Varuna, USS

Joined
Aug 31, 2006
Location
Orlando FL
USS Varuna (1862-1862)

USS Varuna, a 1300-ton screw steam gunboat, was purchased by the Navy in late December 1861, while under construction at Mystic, Connecticut, for civilian use. After conversion to a warship, she was commissioned in February 1862. Soon sent to the Gulf of Mexico for service, she was present when Federal warships confronted Confederate-held Forts Jackson and St. Philip on the lower Mississippi River. On 24 April 1862, as the Union fleet boldly steamed past those fortifications to attack New Orleans, Varuna was closely engaged and rammed by the Confederate ships Governor Moore and Stonewall Jackson (identified in one contemporary print as the General Breckinridge). The fatally-damaged Varuna's gun crews continued firing on the enemy until their ship sank.
 
I'm hearing that the Varuna was involved in sinking SIX rebel ships at New Orleans. No contemporary CW naval histories mention this. The reason is probably because the naval battle was such a free for all that it's just too confusing to record.

I I wanted to find the exact details should I start with the OR naval records? Any other suggestions?
 
I'm hearing that the Varuna was involved in sinking SIX rebel ships at New Orleans. No contemporary CW naval histories mention this. The reason is probably because the naval battle was such a free for all that it's just too confusing to record.

I wanted to find the exact details should I start with the OR naval records? Any other suggestions?
I suggest that you also ask this question in the naval war forum. You're likely to to receive more answers from the naval experts.:thumbsup:
 
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