Report of the South Carolina Sub-commission on Submarine Batteries, Torpedoes, and c.; 1862

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Report of the South Carolina Sub-commission on Submarine Batteries, Torpedoes, and c.; 1862

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People

Beauregard, G. T. (Gustave Toutant), 1818-1893 Bourne, Unknown Brooke, John M.Brunner, B. P.Davis, Jefferson, 1808-1889 Eason, J. M Eason, W.Henry, W. L.Lee, George Washington Custis, 1832-1913 Libby, William Marsh, James Mercer, Unknown Sass, J. K.Schneule, J.Scott, William R.Taylor, Unknown Tisdale, N.Wayne, Henry C., 1815-1883 Williamson, William Price, 1810-1870

Events

Military Engagements Military Events--Blockade Military Events--Capitulations

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Confederate States of America. Army Confederate States of America. Navy United States. Navy

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Confederate States of America--Army Adjutant and Inspector-General's Office Confederate States of America--Congress Confederate States of America--Executive Department Courts and Judicial Systems Courts and Judicial Systems--Criminal Juries Watercraft Watercraft--Arkansas (Gunboat)Watercraft--Manassas (Ship)Watercraft--Mississippi (Ship)

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Engineers Legal Profession--Lawyers Shipbuilders

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Bodies of Water--Interstate. Mississippi River Georgia--Baldwin County. Milledgeville Georgia--Chatham County. Savannah Louisiana--Orleans Parish. New Orleans North Carolina--New Hanover County. Wilmington South Carolina--Charleston County. Charleston South Carolina--Orangeburg County. Orangeburg Virginia--Independent City. Richmond

Page 1

Charleston S. C. Oct 16th 1862
12M

At a meeting of the Sub-Commission of the State Commission on Submarine batteries, torpedoes &C, called this day by the Chairman, to consider and report on the plan of Mr W. R. Scott's "steam Battering Ram.

Present J. Schneule Chairman
& B. P. Brunner

Absent from City Messrs Taylor, Henry, & Bourne
On Confederate Jury [gap] Wm Libby

Mr Scott being present proceeded to explain the Same There being no quorum adjourned to meet at 7. P. M.

Gas Office 7 P. M. Oct 16th 1862
Pursuant to adjournment as above
J Schneule Chairman
B. P. Brunner
W^m Libby

Absent from City
Messrs Henry, Taylor & Bourne.

Mr Scott explained his plan to Mr Libby, and after a free conversation and inquiring upon the merits of "Steam Battering-Ram," the Sub=Commission adjourned to meet at 12 M to=morrow. Mr. Henry expected to return to the City from Orangeburg & join the Commission at that hour.

Oct 17^th 1862—12M.
Pursuant to adjournment as above the Sub=Com=mission met

Present J. Schneule Chairman
B. P. Brunner
W^m Libby
W. L. Henry

Absent from City Messrs Taylor & Bourne.
Mr. Scott being present submitted the following which are copies of Original letters.

Page 2

(A)

"State of Georgia
"Adjutant & Inspector Gen^l's Office.
"Milledgeville Aug. 6th 1862.

"W^m R. Scott Esq
"Wilmington N. C.

"Sir

"Your letter of the second instant en-"closing drafts, plan & elevation of your "Steam Battering "Ram has been received.

"I have examined the drafts attentively with "much pleasure, write in the recemmendations of "Lt Brooke, & Engineer Williamson, two of our best author-"ities in such matters. The State however is not engaged "in any work of the kind the Confederate Government "having taken charge altogether of the defence of Georgia. "If you desire it, your letter and plan will be refered to "Gen^l Mercer, in command of the Dept whose headquarters are at Savannah.

Very respectfully,
Your Obt Servt

(Signed) Henry C. Wayne
Adjt & Inspector Gen^l."

(B) "Charleston S C Oct ¹⁵/₆₂
"I cordially concur in the above recommendation
(Signed) "J. K. Sarz, Chairman"

"Sir

I have examined the rough drawing of a "Steam Battering Ram", proposed by Mr W. R. Scott of Algiers, and have heard his explanation.

