Civil War Naval Papers

[Mark F. Jenkins]

Reading through the papers located by @USS ALASKA prompts me to again suggest the US Navy won the US Civil War.

Well... it's not like the U.S. Navy won the war alone. Time and again, combinations of arms were found to be advantageous, such as the cavalry-and-light-gunboat tactics employed successfully in the West in what we would today call "counterinsurgency" operations. The U.S. Navy played a significant role in the Union victory-- that's as far as I'd go. Without it, Union victory was still possible, but markedly more difficult.

 

[wausaubob]

Well... it's not like the U.S. Navy won the war alone. Time and again, combinations of arms were found to be advantageous, such as the cavalry-and-light-gunboat tactics employed successfully in the West in what we would today call "counterinsurgency" operations. The U.S. Navy played a significant role in the Union victory-- that's as far as I'd go. Without it, Union victory was still possible, but markedly more difficult.

Its a viable argument. But I think the capture of Fort Fisher, and the creation of a new US enclave in North Carolina was necessary and sufficient to end the war in April and prevent a stalemate from emerging.
And if that cannot be agreed to, I think Schofield in North Carolina dissuaded General Johnston from fighting more battles to nibble on Sherman's invaders. Johnston was probably immobilized which made the odds of Lee's army achieving consolidation with Johnston very long indeed.
I know that's not how the end of war is usually described. But Schofield in North Carolina discouraged more fighting and also created outlet for Confederates who wanted to be rid of their US prisoners.

 

[wausaubob]

Well... it's not like the U.S. Navy won the war alone. Time and again, combinations of arms were found to be advantageous, such as the cavalry-and-light-gunboat tactics employed successfully in the West in what we would today call "counterinsurgency" operations. The U.S. Navy played a significant role in the Union victory-- that's as far as I'd go. Without it, Union victory was still possible, but markedly more difficult.

The story is of the Civil War is about the bloody struggle of the land armies.
But in the Summer of 1864 the first US good news was about the sinking of the Alabama which news was breaking in July of that year.
The press of that time focused on Virginia and Georgia. But the news from Mobile Bay, that all three forts had fallen, was breaking at the same time as the Democratic convention in Chicago. It was probably the first major news that cautioned McClellan to not accept the defeatist Democratic platform. The standard history does not recognize how much of hero David Farragut became in New York City. Farragut was a naval officer, from Tennessee, and much more of a Democrat than Grant. I think the post war press did not recognize the importance of his two great victories. Of course David Porter didn't help anyone else's historical reputation either.
The standard history discounts the US operation at Fort Fisher. But it seems Grant thought it was critical. He was behind Terry replacing Butler. And his instructions to Terry were not that different from: this is a naval operation, don't argue with David Porter. Grant was not willing to wait for the fort to surrender, even though the cost in blood of assaulting the fort had to be expected. The war lasted less than 12 weeks after that action.
I recall Grant was not sure the US could stand the financial cost of the very expensive formula the US used to end the war. The large cavalry raids were expensive.

 

[Mark F. Jenkins]

It's still like a boxing match between one fighter who can only hit hard with their right, versus one who can hit hard with either hand. The advantage is to the latter.

 

[wausaubob]

It's still like a boxing match between one fighter who can only hit hard with their right, versus one who can hit hard with either hand. The advantage is to the latter.

On land the war was symmetrical. Both belligerents had the same weapons. The US had a big logistical advantage especially by June 1863.
At sea the war became increasingly asymmetrical as time went on, while the US was still patrolling its most important trade routes.
The US navy supported the war, and still maintained a world wide presence. Starting in June 1864 the major US offenses had a combined arms or naval component. That set up the big cavalry raids that finished off the Confederacy by reaching areas the navy could not get to.
Its not the standard story. But the navy probably prevented the war lasting until June 1865 which reduced the cost just as expenses were soaring.

 

[USS ALASKA]

NEW FROM 2022!

University of South Alabama
JagWorks@USA
Theses and Dissertations
Graduate School
5-2022

Pioneer Inventors, Sea Devils, and Infernal Machines: Submarine Development in the United States From the American Revolution Through the American Civil War
Thomas Motes
University of South Alabama

This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at JagWorks@USA. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of JagWorks@USA. For more information, please contact [email protected].

