Friday, January 29, 2010

The Destruction Of The CSS Alabama.

When I first read the reports of the battle between the Alabama and Kearsage, I thought it would make for a good page. But I soon found that there very few reports on what happened to the Alabama in the battle, and about the same on the part of the Kearsage. The outcome of the battle was a big surprise for most English men and those of the Alabama.

Most Englanders know of the battle two days before it happen, and it was expected that the Alabaman would annihilate the Kearsage, but they were in for a big disappointment. The battle took about a hour, the newspapers of England carried many accounts of the battle. But these stories were over shadow by the involvement of the Royal yacht Deerhound, in the battle.

The Deerhound was at the scene and the American Government wanted to know why, and why the Deerhound ran off with the Kearsage prisoners. But the British Government was as much in the dark as the Americans were so the finger pointing started. It took some months before the whole story was told. I will give reports that will cover all three sides of the battle, so you will know the true story, or as much truth that can to told from these repots.

Note. Photos can be enlarged by pushing on the.
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“CONFEDERATE STATES STEAMER ALABAMA,” Cherboury, June 14, 1864.

“Sir: I hear that you were informed by the United States consul that the Kearsarge was to come to this port solely for the prisoners landed by me, and that he was to depart in twenty-four hours. I desire you to say to the United States consul that my intention is to fight the Kearsarge as soon as I can make the necessary arrangements. I hope these will not detain me more than until to-morrow evening, or after the morrow morning at furthest. I beg she will not depart before I am ready to go out.
“I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. SEMMES, Captain.”
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UNITED STATES STEAMER KEARSARGE,
Cherbourg, France, June 21, 1864.

Sir: I have the honor to report that towards the close of the action between the Alabama and this vessel all available sail was made on the former for the purpose of again reaching Cherbourg. When the object was apparent, the Kearsarge was steered across the bow of the Alabama for a raking fire, but before reaching this point the Alabama struck. Uncertain whether Captain Semmes was not making some ruse., the Kearsarge was stopped.

It wan seen shortly afterwards that the Alabama was lowering her boats; and an officer came alongside in one of them to say that they had surrendered and were fast sinking, and begging that boats would be dispatched immediately for saving of life. The two boats not disabled were at once lowered, and, as. it was apparent the Alabama was settling, this officer was permitted to leave in his boat to afford assistance.

An English yacht, the Deerhound, had approached the Kearsarge at this time, when I hailed and begged the commander to run down to the Alabama, as she was fast sinking, and we had but two boats, and assist in picking up the men. He answered affirmatively, and steamed toward the Alabama; but the latter sank almost immediately. The Deerhound, however, sent her boats, and was actively engaged, aided by several. others which had come from the shore.

These boats were busy in bringing the wounded and others to the Kearsarge, whom we were trying to make as comfortable as possible, when it was reported to me that the Deerhound was moving off. I could not believe the commander of that vessel could be guilty of so disgraceful an act as taking our prisoners off, and, therefore, took no means to prevent it, but continued to keep our boats at work rescuing the men in the water.

I am sorry to say that I was mistaken. The Deerhound made off with Captain Semmes and others, and also the very officer who had come on board to surrender. I learned subsequently that the Deerhound was a consort of the Alabama, and that she received on board all the valuable personal effects of Captain Semmes the night before the engagement.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN A. WINSLOW, Captain.
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List of officers and men belonging to the Alabama who were picked up by the British yacht Deerhound and landed at Southampton.

Captain, Semmes; lieutenants, Kelland Sinclair; Lieutenant, Howell, (marines;) sailing-master, Bullock; midshipmen, Maffit and Anderson; master’s assistants, G. T. Fullam, J. Evans, M. Meulvier, and Schrader; engineer, O’Brien; gunner, Cuddy; captain’s clerk, Smith; petty officers, J. Broesman, W. Crawford, W. Purdy, J. Dent, B. Johnson, C.
Seymour, C. Sleeson, J. Connor; firemen, O. Duffy, J. Foxton, W. Levins, M. Macfarland, J. Mason; seamen, T. McMillan, F. Townshend, R. Masters, G. Redman, W; Angel, W. McClellan, W. Ream, L. Depoys, A. Pfiffer, F. Lennan, J. Mahan, P. Wharton, T. Kehoe, R. Longshaw.
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UNITED STATES CONSULATE,
Liverpool, June 21, 1864
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Sir: The pirate Alabama has at last met the fate she deserves. She was sank by the United States steamer Kearsarge, commanded by Captain Winslow, off of Cherbourg, on Sunday morning last, after a fight of one hour. We only have here at Liverpool the confederate account of the action. I send you slips cut from the London Times, Liverpool Courier, Daily Post, and Mercury, of to-day, giving all that is known about it. It has formed the main topic of conversation for the last two days. There is much regret among the merchants that she is lost. At least nine out of every ten persons deplore it. Captain. Semmes was expected here to-day. While I write a large crowd of persons are gathered on change to welcome him. It is proposed to give mm an ovation, but I think the more prudent and thoughtful will back out, and thus prevent it.

Semmes has not arrived in town, and my information is that lie is not coming for some days. You will see by looking over the reports that her Majesty’s subjects composing the crew were properly cared for at the sailor’s home, on their arrival at Southampton. Tt is also worthy of note that the best practice on the Alabama during the action was shown by the gunners who had been trained on board her Majesty’s war vessel the Excellent, in Portsmouth harbor. The English steamer. Deerhound was on hand to render assistance to the Alabama., and appears to have taken an active part in rescuing and running away with the officers and men belonging to this English piratical craft, built at .the same yard., by the same persons, and at the same time that the Deerhound was built.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,
THOMAS H. DUDLEY.
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“24 UPPER SEYMOUR STREET, PORTMAN SQUARE,” London, June 21, 1864.

“DEAR Sir: I received from Captain Semmes at Southampton, where I had the pleasure to see you yesterday, a full report of the efficient service rendered under your orders by the officers and crew of your yacht, the Deerhound, in rescuing him, with thirteen of his officers and twenty-seven of his crew, from their impending fate, after the loss of his ship.

“Captain Semmes reports that, finding the Alabama actually sinking, he had barely time to dispatch his wounded in his own boats to the enemy’s ship, when the Alabama vent down, and that nothing was left to those who remained on board but to throw themselves into the sea. Their own boats absent, there seemed no prospect of relief, when your yacht arrived in their midst, and your boats were launched; and he impressively told inc that to this timely and generous succor he, with most of his officers and a portion of his crew, were indebted for their safety. He further told inc that on their arrival on board the yacht every care and kindness were extended to them which their exhausted condition required, even to supplying all with dry clothing.

“I am fully aware of the noble and disinterested spirit which prompted you to go to the rescue of the gallant crew of the Alabama, and that I can add nothing to the recompense already received by you and those acting under you in the consciousness of having. done as you would be done by; yet you will permit me to thank you, and, through you, the captain, officers, and crew of the Deerhound, for this signal service, and to say that, in doing so, I but anticipate the grateful sentiment of my couxitry and of the government of the Confederate. States.
“I have the honor to be, dear sir, most respectfully and truly, your obedient servant,”
J. M. MASON.
“JOHN LANCASTER, Esq., Hindley Hall, Wigan.”
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[From the London Daily News of June 29, 1864.]

THE DEERHOUND, THE ALABAMA AND THE KEARSARGE.

To the Editor of the Daily News:

Sir: As two correspondents of your journal, in giving their versions of the fight between the Alabama and the Kearsarge, have designated my share in the escape of Captain Semmes and a portion of the crew of the sunken ship as “dishonorable,” and have moreover affirmed that my yacht, the Deerhound, was in the harbor of Cherhourg before the engagement, and proceeded thence on the morning of the engagement in order to assist the Alabama, I presume I may trespass upon your kindness so far as to ask for an opportunity to repudiate the imputation and deny the assertion.

