Cornelius Gold, U.S. Navy, April 16, 1865
Title
Cornelius Gold, U.S. Navy, April 16, 1865
Subject
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources
United States.--Navy.--East Gulf Blockading Squadron.
Mobile Campaign, 1865
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Naval operations
Description
Cornelius Gold writes to his mother about the fall of Mobile, continued torpedo attacks on Union ships, and his comfortable new surroundings on the U.S.S. Anderson.
Date
1865-04-16
Text
U.S.S. “Anderson”
Off Mobile Apl. 16 1865
Mobile is fallen. I
shall not be the first to convey
that news to you. We look upon
the war in Alabama as ended,
though our sojourn will doubtless
be continued some time yet.
I consider myself a fixture for
the summer unless a torpedo or
some other unseen circumstance
disturb my equanimity. During
the last four days three steamers
have sunk within sight of our ship,
blown up by torpedoes. They are
scattered all about the waters + below
the surface so that one never knows
what instant the crash may come.
Day before yesterday while crossing the
bay on a tug at full speed, a torpedo
[Page 2]
struck the bottom of the boat = exploded
with force enough to “bring us upstanding”
+ lift the boat a little, but strangely
enough did no damage. For a moment
we all supposed she was sinking of
course, and began to lower the boats.
It seemed almost miraculous and
is the only case of the kind that has
resulted harmlessly. Only the day
before, the “Ida” (one of my boats)
was blown up, two men killed,
two wounded and one of the engineers
lost a leg. It was a mere pressing
of business that kept me from being
on board at that time, and perhaps
I may add the kind protection of Him
who alone can guard us from danger.
I have again changed my abode,
from the “Kittatinny” where I last wrote,
to the “Anderson,” a sailing vessel
with fine accommodations + her keel deep
in the mud. I have here what before
[Page 3]
I have greatly needed room for my
stores, and an office of respectable
size. Am beter pleased with this
situation, than with either of the others
for with my increasing responsibilities
from the city, so far that its “temptations”
will have little effect on me. Have
not visited it yet, and do not know
when time or opportunity will offer to do
so. A boat leaves us for the flagship
this morning with letters for the north,
and I have snatched the few moments
before breakfast to scratch this.
“Time’s up.”
Your aff.
Cornelius
Off Mobile Apl. 16 1865
Mobile is fallen. I
shall not be the first to convey
that news to you. We look upon
the war in Alabama as ended,
though our sojourn will doubtless
be continued some time yet.
I consider myself a fixture for
the summer unless a torpedo or
some other unseen circumstance
disturb my equanimity. During
the last four days three steamers
have sunk within sight of our ship,
blown up by torpedoes. They are
scattered all about the waters + below
the surface so that one never knows
what instant the crash may come.
Day before yesterday while crossing the
bay on a tug at full speed, a torpedo
[Page 2]
struck the bottom of the boat = exploded
with force enough to “bring us upstanding”
+ lift the boat a little, but strangely
enough did no damage. For a moment
we all supposed she was sinking of
course, and began to lower the boats.
It seemed almost miraculous and
is the only case of the kind that has
resulted harmlessly. Only the day
before, the “Ida” (one of my boats)
was blown up, two men killed,
two wounded and one of the engineers
lost a leg. It was a mere pressing
of business that kept me from being
on board at that time, and perhaps
I may add the kind protection of Him
who alone can guard us from danger.
I have again changed my abode,
from the “Kittatinny” where I last wrote,
to the “Anderson,” a sailing vessel
with fine accommodations + her keel deep
in the mud. I have here what before
[Page 3]
I have greatly needed room for my
stores, and an office of respectable
size. Am beter pleased with this
situation, than with either of the others
for with my increasing responsibilities
from the city, so far that its “temptations”
will have little effect on me. Have
not visited it yet, and do not know
when time or opportunity will offer to do
so. A boat leaves us for the flagship
this morning with letters for the north,
and I have snatched the few moments
before breakfast to scratch this.
“Time’s up.”
Your aff.
Cornelius
Files
Collection
Citation
“Cornelius Gold, U.S. Navy, April 16, 1865,” Linda Lear Center Digital Collections and Exhibitions, accessed April 20, 2024, https://lc-digital.conncoll.edu/items/show/684.