ABSTRACT
This thesis is a study of the history of early American submarine development, from the American Revolution through the American Civil War, with a brief discussion of what happened afterwards. Early American-made submarines are often not studied in detail with the exception of the most famous vessels like the H. L. Hunley and the Turtle. Few people realize just how many submarine projects were worked on in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, and many do not know anything about these submarines at all. This paper will cover the history of submarine development, the men behind them, what contemporaries thought of them, and ultimately what effect, if any, they had on American history. Because information on some of these submarines is scarce, some educated guesses and speculation will be used where necessary. The reasons for submarine development and what compelled people to develop submarines will also be discussed. In writing this paper, I hope to provide a better understanding of the long history of American submarines and encourage others to research these early submarines, perhaps making discoveries of their own

https://jagworks.southalabama.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1066&context=theses_diss

Cheers,
USS ALASKA

 

[Lubliner]

NEW FROM 2022!

University of South Alabama
JagWorks@USA
Theses and Dissertations
Graduate School
5-2022

Pioneer Inventors, Sea Devils, and Infernal Machines: Submarine Development in the United States From the American Revolution Through the American Civil War
Thomas Motes
University of South Alabama

This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at JagWorks@USA. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of JagWorks@USA. For more information, please contact [email protected].

ABSTRACT
This thesis is a study of the history of early American submarine development, from the American Revolution through the American Civil War, with a brief discussion of what happened afterwards. Early American-made submarines are often not studied in detail with the exception of the most famous vessels like the H. L. Hunley and the Turtle. Few people realize just how many submarine projects were worked on in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, and many do not know anything about these submarines at all. This paper will cover the history of submarine development, the men behind them, what contemporaries thought of them, and ultimately what effect, if any, they had on American history. Because information on some of these submarines is scarce, some educated guesses and speculation will be used where necessary. The reasons for submarine development and what compelled people to develop submarines will also be discussed. In writing this paper, I hope to provide a better understanding of the long history of American submarines and encourage others to research these early submarines, perhaps making discoveries of their own

https://jagworks.southalabama.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1066&context=theses_diss

Cheers,
USS ALASKA

This one sounds good. Thanks @USS ALASKA.
Lubliner.

 

[USS ALASKA]

Collection; Master of Military Art and Science Theses
Title; Battle of Hampton Roads: a revolution in military affairs.
Author; Deogracias II, Alan J.

Abstract
This thesis examines the Battle of Hampton Roads, 8 and 9 March 1862, the first battle of ironclads, to determine if it was a Revolution in Military Affairs. This study is an analysis of naval developments prior to March 1862, the battle, and the impact the battle had on the U.S. Navy and the Royal Navy from 1862 to 1871. The battle signaled the end of the wooden warship era when the CSS Virginia destroyed two wooden warships on 8 March 1862. The USS Monitor influenced a change in naval design, which led the U.S. Navy and the Royal Navy to build turreted warships, which culminated in the launching of the first modern battleship in 1871. The transformation from sailing and steam ships with broadside armament to steam-powered turret ships led to a reduction in the size of the crews and the acceptance of engineers into the naval community. The battle led both navies to assign ironclads to their squadrons to counter ironclads of hostile nations. The battle influenced the development of tactics for fighting ironclads including ramming and coastal warfare. The Battle of Hampton Roads was a Revolution in Military Affairs and the onset of modern naval warfare.

Series; Command and General Staff College (CGSC) MMAS thesis
Publisher; Fort Leavenworth, KS: U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Date, Original; 2003-06-06
Date, Digital; 2003-06-06
Call number; ADA 416374
Release statement; Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)
Repository; Combined Arms Research Library
Library; Combined Arms Research Library Digital Library
Date created; 2005-05-05

Cheers,
USS ALASKA

 

[wausaubob]

1. The ability of big naval guns to fire explosive shells had already made wooden ships partially obsolete.
2. The range and accuracy advantage of the biggest guns had already made large pieces mounted on pivots dominant. Turrets just added armor.
3. The revolution was that people suddenly realized what should have been obvious: steam powered vessels don't have to have masts. rigging and spars. That's what created the revolution. The design, selection and testing of steam engines became a vital part of naval development and the steam engineer was eventually accepted as an essential equal in the officer's ranks.

 

[wausaubob]

Collection; Master of Military Art and Science Theses
Title; Battle of Hampton Roads: a revolution in military affairs.
Author; Deogracias II, Alan J.