They admit that when the Alabama went down, the yacht, being near the Kearsarge, was hailed by Captain Winslow and requested to aid in picking up the men who were in the water; but they intimate that my services were expected to be merely ministerial; or, in other words, that I was to put myself under the command of Captain Winslow, and place my yacht at his disposal for the capture of the poor fellows who were struggling in the water for their lives. The fact is, that when we passed the Kearsarge the captain cried out, “For God’s sake do what you can to save them,” and that was my warrant for interfering in any way for the aid and succor of his enemies.

It may be a question with some whether, without that warrant, 1 should have been justified in endeavoring to rescue any of the crew of the Alabama; but my own opinion is that a man drowning in the open sea cannot be regarded as an enemy at the time to anybody, and is therefore entitled to the assistance of any passer-by. Be this as it may, I had the earnest request of Captain Winslow to rescue as many of the men who were in the water as I could lay hold of, but that request was not coupled with any stipulation to the effect that I should deliver up the rescued men to him as his prisoners.

If it had been I should have declined the task, because I should have deemed it dishonorable that is, inconsistent with my notions of honor—to lend my yacht and crew for .the purpose of rescuing those brave men from drowning only to hand them over to their enemies for imprisonment, ill-treatment, and perhaps execution. One of your correspondents opens his letter by expressing a desire to bring to the notice of the yacht clubs of England the conduct of the commander of the Deerhound which followed the engagement of the Alabama and Kearsarge. Now that my conduct has been impugned, I am equally wishful that it should come under the notice of the yacht clubs of England, and I am quite willing to leave the point of “honor” to be decided by my brother yachtsmen, and, indeed, by any tribunal of gentlemen.

As to my legal right to take away Captain Semmes and his friends, I have been educated in the belief that an English ship is English territory, and I am, therefore, unable even now to discover why I was more bound to surrender the people of the Alabama, whom I had on board my yacht, than the owner of a garden on the south coast of England would havd beam if they had swam to such a place and landed there, or than the mayor of Southampton was when they were lodging in that city; or than the British government is now that it is known that they are somewhere in England.

Your other correspondent says that Captain Winslow declares that ‘ the reason he did not pursue the Deerhound or fire into her was that he could not believe at the time that any one carrying the flag of the royal yacht squadron could act so dishonorable a part as to carry off the prisoners whom he had requested him to save, from feelings of humanity.” I was not aware then, and I am not aware now, that the men whom I saved were or ever had been his prisoners. Whether any of the circumstances which had preceded the sinking of the Alabama constituted them prisoners was a question that never came under my consideration, and one which I am not disposed to discuss even now.

I can only say that it is new doctrine to me, that when one ship sinks another in warfare, the crew of the sunken ship are debarred from swimming for their lives and seeking refuge wherever they can find it, and it is a doctrine which I shall not accept unless backed by better authority than that of the master of the Kearsarge. What Captain Winslow’s notion of humanity may be is a point beyond my knowledge, but I have good reason for believing that not many members of the, royal yacht squadron would, from “motives of humanity, have taken Captain Semmes from the water in order to give him up to the tender mercies of Captain Winslow and his compatriots.

Another reason than that assigned by your correspondent for that hero’s forbearance may be imagined iii the reflection that such a performance as that of Captain Wilkes, who dragged two “enemies” or “rebels” from an English ship, would not bear repetition. Your anonymous correspondent further says that “Captain Winslow would now have all the officers and men of the Alabama as prisoners had he not placed too much confidence in the honor of an Englishman, who carried the flag of the royal yacht squadron.” This is a very questionable assertion; for why did Captain Winslow confide in that Englishman? Why did he implore his interference, calling out, “For God’s sake do what you can to save them?” I presume it was because he could not or would not save them himself The fact is that if the captain and crew of the Alabama had depended for safety altogether upon Captain Winslow, not one-half of them would have been saved. He got quite as many of them as he could lay hold of time enough to deliver them from drowning.

I come now to the more definite charges advanced by your correspondents, and these I will soon dispose of. They maintain that my yacht was in the harbor of Cherbourg for the purpose of assisting the Alabama, and that her movements before the action prove that she attended her for the same object. My impression is that the yacht was in Cherbourg to suit my convenience and pleasure, and I am quite sure that when there I neither did, nor intended to do, anything to serve the Alabama.

We steamed out on Sunday. morning to see the engagement, and the resolution to do so was the result of a family council, whereat the question “to go out” or “not to go was duly discussed, and the decision in the affirmative was carried by the juveniles rather against the wish of both myself and my wife. Had I contemplated taking any part in the movements of the Alabama, I do not think I should have been accompanied with my wife and several young children. One of your correspondents, however, says that he knows that the Deerhound did assist the Alabama, and if he does know this he knows more than I do. As to the movements of the Deerhound before the action, all the movements . with which I was acquainted were for the objects of enjoying the summer morning, and getting a good and safe place from which to watch the engagement. Another of your correspondents declares that since the affair it has been discovered that the Deerhound was a consort of the Alabama, and on the night before had received many valuable articles for safe-keeping from that vessel. This is simply untrue.

Before the engagement neither I nor any of my family had any knowledge of or communication with either Captain Semmes or any of his officers, or any of his crew. Since the fight I have inquired from my captain whether he or any of my crew had had any communication with the captain or crew of the Alabama prior to meeting them on the Deerhound after the engagement, and his answer, given in the most emphatic manner, has been, “None, whatever.” As to the deposit of chronometers and other valuable articles, the whole story is a myth. Nothing was brought from the Alabama to the Deerhound, and I never heard of the tale until I saw it in an extract from your own columns.

After the fight was over, the drowning men picked up, and the Deerhound steaming away to Southampton, some of the officers who had been saved began to express their acknowledgments for my services, and my reply to them, which was addressed also to all who stood around, was: “Gentlemen, you have no need to give me any special thanks. I should have done exactly the same for the other people if they had needed it.” This speech would have been a needless, and indeed an absurd, piece of hypocrisy, if there had been any league or alliance between the Alabama and Deerhound.

Both your correspondents agree in maintaining that Captain Semmes and such of his crew as were taken away by the Deerhound are bound in honor to consider themselves still as prisoners, and to render themselves to their lawful captors as soon as practicable. This is a point which I have nothing to do with, and therefore I shall not discuss it. My object in this letter is merely to vindicate my conduct from misrepresentation; and 1 trust that in aiming at this I have not transgressed any of your rules of correspondence, and shall therefore be entitled to a place in your columns.
I am, &c.,
JOHN LANCASTER.
HINDLEY HALL, Wigan, June 27.

They were sunk or Destroyed By The CSS Alabama.

The records on the these ships can be very long, so this will be a index page only. I will list most of the ships that were either sink or destroyed by the CSS Alabama. I will list the captain, command or the seamen who was giving the report along with the page numbers.

There may be some of you looking for a ancestor who’s ship was sink or destroyed in the waters between England and Ireland or on their way to some other foreign port during the Civil War. You may have the name of the ship that sink or destroyed your ancestors ship, but can not find any thing on it, then this page may be of help. Most sinkings in these waters can be contributed to the Alabama, but did you know that the boat 290, Eureka and Barcelona were all same ship.

Note. If you see a ship or a surname of interest, drop me a line and I will you all I can. When asking for help please give the title of this page, or I may not be able to help you. My address can be found in my profile.

This information will come from “Rebel Cruisers Vol.3., Senate Executive Document No. 11.”, which is housed at the library of Congress.
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Whales.

