of Fame . One of
14872-522: The time a cylinder was also called an engine. Therefore, the machinery involved, which had two cylinders, could also be referred to as a pair of engines as often found in literature.) The telescopic funnel could be raised or lowered by chains to disguise the fact that the vessel was a steamer. With the screw retracted using the stern's brass lifting gear mechanism, Alabama could make up to ten knots under sail alone and 13.25 knots (24.54 km/h) when her sail and steam power were used together. The ship
15015-522: The time a cylinder was also called an engine. Therefore, the machinery involved, which had two cylinders, could also be referred to as a pair of engines as often found in literature.) The telescopic funnel could be raised or lowered by chains to disguise the fact that the vessel was a steamer. With the screw retracted using the stern's brass lifting gear mechanism, Alabama could make up to ten knots under sail alone and 13.25 knots (24.54 km/h) when her sail and steam power were used together. The ship
15158-513: The time of his decision to issue the challenge to fight, and in the following years firmly maintained he would have never fought Kearsarge if he had known. Kearsarge's hull armor had been installed in just three days, more than a year before, while she was in port at the Azores. It was made using 120 fathoms (720 ft; 220 m) of 1.7-inch (43 mm) single link iron chain and covered hull spaces 49 feet 6 inches (15.09 m) long by 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) deep. It
15301-513: The time of his decision to issue the challenge to fight, and in the following years firmly maintained he would have never fought Kearsarge if he had known. Kearsarge's hull armor had been installed in just three days, more than a year before, while she was in port at the Azores. It was made using 120 fathoms (720 ft; 220 m) of 1.7-inch (43 mm) single link iron chain and covered hull spaces 49 feet 6 inches (15.09 m) long by 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) deep. It
15444-719: The waterline. Even if both shots had penetrated Kearsarge ' s side, they would have missed her vital machinery. However, a 100-pound shell could have done a great deal of damage to her interior; hot fragments could have easily set fire to the cruiser, one of the greatest risks aboard a wooden vessel. A little more than an hour after the first shot was fired, Alabama was reduced to a sinking wreck by Kearsarge ' s powerful 11-inch (280 mm) Dahlgrens, forcing Captain Semmes to strike his colors and to send one of his two surviving boats to Kearsarge to ask for assistance. According to witnesses, Alabama fired about 370 rounds at her adversary, averaging one round per minute per gun,
15587-719: The waterline. Even if both shots had penetrated Kearsarge ' s side, they would have missed her vital machinery. However, a 100-pound shell could have done a great deal of damage to her interior; hot fragments could have easily set fire to the cruiser, one of the greatest risks aboard a wooden vessel. A little more than an hour after the first shot was fired, Alabama was reduced to a sinking wreck by Kearsarge ' s powerful 11-inch (280 mm) Dahlgrens, forcing Captain Semmes to strike his colors and to send one of his two surviving boats to Kearsarge to ask for assistance. According to witnesses, Alabama fired about 370 rounds at her adversary, averaging one round per minute per gun,
15730-463: The wounded during the battle. At one point the operating table was shot away. He worked in the wardroom until the order to abandon ship was finally given. As he helped wounded men into Alabama ' s only two functional lifeboats, an able-bodied sailor attempted to enter one, which was already full. Llewellyn, understanding that the man risked capsizing the craft, grabbed and pulled him back, saying "See, I want to save my life as much as you do; but let
15873-463: The wounded during the battle. At one point the operating table was shot away. He worked in the wardroom until the order to abandon ship was finally given. As he helped wounded men into Alabama ' s only two functional lifeboats, an able-bodied sailor attempted to enter one, which was already full. Llewellyn, understanding that the man risked capsizing the craft, grabbed and pulled him back, saying "See, I want to save my life as much as you do; but let
16016-469: The wounded men be saved first." An officer in the boat, seeing that Llewellyn was about to be left aboard the stricken Alabama , shouted "Doctor, we can make room for you." Llewellyn shook his head and replied, "I will not peril the wounded." Unknown to the crew, Llewellyn had never learned to swim, and he drowned when the ship went down. His sacrifice did not go unrecognized in England. In his native village,