Abstract
This thesis examines the Battle of Hampton Roads, 8 and 9 March 1862, the first battle of ironclads, to determine if it was a Revolution in Military Affairs. This study is an analysis of naval developments prior to March 1862, the battle, and the impact the battle had on the U.S. Navy and the Royal Navy from 1862 to 1871. The battle signaled the end of the wooden warship era when the CSS Virginia destroyed two wooden warships on 8 March 1862. The USS Monitor influenced a change in naval design, which led the U.S. Navy and the Royal Navy to build turreted warships, which culminated in the launching of the first modern battleship in 1871. The transformation from sailing and steam ships with broadside armament to steam-powered turret ships led to a reduction in the size of the crews and the acceptance of engineers into the naval community. The battle led both navies to assign ironclads to their squadrons to counter ironclads of hostile nations. The battle influenced the development of tactics for fighting ironclads including ramming and coastal warfare. The Battle of Hampton Roads was a Revolution in Military Affairs and the onset of modern naval warfare.

Series; Command and General Staff College (CGSC) MMAS thesis
Publisher; Fort Leavenworth, KS: U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Date, Original; 2003-06-06
Date, Digital; 2003-06-06
Call number; ADA 416374
Release statement; Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)
Repository; Combined Arms Research Library
Library; Combined Arms Research Library Digital Library
Date created; 2005-05-05

Cheers,
USS ALASKA

And if the US navy had been as clear headed as Stephen Mallory of the Confederacy, the contest between the Virginia and the Monitor would not have been close. Negligence at Norfolk Naval Yard and delay in decision making cost the US dearly as Mallory took full advantage of the limited resources available to him.

 

[wausaubob]

This paragraph reminded me of @DaveBrt . https://americancivilwarhighcommand.com/navies/evolution-of-the-united-states-navy/ How were the Confederates going to compete with that? Which was Lincoln's brief when he published the ship and boat building statistics of the US from the 1850's decade in the Preliminary Report of the 1860 Census. He was reminding the British, that although the US was not Britain's equal, neither was the US a third world colony without industrial capacity.

 

[wausaubob]

Reading this English compiler's work on the US Civil War https://americancivilwarhighcommand.com/navies/evolution-of-the-united-states-navy/ caused me to think of the very low odds that Lincoln was going impair his war effort against the Confederacy in Dec '61 and Jan '62 to get involved in a long term embargo/blockade crisis with Great Britain over the retention of the two Confederate emissaries, Slidell and Mason.
1. The US had extensive naval plans active at that time which were going to change the nature of the conflict if successful.
a. Construction of the Monitor was underway,
b. The Goldsborough/Burnside operation in North Carolina was pending.
c. The Eads built gunboat fleet on the Mississippi was nearing completion.
d. The attack on New Orleans from the Gulf of Mexico had been approved. Selection of the suitable commander was under consideration.
2. The US President was moving towards a pro British and anti-slavery position.
a. The President allowed the execution of Nathaniel Gordon in February 1862. This was a 180 degree reversal from the Buchanan administration that had pardoned a condemned slave trader.
b. The Lyons/Seward treaty creating joint enforcement of prohibitions against slave trading was only a few months away. This must have been viewed as a great act of kindness by the Royal Navy, which hated the West African duty station and the slave trade that made it necessary.
c. The administration never misread Congress. Lincoln and Seward had to know the non enforcement restrictions and the Second Confiscation Act were in the offing.
There may have been excessive brinksmanship involved, but the US administration was going to release Mason and Slidell.
It doesn't seem like a naval topic. But Gordon and the Erie were captured by the US navy. Wilkes was a US navy officer who forgot proper blockade protocol, and it was the plans for full deployment of the ocean going and internal navies that to made Lincoln think of one war at a time.

 

[USS ALASKA]

Collection; Master of Military Art and Science Theses
Title; Adaptation of the vessels of the Western Gunboat Flotilla to the circumstances of riverine warfare during the American Civil War.
Author; Budd, Nicholas F.

Abstract
This study investigates the adaptation and purpose-built construction of the vessels used by the Federal government to conduct riverine warfare on the waters of the American Mississippi River drainage basin. The study concentrates on the technology, geography, hydrography, and convention which shaped the construction of the vessels comprising the Federal Western Gunboat Flotilla; an organization which after October 1862 became the United States Navy Mississippi Squadron. The ability of an organization to adapt its equipment to conditions encountered during wartime is often a contributing factor in ultimate victory or defeat. During the Civil War, the process adopted by the Navy to adapt and furnish vessels for its riverine force was flawed. This study emphasizes these facts and explores the response of the Navy chain of command to lessons learned in combat about the vulnerabilities of the vessels of the Western Gunboat Flotilla. The study is not intended as a treatise on tactics or the organization of the United States Navy. However, it does address both with regard to their effect on the performance and adaptation of the vessels of the Western Gunboat Flotilla.