1.Whaler Ocmulgee, Captain Osborn-p. 60,73, 75, 76, 109-12.
2. Whaler Bark Ocean Rover, Captain, Master, James M. Clark-p. 60, 73, 103-04.
3. Whaler Bark Alert, Captain Church. P. 60, 73.
4. Whaler Schooner Weather Gauge, Captain Small, p. 60, 73, 76, 77.
5. Whaler Schooner Starlight, Captain Doane, p. 60, 73, 74, 75.
6. Whaler Elisha Dunbar, Master, David B. Gifford-p. 104-05.
7. Whaler ship Virginia, Master, Shadrach H. Tilton-p. 106-07.
8. Whaler American brig Altamaha, Master, Rufus Gray-p. 107-08.

Ship burnings.

1. Ship Brilliant, Captain George Hager, p. 62, 192-200.
2. Whaler Schooner Altamaha, of Sippican-p. 74.
3. Whaler Schooner Admiral Blake, of Sippican-p. 74.
4. Whaler Bark Benjamin Tucker, Master, William Childs -p. 74, 103.
5. Whaler Osceola, Captain Hogan-p. 74.
6. Whaler Courser-p. 74.
7. ship Golden Eagle, Command, Edward A. Swift-p. 157-58.
8. Ship Nora, owners, George B. Upton and George B. Upton-p. 160-63, 176-78, 180-82.
9. Bark Union Jack, Master, Charles P. Weaver-p. 182-91.

Ships captured.

1, Tonawauda, captain Theodore Julius-p. 77, 78, 79.
2. Bark Wave Crest, Captain John E. Harmon-p. 77, 79, 80.
3. Brig Dunkirk, Captain Samuel B. Johnson-p. 77, 80, 81.
4. Ship Emily Farnum or farnham, Nathan Parker Simes, master, 81-84, 192-94.
5. Sea Bride, Master, Charles F. White-p. 169-72, 220-45, 250-56.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

The Ship CSS Alabama.

There seems to be a lot of controversy over the CSS Alabama of late and I helped to fuel the fire by posting a page at my web site ( Civil War Days & Those Surnames), the page was called ( Newly Discovered Photo’s CSS Alabama And USS Kearsarge ), http://civilwarthosesurnames.blogspot.com/2009/12/newly-discovered-photos-css-alabama-and.html These photos were discovered by Mr. Francois X. Crevel, and with the help of Mr. Ron Tarburton, a noted researcher, the photos were identified as those of the CSS Alabama and photos of the crew were also identified as belonging to the CSS Alabama. The Controversy began when noted Naval Historian and researcher Mr. Terry Foenander, saw the photos and did not agree with Mr. Ron Tarburton findings, so the controversy begins.

I have posted some of the correspondents between Mr. Francois X. Crevel and Mr. Terry Foenander, which can be read at; ( Controversy Over CSS Alabama & USS Kearsarge Photos), http://civilwarthosesurnames.blogspot.com/2010/01/controversy-over-css-alabama-uss.html Mr. Terry Foenander, is well known in the naval research community and has many pages on the web and many are controversial on other researchers work. Now I can not take either sides, as my site is neutral ground. The main work at this site is on Surnames, and in hunting for these names it takes me into many historical records and I will record some of these records as long as they pertain to a surname or surnames.

The position of this site is to record any and all historical documents that pertain to a surname or surnames, and it’s not the duty of this author to correct any errors historians may or may not have made. This will be the case in the following information. I will only record what was written and leave it up to other researchers and historians to correct any errors that were made by those who recorded our historical records.
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This information will come from “Rebel Cruisers Vol.3., Senate Executive Document No. 11.”, which is housed at the library of Congress.
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THE ALABAMA.

Mr. Dudley to Mr. Seward.

UNITED STATES CONSULATE.
Liverpool, May 16, 1862.

SIR:
In a previous dispatch I mentioned the fact that Messrs. Laird & Co. were building a gunboat at Birkenhead, which I believed was intended for the confederacy. This boat was launched yesterday. She will be, when finished, a very superior boat. Her planks were caulked as they were put on, her timbers are of the very best English oak, every plank and timber was most critically examined, and all her fastenings were copper bolts. The steam gear is all copper and brass; in a word, the foreman who had charge of building her says that no boat was ever built stronger or better than her. The order, when given, was to build her of the very best material, and in the best and strongest manner, without regard to expense; and the foreman says that this has been done. Her powder is to be placed in copper cans of a new patent, and are now being made. There is no doubt but what she is intended for the rebels. This was admitted by one of the leading workmen in the yard; he said she was to be the sister to the Oreto, and for, the same purpose and service. She is not yet named.
THOMAS H. DUDLEY, United States Consul.
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Mr. Dudley to Mr. Seward.

UNITED STATES CONSULATE,
Liverpool, June 18, 1862.


SIR:
The gunboat built for the confederates by Messrs. Lairds will soon be completed. She made a trial trip last Thursday. None of the press were invited. No one was admitted on board without a ticket. They were issued only to the persons actively engaged in aiding the rebellion. All the active persons and houses engaged in fitting out ships, &e., were represented on her. The New York papers have published articles stating that information of ships fitting out at this port is sent to our government. These pieces have been copied in the newspapers here, and the effect has been to make the people much more careful and guarded. It is now difficult to obtain information about this vessel. They will not admit any one except those connected with the yard to go in. I have obtained the following description of her, which is correct, so far as it goes.

Her engines are 350 horse-power, oscillating in principle. She will draw 14 feet when loaded, and is 1,050 tons burden has one funnel or smoke-stack painted black, forward of the mainmast, two ventilators forward of the funnel, also painted black. The hull painted black; billet-head gilt, with a shield painted red. The stern is round, with black galley windows. The stern has carvings on it of gilt. She has three masts, bark-rigged; the masts and spars very bright. Her propeller is a screw, so arranged that it can be raised by steam from the water. The frame-work in which this screw or fan works is of solid brass, weighing from one and a half to-two tons.

The vessel is coppered, and has copper fastenings, and is calculated to run fifteen knots per hour. Her powder cases or cans are two hundred in number, all made of copper, with a patent screw in the top, which costs two pounds apiece. No pains or expense has been spared in her construction, and when finished will be a very superior boat of her class. Indeed, they say there will be no better afloat. Her trial trip was entirely satisfactory. She will be finished and ready for her armament in about ten days or two weeks. I have not yet learned what it is to be. The platforms for the guns that are being made are such that the gun can be used on both sides of the vessel.
THOMAS H. DUDLEY, Consul.
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Mr. Dudley to Mr. Seward.

UNITED STATES CONSULATE,
Liverpool, July 12, 1862.

Sir:
I have learned a few more particulars this morning about Lairds’ gunboat No. 290. ( Alabama ) Captain Butcher, who is now acting as the captain, and will continue in that capacity until after they clear, is a British subject, and was, if he is not now, second officer on one of the Cunard line of steamships, which ply between Liverpool and the United States. He has been in the service of this company for a number of years; has been second officer on the Africa and Arabia, and, is well known in New York. Barnet.t, who is shipping the crew, I am informed is also in the employ of this company. After they get out to sea Butcher will turn over the command of the ship to Captain Bullock and take his place as second in command.
THOMAS H. DUDLEY.
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Mr. Dudley to Mr. Seward.

UNITED STATES CONSULATE,
Liverpool, July 26, 1862.

Sir:
I in closed find copy of affidavit of the boatswain of the gunboat No. 290. No information as yet of the decision of the authorities upon our application to stop her sailing.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
THOMAS H. DUDLEY.
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Deposition of Henry Redden.

I, Henry Redden, of Hook street, Liverpool, in the county of Lancaster, seaman, make oath and say as follows:

1. I am a seaman and have followed the sea for fifteen years. I have been boatswain on board both steamers and sailing vessels, and belong to the naval reserve.

2. About six weeks ago 1 was engaged by Captain Butcher, (with whom I have previously sailed,) as boatswain on board a vessel then in Messrs. Laird & Co.’s shipbuilding yard, but now lying in the Birkenhead float, and known by the name “290.” ( Alabama ) The said Captain Butcher offered me ten pounds per mouth, and said an agreement should be signed when we got outside. He told me that we should have plenty of money when we got home, as we were going out to the southern States on a speculation to try and get some.