No similar proposition has yet been made to the Department. Mr Scott claims to be its originator. The rams as heretofore constructed require considerable head way to be effective, and must strike at an obtuse angle.

Page 3

(H) "It appears to me that Mr Scott's plan is well worthy of consideration and should be obliged to Gen^l Schneule if he would give him a hearng before his Commitee.
(Signed) "J. K. Sass.
"Oct 15th /62"

(I) Wilmington N. C. Oct 10th 1862
"To Gen^l Beauregard

"Sir

I submit my plan of a "Steam Bat-tering Ram" to you, hoping that it will be of great good to the Confederate States in the hour of trouble, as I wish to see our "people free and happy.

"The vessel that carries the Battering-ram must be shot "proof all over the top like the Mannassas, or like the Ar=Kansas, or Mississippi, so the crew will be protected from "the enemy's shot and shell.

The vessel must go full up to the enemy's vessels, & "then the battering ram must be made to do its intended duty, "by battering, or punching the enemy below the water line, say five"(5) feet or more. By having this ram strong and powerful, it "can be made to either drive a hole in below the water line, or "fairly destroy the planking of the enemy below said line.

"Should the ram have a lick or stroke of ten feet, I think it "ought to run eight feet before or by the time its outer end "gets even with the vessel's outside, leaving two feet for tool when "full extended out, or in other words is spent—A part of the "stroke being to accumulate velocity and power.

"The Battering ram must be wrought iron, Say 14 inches in diameter, and if 20 feet long, the better, and connected to a double=acting engine to give it an in and out motion, like a piston="rod motion, and worked through a packing box.

"The engine that works the ram is intended to do nothing "but that duty. The engine that drives the ship can be used as "the case may require.

"The battering ram can be made to strike 20 effective "blows in one minute in safety, and without leaving the enemy

Page 4

"And when one vessel is destroyed the ram can attack another of "the enemy, if present, and without delay.

"One of these rams at the mouth of the Mississippi River "could break or clear the blockade.

"After writing this I have concluded to come to Charleston "myself and see you. I have the greatest desire to see our enemy's defeated.

"Very respectfully

(Signed) "W. R. Scott"

N. B. "See letter "E" for Gen^l Beauregard opinion—page 3.

(IIa) Charleston Oct 18th 1862.
"Description of the "Steam Battery Ram, & its "motions when in action.

"The "Steam Battering Ram" is connected to a double ac="ting steam engine, and receives a piston=rod motion dir-"ect from the piston-rod.

"The Battering ram should be sixteen inches in diameter "& 20 feet long if possible to obtain that size.

"The Battering ram opperates below the water line of the "vessel that is armed with it, and is "packed" the same as "the shaft of a propellor=steamer to prevent water from getting into "the vessel.

"The engine may be of various construction, either with "or without a crank, 'tho I prefer a crank as in my opinion "it is the safest.

"The Battering Ram can be made to strike 20 effective "blows in one minute, or to strike any numbr of blows with= "blows with="out withdrawing, for the "butting" is not done with the vessel, "but by the ram which alone "butts," "puncher "or "batters" the "enemy's vessel until destroyed or surrendered.

"The engine should be a strong powerful double-acting"steam engine adopted to this work, and I think one of that "character can be had or procured at the proper time.

"The accompanying sketch or tracing (K) represents

Page 5

"both the batering=ram, and view of a hot water nozzle. This "hot water apparatus is intended to keep the enemy from man="ning his guns when in action. The sketch explains itself.

(Signed) "W. R. Scott."

Report of the Sub=Commission

The Sub=Commission having carefully ex-amined, & maturely deliberated on the merits and advantages of Mr. W. R. Scott's Steam Battering Ram, as set forth in the accom=panying Sketch or tracing, marked (K) which he has fully and satisfactorily explained, have unanimously approved of the same, as the best and most practicable proposal yet made, and we highly recommend its application forthwith to the state=iron=clad gun boat now in process of construction by Mr Eason on Exchange Wharf, or to apply to the Secty of the navy of the Con=federate States, to have this ram applied to one of the iron clad gun boats now building in Charleston, We are advised that the additional cost to armed this appliance to either of this class of gun=boats will not exceed five thousand dollars, and that it will not preclude them at their option to fight their guns, or ram the enemy's vessels as occasion may require.