16159-419: The wounded men be saved first." An officer in the boat, seeing that Llewellyn was about to be left aboard the stricken Alabama , shouted "Doctor, we can make room for you." Llewellyn shook his head and replied, "I will not peril the wounded." Unknown to the crew, Llewellyn had never learned to swim, and he drowned when the ship went down. His sacrifice did not go unrecognized in England. In his native village,
16302-549: The wreck to be Alabama ' s remains. In 1988 a non-profit organization, the CSS Alabama Association, was founded to conduct scientific exploration of the shipwreck. Although the wreck is in French territorial waters , the United States Government, as the successor to the former Confederate States of America , is the owner. On 3 October 1989 the US and France signed an agreement recognizing this wreck as an important heritage resource of both nations and establishing
16445-482: The wreck to be Alabama ' s remains. In 1988 a non-profit organization, the CSS Alabama Association, was founded to conduct scientific exploration of the shipwreck. Although the wreck is in French territorial waters , the United States Government, as the successor to the former Confederate States of America , is the owner. On 3 October 1989 the US and France signed an agreement recognizing this wreck as an important heritage resource of both nations and establishing
16588-517: Was a screw sloop-of-war built in 1862 for the Confederate States Navy . The vessel was built in Birkenhead on the River Mersey opposite Liverpool , England, by John Laird Sons and Company . Launched as Enrica , she was fitted out as a cruiser and commissioned as CSS Alabama on August 24, 1862. Under Captain Raphael Semmes, Alabama served as a successful commerce raider , attacking, capturing, and burning Union merchant and naval ships in
16731-470: Was admitted to the bar . He was promoted to lieutenant in February 1837. During the Mexican–American War , he commanded the USS Somers in the Gulf of Mexico . In December 1846, a squall hit the ship while under full sail in pursuit of a vessel off Veracruz . Somers capsized and was lost along with 37 sailors. Semmes then served as first lieutenant on the USS Raritan , accompanied
16874-563: Was also the basis of a 2014 record of the same name by British contemporary folk band Bellowhead . Alabama ' s visit to Cape Town in 1863 has passed (with a slight spelling change) into South African folklore in the Afrikaans song, Daar Kom die Alibama . The Alabama Hills in Inyo County, California, are named after the vessel. In 1998 the Jules Verne scholar William Butcher
17017-405: Was also the basis of a 2014 record of the same name by British contemporary folk band Bellowhead . Alabama ' s visit to Cape Town in 1863 has passed (with a slight spelling change) into South African folklore in the Afrikaans song, Daar Kom die Alibama . The Alabama Hills in Inyo County, California, are named after the vessel. In 1998 the Jules Verne scholar William Butcher
17160-436: Was arranged by the Confederate agent Commander James Bulloch , who led the procurement of sorely needed ships for the fledgling Confederate States Navy . The contract was arranged through the Fraser Trenholm Company, a cotton broker in Liverpool with ties to the Confederacy. Under prevailing British neutrality law, it was possible to build a ship designed as an armed vessel, provided that it was not actually armed until after it
17303-687: Was born in Charles County, Maryland , on Tayloe's Neck. He was a cousin of future Confederate general Paul Jones Semmes and of future Union Navy Captain Alexander Alderman Semmes . He graduated from Charlotte Hall Military Academy and entered the U.S. Navy as a midshipman in 1826. Semmes first served on the Lexington, cruising the Caribbean and the Mediterranean until September 1826, when he
17446-421: Was built with reinforced decks for cannon emplacements, ammunition magazines below water level, etc., but was not fitted with armaments or any "warlike equipment" originally. Initially known only by her shipyard number "ship number 0290", she was launched as Enrica on 15 May 1862 and secretly slipped out of Birkenhead on 29 July 1862. U.S. Navy Commander Tunis A. M. Craven , commander of USS Tuscarora ,