3. The crew now on board the said vessel consists of about forty men, but I believe that she will take to sea about one hundred men all told. It is generally understood on board that she will clear for Nassau, but not make that port. The said vessel has all her stores and coals on board ready for sea. She is fitted in. all respects as a man-of-war to carry six broadside guns and four pivots, but has no guns or ammunition on board as yet. The rules on board are similar to those in use on a man-of-war, and the men are not allowed to sing as they do on a merchantman. The call is used on board. The said vessel is of about eleven hundred tons.

4. I know Captain Bullock; he has been superintending the building of the said vessel in Messrs. Laird & Co.’s yard, and is, I believe, to take charge of the vessel when we get outside.

5. It is generally understood on board the said vessel that she belongs to the confederate government.
HENRY REDDEN.
Sworn, this 4th day of July, 1862; before me, JOHN STEWART, Justice of the Peace for the County of Lancaster.
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Mr. Dudley to Mr. Seward.

UNITED STATES CONSULATE,
Liverpool,. September 2, 1862.


Sir: The steamer Bahama returned to this port yesterday. You will see by the in closed slip from the newspapers of this day, that my information that she was taking out a part of the armament and crew for the gunboat 290 was correct. The 290 is now called the Alabama, and has entered upon her cruise with Captain Semmes, late .of the Sumter, as commander. There is much rejoicing over this news among those who sympathize with the rebels.

This steamer Bahama is owned or held by Edwin Haigh, the same man who is now before the prize court in Philadelphia, claiming as owner the steamer Bermuda, and who is so anxious to use this consulate to certify his papers. The Bahama took out eight guns, which were placed on board of the gunboat.
I am sir, your obedient servant,
THOMAS H. DUDLEY.
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[From Liverpool Journal of Commerce, September 2, 1862.]

The Bahama steamship, hence for Nassau, ha put back from Angra, Terceira, which port she left on the 24thAugust, in company with the confederate gunboat Alabama, Semmes, commander, formerly 290, on board of which the Bahama had put an armament of heavy guns. The Bahama also brings back forty of the crew of the Alabama, one of whom reports that she proceeded on a cruise with a view to the destruction of American shipping. About one hundred and forty bands were shipped at Terceira.
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Mr. Dudley to Mr. Seward.

UNITED STATES CONSULATE,
Liverpool, September 5, 1862.

Sir:
The Bahama took out from here to the gunboat 290, now Alabama, four Savannah pilots, who are now on her. Their names are, two Kings, .one Bormenstein, the other Hardy. This would look as if she intended to run into Savannah. The men who were brought back from the gunboat were all paid off, after they arrived, in M. G. Klingender’s office, the same man who owns, or pretends to own, the steamers Gladiator and Bonita.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOMAS H. DUDLEY.
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Mr. Dudley to Mr. Adams.

UNITED STATES CONSULATE,
Liverpool, September 3, 1862.

SIR:
I have just obtained the affidavit of the boatswain’s mate who shipped in and went out on the No. 290, now called’ the Alabama. I in close it to you, with bill for his services, signed by Captain Butcher. He returned on the Bahama. He states that the Alabama is to cruise on the line of packets from Liverpool to New York; that Semmes told them so. This may have been said for the purpose of misleading us. The bark that took out the guns and coal is to carry out another cargo of coal to her; is to take it on either at Cardiff or Troon, near Greenock, in Scotland; the bark to meet the Alabama near the same island where the armament was ptt on board, or at least in that neighborhood.. There will be no difficulty to get other testimony, if it is required.
I am, &c.,
THOS. H. DUDLEY.
P S.__There were two American vessels in sight when they parted with the Alabama, which Captain Semmes said he would take. They no doubt, were taken and destroyed, the first fruits from this vessel.
T. H. D.
NOTE.—It was the bark Agrippina, Captain McQueen, from Lojidon.—T. H. D.
------------------------

Deposition of Henry Redden.

Henry Redden says: I reside at 16 Hook street, Vauxhall Road, and am a seaman. In April last I shipped as boatswain’s mate of a vessel lying in Laird’s Dock at Birkenhead, known as 290, and worked on board until she sailed. We sailed from Liverpool about 28th July; Captain Butcher was master; Mr. Law, a southerner, was mate; Mr. Lawrence Youiig was purser. A Captain Bullock went out with us, but left with the pilot at Giant’s Cove, near Londonderry. There were five lathes and a number of gentlemen went with us as far as the Bell Buoy:. We went first to Malfre Bay, near Point Lynas, when we anchored and remained about thirty hours. The Hercules tug brought down about forty men to us there; nothing else was then taken on board. Her crew then numbered ninety men, of whom thirty-six were sailors. She had no guns on board then, nor powder, nor ammunition. We left ]\{alfre Bay on the Thursday night at 12 o’clock, and steered for the North Channel. We discharged Captain Bullock and the pilot on Saturday afternoon.

We first steered down the South Channel as far as Bardsea, when we ‘bout ship and steered north. From Derry we cruised about until we arrived at Angra, eleven days after leaving Holyhead. About four days after we arrived an English bark, Captain Quinn, arrived from London with six guns, two of them 98-pounders (one rifled and the other smooth. bore) pivot guns, and four 38-pounder breech guns, smooth-bore broadside guns, two hundred or three hundred barrels of powder, several cases of shot, a quantity of slops, two hundred tons of coal. She came alongside and made fast. We were anchored in Angra Bay, about a mile and a half or two miles from shore.

After being there about a week, and while we were taking the guns and ammunition on board, the authorities ordered us away. We went outside, and returned at night. The bark was kept lashed alongside, ard we took the remainder of the guns, &c., on board as we could. While we were discharging the bark, the steamer Bahama, Captain Tessier, arrived from Liverpool. Captain Bullock, Captain Semmes, and forty men came in her. She also brought two 38-pounder guns, smooth-bore, and two safes full of money in gold. She had a safe on board before, taken on board at.Birkenhead. The Bahama was flying the British flag. The Bahama towed the bark to another place in the island, and we followed. The next morning we were ordered away from there, and went to sea until night, when we returned to Angra Bay. The Bahama, after towing the bark away the evening of her arrival, came back to the Alabama or 290, in Angra Bay, made fast alongside of her, and discharged the guns on board of her and the money.

The men struck for wages, and would not then go on board. There were four engineers, a boatswain, and captain’s clerk, named Smith, also came in the Bahama, and they were taken on board the same evening. All three vessels continued to fly the British flag the whole time. The guns were mounted as soon as they were taken on board. They were busy at work getting them and the Alabama or 290 ready for fighting while the Bahama and the bark were alongside. On the Sunday afternoon following (last Sunday week) Captain Semmes called all hands aft, and the confederate flag was hoisted, the band playing “Dixie’s Land.” Captain Semmes addressed the men, and said he was deranged in his mind to see his country going to ruin, and had to steal out of Liverpool like a thief. That instead of them watching him, lie was now going after them.

He wanted all of us to join him, that he was going to sink, burn, and destroy all his enemy’s property, and that any that went with him was entitled to two-twentieths prize money. It did not matter whether the prize was sunk, or burned, or sold, the prize money was to be paid. That there were only four or five northern ships that lie was afraid of. He said he did not want any to go that was not willing to fight, and there was a steamer alongside to take them back if they were not willing. The vessel was all this time steaming to sea, with the Bahama at a short distance.