The Sub commission respectfully urge upon the State Commission, to press this application of the ram upon the attention of the Gov^r & Council, & bespeak their influence & energy to carry it into immediate effect.

Mr Scott is of opinion that suitable material and appa-ratus for the ram, and even proper engines for the same are procurable in the Confederate States.

Respectfully submitted

G. Schneule Chairman
In behalf of B. P. Brunner
W^m Libby
W. S. Henry

Committee

Oct 3th 1862

Page 6

Note. The following are copies of original letters received by me since, the action of the Committee.

W. R. Scott.

"Charleston Dec 16th 1862.

"I have examined the drawings of Mr W. R. Scott, for a "battering-ram, and after a consultation with him have come "to the conclusion that if put in opperation, will be the most "effectual vessel in the service, it is superior to anything that has been presented to me, or brought to my notice.

"James Marsh
Shipwright,"

"Charlestion S C Dec 15th 1862

This is to certify that I have carefully examined Mr "W. R. Scotts plan of a Steam Battering Ram, and possessing "some experience in the Shipwright's business, having been "one practically for fifteen years, I pronounce it one of "the best plans, in my opinion, of the times, and if given a "fair trial, would prove of great service to our country & cause.

"Respectfully

N. Tisdale."

Page 7

"In naval engagements, particularly in narrow channels, "the headway, necessary to strike effectively cannot always "be attained, and if the blow when struck fails the ram "must withdraw to a distance, prior to making a second "attempt. To render rams more efficient, various plans "have been proposed, submarine torpedoes, & guns placed in "their bows & C. But it appears to me that Mr Scott's "Battering=Ram, would be made effective, the blows being "given with great rapidity and power. I therefore sug="gest that steps be taken to add this engine to the other"means of offence we now possess.

"I have the honor to be
Very respectfully your Obt Servt

(Signed) John M. Brooke
Lt. C. S. N.

(D) "I have examined the application of the "Steam hammer, and the use of driving the ram as "proposed by Mr Scott, and concur with Lt Brooke "in the opinion above expressed."

"Very respectfully & C

(Signed) "Wm P. Williamson
"Chief Engineer C. S. A.

"To
"Hon S. R. Mallory
"Secty of Navy."

(E) "Charleston S. C. Oct 14^th 1862

"I think very favorably of the proposal battering Ram "of Mr W. R. Scott, especially when sufficient headway can="not be obtained from the weakness of the engine and "machinery. This plan has the advantage moreover, of "being able to continue the battering process without having "to back for a new momentum

(Signed) "G. T. Beauregard.
"Genl C S. A."

Page 8

(F) "Confederate States of America
"Executive Department
"Official Business
"Richmond Va Sept 10th /62

"W. R. Scott
"Wilmington N. C.

"Sir,

"The President has received your "letter of the 31st ult, in reference to "Steam-battering "Ram proposed by you, and has refered it to the Secty of "the Navy for report

Very respectfully

(Signed) G. W. C. Lee
"Col & SeC."

N. B. See "D" for the Report of Hon Sec Mallory by W^m P. Williamson, Chief Engineer C. S. N. --Page 3.

(G) "Dr Sir,

"Mr W. R. Scott has exhibited a plan "for Steam Battering Ram to me, & has recommendations "from Lt Brooke C. S. N. & Mr Williamson Engineer in "Chief of our Navy. As your Commission has these matters "under consideration, would it not be well to give Mr "Scott a hearing, & consider his plan maturely. He has "exhibited it to Genl Beauregard who thinks very favor-"ably of it.

"Very respectfully
"Your Obt Servt

(Signed) "J. M. Eason."

"To.
"J. K. Sarz Esq. Chairman of Commission for building "Steam Battery & Ram
"Charleston Oct 15th 1862."

The foregoing Note of W. Eason endorsed as follows.