Series; Command and General Staff College (CGSC) MMAS thesis
Publisher; Fort Leavenworth, KS : US Army Command and General Staff College,
Date, Original; 1997-06-06
Date, Digital; 2007
Call number; ADA 331530
Release statement; Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)
Repository; Combined Arms Research Library
Library; Combined Arms Research Library Digital Library
Date created; 2007-04-20

CONTENTdm

cgsc.contentdm.oclc.org

Cheers,
USS ALASKA

 

[Belfoured]

Collection; Master of Military Art and Science Theses
Title; Adaptation of the vessels of the Western Gunboat Flotilla to the circumstances of riverine warfare during the American Civil War.
Author; Budd, Nicholas F.

Abstract
This study investigates the adaptation and purpose-built construction of the vessels used by the Federal government to conduct riverine warfare on the waters of the American Mississippi River drainage basin. The study concentrates on the technology, geography, hydrography, and convention which shaped the construction of the vessels comprising the Federal Western Gunboat Flotilla; an organization which after October 1862 became the United States Navy Mississippi Squadron. The ability of an organization to adapt its equipment to conditions encountered during wartime is often a contributing factor in ultimate victory or defeat. During the Civil War, the process adopted by the Navy to adapt and furnish vessels for its riverine force was flawed. This study emphasizes these facts and explores the response of the Navy chain of command to lessons learned in combat about the vulnerabilities of the vessels of the Western Gunboat Flotilla. The study is not intended as a treatise on tactics or the organization of the United States Navy. However, it does address both with regard to their effect on the performance and adaptation of the vessels of the Western Gunboat Flotilla.

Series; Command and General Staff College (CGSC) MMAS thesis
Publisher; Fort Leavenworth, KS : US Army Command and General Staff College,
Date, Original; 1997-06-06
Date, Digital; 2007
Call number; ADA 331530
Release statement; Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)
Repository; Combined Arms Research Library
Library; Combined Arms Research Library Digital Library
Date created; 2007-04-20

CONTENTdm

cgsc.contentdm.oclc.org

Cheers,
USS ALASKA

Thanks for posting this. It's a unique "lessons learned/not learned" study regarding the design and construction of these vessels in their specific context.

 

[USS ALASKA]

Collection; Master of Military Art and Science Theses
Title; Leadership of John A. Winslow and Raphael Semmes: a comparative case study.
Author; Prickitt, Jeffrey W.
Branch/Country; United States Navy

Abstract
The Leadership Requirements Model (LRM) provides a framework for evaluating the leadership of two 19th century naval commanders, John A. Winslow and Raphael Semmes, who engaged in battle off Cherbourg, France on 19 June 1864. Their vessels, the USS Kearsarge and the CSS Alabama, which were comparable in size, manning, guns, and speed, traded fire for over an hour. The historical analysis of this battle, as well as the careers of both naval officers, shows that both Winslow and Semmes demonstrated the attributes and competencies of the LRM. Their character, presence, and intellect formed the foundation of their leadership successes. Their warrior ethos and commitment fueled their intensity, while sound judgment guided their actions. Although they had different styles, they both showed presence. Both leaders earned the respect of their sailors and prepared their men for battle. Winslow and Semmes also showed resilience, learned from experiences, and achieved results. While both commanders committed temporary lapses in judgment, overall, their actions exemplify the LRM and provide valuable lessons for today's military leaders.

Series; Command and General Staff College (CGSC) MMAS thesis
Focus Program; Military History
Publisher; Fort Leavenworth, KS : US Army Command and General Staff College,
Date, Original; 2018-06-15
Date, Digital; 2018-06-15
Award winner; Birrer-Brookes Award Winner; BB2018
Release statement; Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)
Repository; Combined Arms Research Library
Library; Combined Arms Research Library Digital Library
Date created; 2019-10-11

Master of Military Art and Science Theses

cgsc.contentdm.oclc.org

Cheers,
USS ALASKA

 

[USS ALASKA]

East Carolina University
Confederate Wooden Gunboat Construction: Logistical Nightmare
Adam C. Edmonds
May, 2011