Forty-eight Inca, most of them firemen, refused to go, and an hour afterwards were put on board the Bahama. I refused to go, and came hack with the rest in the Bahama. Captain Butcher, Captain Bullock, and all the English engineers came with us, and landed here on Monday morning. When we left the Alabama she was all ready for fighting, and steering to sea. I heard Captain Semmes say he was going to cruise in the track of the ships going from New York to Liverpool, and Liverpool to New York. The Alabama never steamed while I was in her more than eleven knots, and cannot make any more. We signed articles while in Malfre Bay for Nassau or au intermediate port. Captain Butcher got us to sign. The provisions were put on board at Laird’s yard before sailing; they were for six months. When we left her she had about ninety men, and eight guns mounted, three on each side and two pivots.
HENRY REDDEN.
Declared and subscribed at Liverpool aforesaid, the 3d day of September, 1862, before me, WILLIAM G. BATESON, Notary.Public and a Commissioner to administer oaths in Chancery.
----------------------

Ships destroyed or burnt

Between September 4 & 11th. 1862, near Flores, the Alabama destroyed or burnt the following ships: Ship Ocmulgee, Captain Osborn, of Edgartown; bark Ocean Rover, Captain Clark; bark Alert, Captain Church, of New London; schooner Weather Gauge, Captain Small, of Provincetown; schooner Starlight, Captain Doane; schooner Altamaha, of Sippican; schooner Admiral Blake, of Sippican; bark Benjamin Tucker, of New Bedford; bark Osceola, Captain Hogan; and the Courser, supposed to be of New Bedford.

Note. Semmes in Alabama has destroyed ten whalers. He is aided by another steamer called Barcelona. Both wooden.
------------------------

Samuel H. Doane.

On September 7, 1862, Samuel H. Doane, master of the Schooner Starlight was stopped by the Alabama, and taken a board her and was taken before Captain Semmes, the commander was a medium size man, slim, with grey hair, moustache, and imperial, dressed all in grey. The officers were in blue with navy buttons.
------------------------

Elijah Johnson.

In September 19, 1862, Elijah Johnson, boat-steerer aboard the Ocmulgee, a whaling ship who had been by the Alabama, and had been on board of her, stated that the crew of the Alabama was English and Irish; the officers southerners
------------------------

Memorandum.

CONSULATE OF THE UNITED STATES FOR THE Azoees, Fayal, September 19, 1862.

The schooner Weather Gauge, of Provincetown, was captured by the Alabama near Flores, on the evening of the 9th of September, and was burned on the Uth instant; the captain, Samuel Small, and his crew being put ashore at Flores after they had given their parole not to serve against the. South till exchanged. Captain Small, in his deposition, states the same facts, and gives the same description of the Alabama and her officers as Captain Doane, Mr. Luce, &c. In addition he states the guns to be of English make, some bearing the name of — Preston & Co. He also states that the Alabama’s steering-wheel is forward of the mizzenmast, and bears the inscription “Aide toiet Dieu t’aidera.”
------------------------------

Part deposition of Theodore Julius.

Theodore Julius, master of the ship Tonawanda, of Philadelphia, was captured by the Alabama on September 9, 1862, states; “The Alabama, or 290, is a splendid vessel, and the fastest under canvas I ever had my foot on board of; and I have no doubt she is under steam, as she has very powerful machinery. She is two hundred and twenty-five feet long, entirely built of wood—they say on board of teak. She is calculated to remain at sea as long as they like, as they condense all the water they use; it takes one pound of coal to make a gallon of water, and they have now three hundred tons of coal on board.

Her armament consists of six 32-pounders broadside guns, one 68-pounder midships between main and mizenmasts, and one 100-pounder rifled cannon midships forward of the mainmast. I judged there were about one hundred persons on board, mostly English man-of-war’s men. I do not believe there is an American-born Seaman on board.
---------------------------------

Part deposition of Nathan Parker Simes.

Nathan Parker Simes, master of the Emily Farnum, out of Portsmouth New Hampshire, was captured October 3, 1862, and while on board he was told by the officers they could get up steam in twenty minutes, and that she could steam fifteen knots, and sail under canvas only thirteen knots.
-----------------------------------

Note. Clarence R. Yonge, was the paymaster of the Alabama.
------------------------------------

Part deposition of Clarence B. Yonge.

I, Clarence Randolph Yonge, citizen of the State of Georgia, in the United States, late paymaster on board the steamer Alabama, formerly called the 290, and also called the Eureka, and was built by Messrs. Laird, of Birkenhead, in Eng1and.
-----------------------------------

Officers and crew of the steamer Alabama. As noted by Clarence B. Yonge, late paymaster 1863.

Raphael Semines, commander.
J. M. Kell, first lieutenant.
Richard F. Armstrong, second lieutenant.
Joseph Wilson, third lieutenant.
John Low, fourth lieutenant, Englishman. Sisters living in Liverpool. Made his allotments payable to brother-in-law, Charles Green, jr. Fraser, Trenholm & Co. pay the men all the allotments; that is, the half monthly pay. Every month they draw this allotment.
Arthur Sinclair, master; that is, sailing master.
Francis L. Gait, surgeon, from Virginia; now acting as paymaster.
Miles J. Freeman, - first assistant engineer, ranks as chief; born in Wa1es Does not know whether naturalized.
David Herbert Liewellyn, assistant surgeon, Englishman.
B. K. Howell, brother-in-law of Jeff: Davis, lieutenant of marines.
No marines on board.
William U. Sinclair, midshipman.
Irvine S. Bullock, midshipman; Captain Bullock’s brother.
Eugene Maffit, midshipman; Captain Maffit’s son.
Edward Maffit Anderson, midshipman; son of Colonel Anderson.
William P. Brooks, second assistant engineer.
S. W. Cummings, third assistant engineer.
Matthew O’Brien, third assistant engineer.
John H. Pundt, third assistant engineer.
George T. Fullam, first master’s mate, Englishman. Father teaches navigation school in Hull.
James Evans, second master’s mate, Charleston pilot.
William B. Smith, captain’s clerk.
Benjamin L. McClaskey, boatswain.
T. 0. Cuddy, gunner.
William Robinson, carpenter.
Henry Alcott, sailmaker, Englishman.

Petty officers and seamen.

James King, master-at-arms, Savannah pilot.
Adoiphus Marmelstein, signal quartermaster, Savannah pilot.
William A. King, quartermaster, Savannah pilot.
James G. Dent, quartermaster,. Savannah pilot.
William Forestall, quartermaster.
Ralph Masters, quarter gunner.
William Crawford, quarter gunner; royal naval reserve of England.
George Addison, armorer.
William Rinton, carpenter’s mate, Englishman.
Edward Rawes, ship’s carpenter, Englishman.
George Harwood, chief boatswain’s mate; English reserve. English government pay him a pension. Time up February 24, 1863, (as he states.)
Michael Genshled, fireman. Has a pension in England, (has been discharged November 25, 1862;) Irishman.
Brent Johnson, second boatswain’s mate; English reserve.
William Purdy, sailmaker’s mate, Englishman.
John Latham, fireman, Englishman.
David Roach, fireman, Englishman.
Thomas Murphy, fireman, Englishman.
John McAlee, ordinary seaman, Englishman.
Thomas Welch, ordinary seaman, Englishman.
James Smith, captain forecastle, Englishman.
Edward Fitz-Morris, ordinary seaman, Englishman.
George Edgarton, fireman, Englishman; lives at Liverpool.
James McFaden, fireman, Englishman; time up February 24, 1863.
William Robinson, able seaman, Englishman.
Martin Malk, able seaman, Englishman.
George Yoman, ordinary seaman, Englishman.
William McGinley, able seaman, Englishman.
George Freemantle, able seaman, Englishman.
Fredrick Johns, purser’s steward, Englishman; father lives at Ostend.
John Grady, boy, Englishman; uncle lives at 36 Regent street, Liverpool; boot maker,
Thomas Wier, gunner’s mate, Englishman.
Janies Brosner, able seaman, Englishman.
Edgar Tripp, seaman, Englishman.
John Neil, seaman, Englishman.
Joseph Neil, seaman, Englishman.
Samuel Henry, seaman, Englishman.
John Roberts, seaman, Englishman.
John Duggan, seaman, Englishman.
Martin King, seaman, Englishman.
F. Williams, seaman, Englishman.
R. Williams, seaman, Englishman.
Joseph Pearson, seaman, Englishman.
Joseph Connor, seaman, Englishman.
Thomas McMillan, seaman, Englishman.
Michael Mars, seaman, Englishman.
Robert Egan, boy, Englishman.
Malcolm McFarlan, seaman, Englishman.
Peter Henry, seaman, Englishman.
Charles Godwin, seaman, American.
James Higgs, captain of hold, Englishman.
Peter Duncan, fireman, Englishman.
Richard Parkinson, ward-room steward, Englishman.
George Appleby, yeoman, Englishman.
John Emory, seaman, Englishman.
William Hearn, seaman, Englishman.
Thomas L. Parker, boy, Englishman.
A. G. Bartelli, captain’s steward, American.
Peter Hughes, seaman, American.
Henry Fisher, seaman, Englishman; belonging to reserve.
Frank Townsend, seaman, Englishman.
Frank Cunen, fireman, Irishman.
William Levins, coal-trimmer.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Controversy Over CSS Alabama & USS Kearsarge Photos