17589-616: Was destroyed by the Unionist Kearsarge off Cherbourg on 11th June 1864….This battle has clear connections with Nemo’s final attack, also in the English Channel." Verne had himself made a comparison between the Alabama and the Nautilus in a letter to his publisher Pierre-Jules Hetzel in March 1869. Other authors have made further arguments, including connections to Robert Louis Stevenson's 1883 adventure novel Treasure Island . [REDACTED] Media related to Raphael Semmes at Wikimedia Commons CSS Alabama CSS Alabama
17732-490: Was engraved in the bronze of the great double ship's wheel . Captain Semmes then made a speech about the Southern cause to the assembled seamen (few of whom were American), asking them to sign on for a voyage of unknown length and destiny. Semmes had only his 24 officers and no crew to man his new command. When this did not succeed, he offered signing money and double wages, paid in gold, and additional prize money to be paid by
17875-439: Was engraved in the bronze of the great double ship's wheel . Captain Semmes then made a speech about the Southern cause to the assembled seamen (few of whom were American), asking them to sign on for a voyage of unknown length and destiny. Semmes had only his 24 officers and no crew to man his new command. When this did not succeed, he offered signing money and double wages, paid in gold, and additional prize money to be paid by
18018-480: Was fitted out as a cruiser and commissioned as CSS Alabama on August 24, 1862. Under Captain Raphael Semmes, Alabama served as a successful commerce raider , attacking, capturing, and burning Union merchant and naval ships in the North Atlantic, as well as intercepting American grain ships bound for Europe. The Alabama continued its wrath through the West Indies and further into the East Indies, destroying over seven ships before returning to Europe. On June 11, 1864,
18161-491: Was in Southampton and was tasked with intercepting the new ship, but was unsuccessful. Agent Bulloch arranged for a civilian crew and captain to sail Enrica to Terceira Island in the Azores . With Bulloch at his side, the new ship's captain, Raphael Semmes , left Liverpool on 13 August 1862 aboard the steamer Bahama to take command of the new cruiser. Semmes arrived at Terceira Island on 20 August 1862 and began overseeing
18304-438: Was in Southampton and was tasked with intercepting the new ship, but was unsuccessful. Agent Bulloch arranged for a civilian crew and captain to sail Enrica to Terceira Island in the Azores . With Bulloch at his side, the new ship's captain, Raphael Semmes , left Liverpool on 13 August 1862 aboard the steamer Bahama to take command of the new cruiser. Semmes arrived at Terceira Island on 20 August 1862 and began overseeing
18447-487: Was in international waters. In light of this loophole, Alabama was built with reinforced decks for cannon emplacements, ammunition magazines below water level, etc., but was not fitted with armaments or any "warlike equipment" originally. Initially known only by her shipyard number "ship number 0290", she was launched as Enrica on 15 May 1862 and secretly slipped out of Birkenhead on 29 July 1862. U.S. Navy Commander Tunis A. M. Craven , commander of USS Tuscarora ,
18590-416: Was inside the barrel of the 7-inch Blakely rifle. A shell for a 32-pounder was recovered from the stern, forward of the propeller; that shot was attached to a wood sabot having been packed in a wood box for storage. Additional round shot were observed scattered forward of the boilers and in the vicinity of the aft pivot gun, one possibly having been fired from Kearsarge . In 2002, a diving expedition raised
18733-416: Was inside the barrel of the 7-inch Blakely rifle. A shell for a 32-pounder was recovered from the stern, forward of the propeller; that shot was attached to a wood sabot having been packed in a wood box for storage. Additional round shot were observed scattered forward of the boilers and in the vicinity of the aft pivot gun, one possibly having been fired from Kearsarge . In 2002, a diving expedition raised
18876-569: Was placed on leave for ill health. After a short convalescence, he served on the USS Erie for part of 1829 and on the USS Brandywine (formerly Susquehanna ) for the rest of 1829 and the first nine months of the following year. On September 29, 1830, he was posted to the USS Porpoise of the West Indies squadron, which was attempting to suppress piracy in the Caribbean. Semmes then studied law and
19019-506: Was presented to Semmes in England sometime after the sinking of the Alabama by "Lady Dehogton and other English ladies". In 1998, William Butcher identified a possible link between the Birkenhead, England -built CSS Alabama and Captain Nemo 's Nautilus from the 1869 Jules Verne novel Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea . Butcher said, "The Alabama, which claimed to have sunk 75 merchantmen,