The Confederate States Navy built wooden gunboats throughout the American Civil War. Within Civil War literature, more research and detailed analysis of Confederate States Navy construction focuses on building of ironclad vessels. Wooden gunboat construction is largely ignored. This thesis examines wooden gunboat construction in two different areas of the Confederacy: northeastern North Carolina in Washington and Elizabeth City, and the Mars Bluff Navy Yard in South Carolina. Before presenting two Confederate wooden gunboat construction case studies, a look at Confederate industrial, manufacturing, and transportation infrastructure, from the national perspective, brings into focus the logistical limitations station commanders faced in northeastern North Carolina and at Mars Bluff more clearly. Scattered, yet interdependent, marine manufacturing and ordnance facilities, connected by a suspect transportation network, created a logistical nightmare. Historical investigation into wooden gunboat construction in Washington, Elizabeth City, and Mars Bluff, examines an overlooked Confederate States Navy building program.

https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/71973684.pdf

Please see above link for full thesis.

Cheers,
USS ALASKA

 

[Belfoured]

East Carolina University
Confederate Wooden Gunboat Construction: Logistical Nightmare
Adam C. Edmonds
May, 2011

The Confederate States Navy built wooden gunboats throughout the American Civil War. Within Civil War literature, more research and detailed analysis of Confederate States Navy construction focuses on building of ironclad vessels. Wooden gunboat construction is largely ignored. This thesis examines wooden gunboat construction in two different areas of the Confederacy: northeastern North Carolina in Washington and Elizabeth City, and the Mars Bluff Navy Yard in South Carolina. Before presenting two Confederate wooden gunboat construction case studies, a look at Confederate industrial, manufacturing, and transportation infrastructure, from the national perspective, brings into focus the logistical limitations station commanders faced in northeastern North Carolina and at Mars Bluff more clearly. Scattered, yet interdependent, marine manufacturing and ordnance facilities, connected by a suspect transportation network, created a logistical nightmare. Historical investigation into wooden gunboat construction in Washington, Elizabeth City, and Mars Bluff, examines an overlooked Confederate States Navy building program.

https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/71973684.pdf

Please see above link for full thesis.

Cheers,
USS ALASKA

You're killing my digital library storage and my supply of thumb drives.

 

[USS ALASKA]

East Carolina University
Confederate naval ordnance
Joseph A. Gutierrez, Jr.
Master's Theses

This study examines the development of Confederate naval ordnance during the Civil War. The ordnance developed by the Confederate Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography was extremely important not only to Confederate naval vessels but also to the defense of the Confederacy's rivers and harbors.

File too large to attach - please go to this link https://thescholarship.ecu.edu/handle/10342/10461 and click on View/Open

Cheers,
USS ALASKA

 

[DaveBrt]

East Carolina University
Confederate naval ordnance
Joseph A. Gutierrez, Jr.
Master's Theses

This study examines the development of Confederate naval ordnance during the Civil War. The ordnance developed by the Confederate Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography was extremely important not only to Confederate naval vessels but also to the defense of the Confederacy's rivers and harbors.

File too large to attach - please go to this link https://thescholarship.ecu.edu/handle/10342/10461 and click on View/Open

Cheers,
USS ALASKA

A very complete look at the subject.

 

[USS ALASKA]

Collections; Maritime Studies / Master's Theses / North Carolina Collection
Publisher; East Carolina University
The Development of Confederate Ship Construction : An Archaeological and Historical Investigation of Confederate Ironclads Neuse and Jackson
Author; Campbell, Peter B.

Abstract
Southern shipbuilding in 1861 was comparable to construction throughout the United States. Confederate ships early in the war show continuity of these traditions, but beginning in 1862, wartime stimuli created a distinct Confederate shipbuilding style. This thesis examines changes in the Confederacy's conceptual approach to construction by tracing pre-war shipbuilding traditions and popular trends in naval architecture. As a consequence of shipbuilders' conservative nature, ships' structural systems and assembly order change gradually, allowing traditions to be traced. A decentralized shipbuilding program led to high levels of variability between Confederate ships, even among vessels of the same class. Local shipbuilders used vernacular methods to expedite construction. Historical and archaeological examination of the CSS Neuse and Jackson, two diamond hull ironclads today housed in museums, identified the progression of Confederate shipbuilding and the non-traditional features in their construction.

https://thescholarship.ecu.edu/handle/10342/2227 - click on View / Open link under the title

Cheers,
USS ALASKA