A while back françois xavier CREVEL, sent me some Photo’s of the CSS Alabama and the USS Kearsage that was newly discovered by him. I like them so much I ask if I could make a page of them and he agreed the page is called (Newly Discovered Photo's CSS Alabama and USS Kearsarge) , we were both happy the way the page turn out then I for got about it, oh, I would updated it from time to time for him as I am just the host and all comments were to be address to him.

Well last week I got a mail from him giving me a update on the comments he was getting, and I was in for a big surprise as I read the letters I found that there was a big controversy going on over the photos. I found the letters very interesting and I know you well too, so I ask Mr. Crevel, if I could make a page on them and he agreed.

After you read these letters you may wish to take a look at the photos, and read about how they were found and what American historian Ron TARBURTON, found on his research on them. To see the photos and read the story behind them take this link.

http://civilwarthosesurnames.blogspot.com/2009/12/newly-discovered-photos-css-alabama-and.html

Note. Those who whish to comment on either of these pages can address them to: francois.crevel@syngenta.com

------------------------

Dennis,
I wanted to thank you first for your involvement in these photographs.
I also wanted to share with you these exchanges of emails that we have with Mr. Foenander and Mr Sullivan on the photo of the crew. As you can see, we do not really agree on authenticating the photograph (that is the least we can say!)
françois xavier CREVEL.
------------------------

Letter from Terry Foenander to françois CREVEL.

January 21, 2010.

Mr. Crevel,
Could you please advise me who Mr. Ron Tarburton is, where does he live, and if he is an authority on the CSS ALABAMA?

I do not believe that this is a photo of the CSS ALABAMA crew, and the uniforms are not Confederate Navy issue.

Regards,
Terry.
-------------------------------

Letter from françois CREVEL to Terry Foenander.

January 21, 2010.

Hello Mr. Terry Foenander,

At the request of RON TARBURTON, I contacted about a photograph found among a batch of 6 photographs in April 2009 at a flea market in France. The 6 photographs bear the stamp of Cherbourg photographer Francois Sebastien Rondin. A photograph was selected to benefit from the attention RON TARBURTON. This is the montage directed by François Rondin (see attachment), and supposed to represent the crew of the USS Kearsarge (see title of the
photograph attached.)

In fact, according RON TARBURTON, this can not be the crew of the USS Kearsarge, but in all likelihood, it would be the crew of the CSS Alabama. Today, after more than 6 months of research, Ron has successfully identified more than 20 crew members. I can tell you the crewmen identified by RON TARBURTON from the photograph on which each crew member is assigned a number. I wanted first before any communication with you whether you were in favor of a partnership to identify other crew members and at the same time give us your opinion about this photograph that is flowing Much ink today.

There seems there is currently no photograph of Confederate marines dressed crew. Ron told me about the existence of a photo album made in England in August 1864 of 50 portraits of crew members. Do you have access to these photographs? On the other hand, I've also sent an elarged photograph of the ship is at the top right. After much hesitation, Ron concluded that this was a photograph of the CSS Alabama made just before the fight. What differentiates the photograph taken in 1863 in Singapore is the other white stripe on the hull top. In fact, in literature, we could find antique engravings of the CSS ALABAMA with the white stripe on the hull. I would also like to have your opinion on this subject.

François xavier CREVEL

PS: sorry for my English language!
---------------------------------------------

Letter from François CREVEL to Mr Foenander

January 22, 2010.

Hello Mr Foenander,

Thank you for your opinion.

But I give you my opinion about your remark. If the uniforms are not Confederate Navy issue it is because Bulloch---the purchasing agent that provided the uniforms, provided Navy uniforms that came from British factories that produced uniforms "in the British pattern" if it is not the crew of the Alabama then why do Ron TARBURTON has more than a dozen officers of that ship in the collage group and several of the non-commissioned officers---that is Petty Officers are sporting the left sleeve insignia adopted by the Confederate States Navy (the fouled anchor)?
hope to read you
Fançois CREVEL
---------------------------------

Letter from Terry Foenander to Fançois CREVEL

January 24, 2010.

Mr. Crevel,

I think that it would be best if you contact some of the actual authorities on the CSS ALABAMA, and they will most certainly confirm that you photo is definitely NOT of the crew of the ALABAMA. I have already been in contact with several persons, and they have also shown the photograph around, and all of them have come to the conclusion that it is definitely not of the crew of the CSS ALABAMA. Some of these persons, who have studied the Confederate Navy, and also the CSS ALABAMA, are researcher and author, Mr. David M. Sullivan, of Rutland, Massachusetts, Mr. Andrew Bowcock, who published a volume on the CSS ALABAMA, Mr. Michael Hammerson of England, who has been researching the ALABAMA as well as the Confederate cruisers, and who has also written a few articles on these subjects, and also Mr. Bob Jones, of Liverpool, in England, who has done a lot of research on James Bulloch and other aspects of the CSS ALABAMA, etc. All of them agree that the photo is not of the CSS ALABAMA, and the uniforms are entirely different to that specified.

Mr. David Sullivan has already written to you, but if you need further evidence, I will get several of the others to contact you. Also, you may want to know that several of the other photos that you have, that are shown on Dennis's web site, of the USS KEARSARGE, are also shown at the United States Naval Historical Center's web site, and are freely available to download and use. The two photomontages that you have are not at this web site, but four of the USS KEARSARGE photos are shown there.

I do hope you understand that we are all trying to help you out, as much as we can. I think you should also, perhaps, contact the Museum of the Confederacy, in Richmond, Virginia, to confirm that the photo is definitely not of the CSS ALABAMA, and they will confirm this for you.
Best regards,
Terry.
-------------------------------------------------

Letter from François CREVEL to Terry Foenander

January 24, 2010.


Hello Mr FOENANDER,
.
I have noted your expertise in your area. However, if I go your way, you can then respond honestly to these questions must be answered objectively because you have still not responded.

1) if this is not an assemblage of the crew of the CSS Alabama then why do more than a dozen of the officers here wear the faces of the officers of the crew of the Alabama?

2) Why do several of the non-commissioned officers wear the left sleeve insignia of the petty officers of the Confederate States Navy (the fouled anchor) which is a known and given fact?

3) Why is it that these men are wearing a form of British pattern Navy uniform that is known to have been procured for them in England by Bulloch in 1862?

4) If this is not the crew of the Alabama then why do some of the faces in the photo collage match up with faces found amongst known crew members of the Alabama as they were photographed by two photographers when that ship was in Simon's Town Cape Colony South Africa in August of 1862?