19162-524: Was promoted to commander in 1855 and was assigned to lighthouse duties until 1860. After Alabama seceded from the Union , Semmes was offered a Confederate naval appointment by the provisional government; he resigned from the U.S. Navy the next day, February 15, 1861. After appointment to the Confederate Navy as a commander and a futile assignment to purchase arms in the North, Semmes was sent to New Orleans to convert
19305-416: Was purposely commissioned about a mile off Terceira Island in international waters on 24 August 1862. All the men from Agrippina and Bahama had been transferred to the quarterdeck of Enrica , where her 24 officers, some of them Southerners, stood in full dress uniform. Captain Raphael Semmes mounted a gun-carriage and read his commission from President Jefferson Davis , authorizing him to take command of
19448-416: Was purposely commissioned about a mile off Terceira Island in international waters on 24 August 1862. All the men from Agrippina and Bahama had been transferred to the quarterdeck of Enrica , where her 24 officers, some of them Southerners, stood in full dress uniform. Captain Raphael Semmes mounted a gun-carriage and read his commission from President Jefferson Davis , authorizing him to take command of
19591-547: Was salvaged from Alabama ' s floating debris, following her sinking by Kearsarge . It still survives and is held by the Alabama Department of Archives and History . It is listed there as "Auxiliary Flag of the C.S.S. Alabama, Catalogue No. 86.3766.1." According to their provenance reconstruction, DeCost Smith , an American from New England, discovered this "Stars and Bars" ensign in a Paris upholstery shop in 1884, where he purchased it for 15 francs. Smith's nephew, Clement Sawtell of Lincoln Square, Massachusetts, later inherited
19734-547: Was salvaged from Alabama ' s floating debris, following her sinking by Kearsarge . It still survives and is held by the Alabama Department of Archives and History . It is listed there as "Auxiliary Flag of the C.S.S. Alabama, Catalogue No. 86.3766.1." According to their provenance reconstruction, DeCost Smith , an American from New England, discovered this "Stars and Bars" ensign in a Paris upholstery shop in 1884, where he purchased it for 15 francs. Smith's nephew, Clement Sawtell of Lincoln Square, Massachusetts, later inherited
19877-438: Was stopped up and down to eye-bolts with marlines and secured by iron dogs. Her chain armor was concealed behind 1-inch deal-boards painted black to match the upper hull's color. This "chaincladding" was placed along Kearsarge ' s port and starboard midsection down to the waterline, for additional protection of her engine and boilers when the upper portion of her coal bunkers were empty (coal bunkers played an important part in
20020-438: Was stopped up and down to eye-bolts with marlines and secured by iron dogs. Her chain armor was concealed behind 1-inch deal-boards painted black to match the upper hull's color. This "chaincladding" was placed along Kearsarge ' s port and starboard midsection down to the waterline, for additional protection of her engine and boilers when the upper portion of her coal bunkers were empty (coal bunkers played an important part in
20163-572: Was the first to identify a possible link between the Birkenhead-built Alabama and Captain Nemo ’s Nautilus from the Jules Verne 1869 novel Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas . Butcher stated The Alabama, which claimed to have sunk 75 merchantmen, was destroyed by the Unionist Kearsarge off Cherbourg on 11th June 1864…. This battle has clear connections with Nemo’s final attack, also in
20306-404: Was the first to identify a possible link between the Birkenhead-built Alabama and Captain Nemo ’s Nautilus from the Jules Verne 1869 novel Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas . Butcher stated The Alabama, which claimed to have sunk 75 merchantmen, was destroyed by the Unionist Kearsarge off Cherbourg on 11th June 1864…. This battle has clear connections with Nemo’s final attack, also in
20449-569: Was then placed in command. His intention for the brigade was to join Lee's army after burning their vessels. Lee's army, however, was already cut off from Richmond, so most of Semmes' men boarded a train and escaped to join General Joseph E. Johnston 's army in North Carolina. A few men of the Naval Brigade were able to join with Lee's rear guard and fought at the Battle of Sailor's Creek . Semmes and
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