This unique photo collage has given us the opportunity to see the CSS Alabama (the very ship herself ) and most of her crew just days before she sank beneath the guns of her foe there off Cherbourg.
This is an in depth research project that is still in progress
Hope to read you
François xavier CREVEL
---------------------------

Letter from François CREVEL to Mr. FOENANDER and Mr. SULLIVAN.

January 24, 2010.

Dear Mr FOENANDER and Mr SULLIVAN, I have other questions for you.

5) why does the mystery ship in the upper left hand corner match up with eyewitness accounts of the description of the Alabama in her final days?
6) If this is not the Alabama then it is an elaborate forgery or fraud by RON TARBURTON?

So you will have to prove that which means perhaps you have to cancel out the authentic stamp of the Rondin studio in Cherbourg that is seen on the original photo?

Our position at the moment is: Our cause is just. We have the facts (the new facts), I am sure that, as true historians, that you know history is a living thing and not a "dead thing" that it is fluid and subject to movement and change and yes sometimes even iconoclastic discoveries, like this one.

The British pattern uniforms issued by Bulloch are there. Bulloch himself is there. The Confederate Navy insignia is there. The faces of unidentified but matched up crew members of the Alabama found in the Cape Town photos are there. The ship Alabama was disguised by Semmes before entering Cherbourg and an eyewitness account of how the rigging of her mizzen mast was altered in appearance matches exactly with the fashion of the mizzen mast rigging of the ship in the photo in question as well as many other characteristics if one closely examines that photo as well.

I want to have the reply for each question, please.
Hope to read you
François xavier CREVEL
--------------------------------


Updated February 7, 2010.

Here are more controversial letters sent to me by Mr. Crevel, now these letters have been forwarded back and forth so many times it’s hard to tell who’s who. But it’s not all that important, but what is, important is the content of the questions and answers, and so the Controversy goes on.
----------------------------
From: Sent: Thursday, July 02, 2009 14:37
To: Neyland, Robert NAVHISTCEN
Cc: FINNEYJR, EDWIN Jr, NAVHISTHERITAGECOM
Subject: FW: Alabama crew photo


Bob: Presuming that the photo in question is the one we discussed (apparently
labeled "Pyramid"), I am deeply suspicious of the suggested identification of this composite photograph, and am fairly certain that the photo does not show members of the U.S. Navy. My reasoning follows:

(1) The warship vignetted in the upper left of the "Pyramid" photo is definitely neither Kearsarge nor Alabama, but is a considerably larger vessel. It resembles a sloop of war of similar size to USS Hartford or one of her sisters, but the ratio of distance between the masts (roughly 13 between fore and main masts, and 7 between main and mizzen masts) is greater than on any USN sloop that I could find (USN ships of this description were
typically rather closer to 12-8 in mast spacing ratio). That includes the five "Hartford" types, the Congress (a much longer ship, with fewer -- and smaller -- gun ports) and the sailing sloops Macedonian, Constellation and Cumberland. Gunport count also appears different, with only Cumberland being close to that of the ship in the photo (and the mast spacing ratio difference between her and the ship in the photo is even greater than in
other USN sloops of similar size). I can't see a smokestack (or stacks) in the photo, so can offer no judgement on that, but the shape of the "clipper" bow is rather fuller than was typical of post-Civil War USN ships. We do not have enough photography for me to offer any trustworthy opinion on whose ship this might be, but I'm pretty certain it isn't ours'.

(2) The people in the photo also don't look American. The officer at the top center (peak of the pyramid) has a superficial resemblance to Raphael Semmes, but not a compelling one. Compare views of him posted on our "Online Library" ( http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/pers-us/uspers-s/r-semmes.htm ) and I think you'll see what I mean. There were certainly other officers, both American and European, who looked much the same. The many fellows in single-breasted jackets makes me think rather more "Royal Marines" than the U.S. (or Confederate) variety, and the enlisted sailors' uniforms also don't look quite like ours'. So, while I can't say what the photo shows, I can certainly say what it doesn't. Definitely not Kearsarge or Alabama, and probably not American at all.

Hope this is of some value.
Chuck.
--------------------------

-----Original Message-----
From: Neyland, Robert NAVHISTCEN
Sent: Thursday, July 02, 2009 1:46 PM
To:
Cc: Gordon Watts
Subject: FW: Alabama crew photo


Dear Francois and Bertrand

Below is our assessment of the attached photo. We are talking about this photo? If not please send me the correct photo. Some of the other photos you forwarded are certainly of USS Kearsarge and are actually in quite good condition. Thank you for sharing them with us.

Bob Neyland
----------------------------------

From: "Stephen Kinnaman"
Sent: Wednesday, January 27, 2010 1:51 AM
To: "'Bob Jones'"
Subject: FW: Alabama crew photo.

Dear Bob, Sure enough, my instincts were correct. Please find attached the same photograph you sent (with a M. Crevel copyright mark) accompanied by an evaluation forwarded by Bob Neyland (a top historian at the Naval Historical Center, who headed up the conservation of the Confederate submarine Hunley). The evaluation is that the photograph is neither Alabama or Kearsarge, and possibly not even an American ship.

Best regards,
Stephen
-----------------------------------------

De : Terry Foenander
Envoyé : samedi 30 janvier 2010 00:43
À : Bob Jones; michael hammerson; Dave Sullivan; John Collier
Cc : Crevel Francois FRSC
Objet : RE: Alabama crew photo

Bob,
Thanks for that, and I am also including my own response to Mike, as well. It seems that Mr. Haberlein's comments, as well as the actual response from Mr. Neyland were sent to Mr. Crevel (whom I am also including in this message, as he seems to be unconvinced, despite the comments coming from authorities who are very, very qualified to make an identification) way back in July of last year, yet Crevel continues to pass this trashy image around to so many persons, trying to get a YES answer for something that is clearly not of the ALABAMA or of the KEARSARGE. Will he ever be convinced by the experts, or will he continue to pass it around as the ALABAMA for years to come?
Regards,
Terry.
----------------------------------

-----Original Message-----
From: michael hammerson
To: francois.crevel@syngenta.com; Terry Foenander; Bob Jones robert.neyland;
Cc:
Sent: Mon, Feb 1, 2010 6:54 am
Subject: Re: Alabama crew photo
.

You have asked for our views. We did not offer them you approached us.

We have given our opinions, in a spirit of helpfulness, and with no motive other than helpfulness, in response to your approach. We would all be delighted if a new photograph of the crew of the Alabama were to be discovered.

You have exercised your choice to reject our opinions. Since you appear to already have all the facts you need to satisfy yourself that the picture is genuine, you do not need our views and had no need to ask us in the first place.

I personally have no more to add, other than to repeat our strong recommendation that you must seek the opinions of the Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond and the National Maritime Museum in London. I have no wish, or intention, to engage further in this correspondence.

I will, however, simply add that, if you were to offer me the picture, at any price, however low, I would not want it.

I have no more to add.

M. Hammerson.

Dear all,

I have noted your expertise in your area. However, if I go your way, you can then respond honestly to these questions must be answered objectively because you have still not responded.

1) if this is not an assemblage of the crew of the CSS Alabama then why do more than a dozen of the officers here wear the faces of the officers of the crew of the Alabama?

2) Why do several of the non-commissioned officers wear the left sleeve insignia of the petty officers of the Confederate States Navy (the fouled anchor) which is a known and given fact?

3) Why is it that these men are wearing a form of British pattern Navy uniform that is known to have been procured for them in England by Bulloch in 1862?

4) If this is not the crew of the Alabama then why do some of the faces in the photo collage match up with faces found amongst known crew members of the Alabama as they were photographed by two photographers when that ship was in Simon's Town Cape Colony South Africa in August of 1862?

5) why does the mystery ship in the upper left hand corner match up with eyewitness accounts of the description of the Alabama in her final days?

6) If this is not the Alabama then it is an elaborate forgery or fraud by RON TARBURTON?

Our position at the moment is: Our cause is just. We have the facts (the new facts)
I am sure that, as true historians, that you know history is a living thing and not a "dead thing" that it is fluid and subject to movement and change and yes sometimes even iconoclastic discoveries, like this one. The British pattern uniforms issued by Bulloch are there. Bulloch himself is there. The Confederate Navy insignia is there. The faces of unidentified but matched up crew members of the Alabama found in the Cape Town photos are there. The ship Alabama was disguised by Semmes before entering Cherbourg and an eyewitness account of how the rigging of her mizzen mast was altered in appearance matches exactly with the fashion of the mizzen mast rigging of the ship in the photo in question as well as many other characteristics if one closely examines that photo as well.

I want to have the reply for each question, please.

Hope to read you

françois xavier CREVEL
----------------------------------------

De : Terry Foenander
Envoyé : lundi 1 février 2010 21:02
À : Crevel Francois FRSC; Dave Sullivan; michael hammerson
Cc : Bob Jones; John Collier
Objet : RE: Alabama crew photo.


Dear Mr. Crevel,
I cannot see why you just ignore all the proper and decent opinions of the many experienced and qualified gentlemen who have told you, directly, that the photo is most definitely NOT of the ALABAMA. Several of these gentlemen have known about, and researched the ALABAMA, her officers and crew, and other aspects of the cruisers and Southern personnel in England, including Bulloch, for many years, some for decades. They are definitely much more qualified to make final decisions and observations about your photo, than Ron Tarburton.

You need to also consult the OFFICIAL RECORDS OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE NAVIES IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION, and many other volumes, including Mr. Andrew Bowcock's volume on the CSS ALABAMA, all of which indicate and show that none of the uniforms of the Confederate personnel match anything that is shown in your photograph at all. Look, for instance, at the photos of the Confederate officers from the ALABAMA, and you will see that the uniforms do not match your photo at all, and the curled stripes shown on the end of the sleeves of the Confederate officers' uniforms are definitely missing in your photo. There are so many other such discrepancies in your photo, but, for some reason, you choose not to notice all of these.

The photo of the vessel shown in the top left hand corner of your photo is certainly not comparable at all the the photos that we know exist, of the ALABAMA. There is no comparison at all, no matter what assumptions you base your verdict on. The ALABAMA NEVER had a white stripe, and did not have one painted on, at any time. There is no documented proof at all of this, and if anyone tries to make an assumption, without any documentation whatsoever, that it did, then it is only a false assumption. Do you really believe that so many persons with so much knowledge about the Confederate Navy, and the Confederate Navy uniforms want to trick you into believing that your photo is not of the ALABAMA? Everyone is out to help you, as much as we can, not to deceive you in any way at all.

True historians and researchers help each other, and do not falsify and fabricate. So, if you still choose to disbelieve all of us, despite our collective assistance and joint efforts to help you, then it will be to your own detriment, and you will be the one who will eventually suffer the consequences.

We have suggested that you send the image, or a copy to the Museum of the Confederacy and the Maritime Museum, both of which will be able to confirm or deny what you state, but you have still chosen to ignore our helpful advise. It is no good sending us questions about the uniform, when it clearly differentiates quite a bit from that of the Confederate Navy uniform, as shown in the many photos in existence. If you continue to ignore our advise and assistance, then why bother contacting us in the first place. We have tried, from the beginning to help you, yet you ignore our final decisions on the photo.

I repeat our final decision - the photo is definitely NOT one showing the crew of the ALABAMA, and neither does it show the crew of the KEARSARGE. As stated directly by authorities from the U.S. Naval Historical Center, and others, it is not even any uniform worn by American personnel, at all, Union or Confederate. You were advised of this last year, yet you continue to ignore all this important data, from qualified persons, and still place messages online that the photo is of the ALABAMA. If you are not going to listen to those who know best, then there is no point even bothering to contact anyone of us, at all. We have tried to help you, from the very beginning, but you just choose to ignore our own decisions about the photo. The ball is in your court.
Best regards,
Terry.
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-----Message d'origine-----
De : françois CREVEL
Envoyé : mercredi 3 février 2010 07:35
À :
Cc :
Objet : RE: Alabama crew photo


Dear all,
I wanted first to tell you that I respect in good faith your professionalism and your career. But when I have an idea in my head I'm tough until you prove that I'm wrong. Returning now to the fact. I'll try to answer your various questions but also try to do the same. Respect the ideas of each is important in a democracy and he does speak louder than the other to be right. Regarding the photograph mosaic CSS ALABAMA, I will answer your first question about the white strip band. According to you, we do not see on any illustration or engraving of this alabama white stripe band on the hull of the ship. I answer in the negative as there are illustrations of time with the white stripe band. Include a single reference to a book which appears in an engraving frontpiece CSS ALABAMA with the white strip on a book written directly from the hand of Raphael Semmes. You will see then that this white band is on the etching and engraving that has been validated in person by Raphael Semmes. You could find this image on this URL and we have other images to proove that.
THE C.S.S. ALABAMA
Semmes. The Log of the Alabama and the Sumter (1865), front piece.
http://www.marshall.edu/library/speccoll/virtual_museum/css_alabama/alabama_images_menu.asp

Concerning the size of the ship, you can use a man at the front of the ship as a measurement scale and you will see that the dimensions of this vessel is between 200 and 220 feet. I send to you the image of this ship in order to verify that. We have found actually 14 similar points with the CSS ALABAMA. I reply to the second question about the uniforms purchased by Bulloch and the book "American civil war armies vol. 3 "
I send to you the URL
http://books.google.fr/books?id=mYpd0xTYWEMC&pg=PA40&lpg=PA40&dq=bulloch+purchase+uniform&source=bl&ots=DRLsoEU4Bf&sig=8x2F_3CtMyemwLXnwzp3SmfG

You could read page 40
"from other quartermaster reports it appears that the cloth was blue grey in color and each coat had a single row of seven brass buttons, each bearing the Roman Letter M on its face" and "a drawing of marines near Richmond shows the frock coat reaching to just above the knee." Now please look at the photomontage by RONDIN and look at the frock coat of some officers. The coat reaching to just above the knee has a single row of seven brass buttons. Very amazing isn't it?

please now read page 37. " all other petty officers except officers stewards and yeomen will wear the same device (foul anchor) on their left sleeves" and please read before this passage. You could see on the photomontage some crewmen with foul anchor on their left sleeves. Very amazing too? It's important to read all the content of this URL and you could see that there is a lot of similitude with the uniforms on the photograph.

Now on the identification of crew members of the CSS Alabama made by RON TARBURTON, I send you an attachment and I welcome your comments to this title. We have a phgotograph of Lt. Armstrong or Engineer Freeman or Master Mate Fullam and they are wearing the wrong type or color uniform I have a question for you Mr FOENANDER: why the really dark uniforms are being worn in all the Cape Town photos?I tried to find a grey uniform but there were none. However, I did spot one guy with white summer pants. We are taking the position that it seems that there are a number of people in the photo that arte members of the crew of the Alabama through matching officer photos with those in the Rondin photo collage pyramid group. The matching photos of identified persons are known photos of officers of the Alabama and the others are matched up with photos taken by the Cape Town photographer Arthur Green while the Alabama called there in August of 1863.

The other unidentified persons in the photo collage are part of a work in progress and we do not contend they are members of the crew of the Alabama until, they have been identified as such . We also feel that all other photo historical work related to the photos on the "photo collage page" is related to this work in progress .
François CREVEL

--Mr. Crevel,
That book that you give the attachment for actually states, and I quote, on page 37 "Officers were, however, photographed in regulation grey." Can you show me, anywhere in your photograph, where there are any of the officers shown in such "regulation grey" Confederate Navy uniforms, please? Thank you for any confirming factors that you want to believe in, but it still does not show any confirmation at all, that your photo is of the ALABAMA.
Regards,
Terry.