It's my understanding the "Yazoo Monster" was in her embryonic stage at Yazoo City.
Seems the Arkansas immediately took priority once that vessel had been raised and towed down to Yazoo.
But to be honest, I don't know enough about this "super ironclad" to really comment.
I can't wait to learn more from our naval experts.
No doubt the CSN may have been planning on constructing another powerful ironclad at this inland yard, but
IMHO, it could not have been the largest.
The Yazoo River is just too small for large vessels.
The United States Navy learned that fact very quickly during the opening stages of the Vicksburg campaign.
Extract from my book "The Southern Iron Navy"
The Yazoo Monster – CSS New Orleans
"The un- named monster" was at the time, the biggest warship ever built inland.
Type: Ironclad side wheel Frigate.
Paddles: two 40ft side-wheels powered by 2 “standard” western river type engines.
Screws: two 8ft, Speed: 9.5 knots calculated, 13 – 16 knots intended.
Dimensions: 310ft OA, x 70ft EX, x 12ft D, 3,720 tons.
Guns: intended 12 -7” Brooke MLR
Armour: 4.5” iron, from Shelby Iron Co. over 24” timber. Casemate slope 35 degrees.
Design: J. L. Porter. Builder: T. Weldon / J. McFarland, Yazoo City Navy Yard, Mississippi.
Laid Down: October 1862 Destroyed to prevent capture 21 May 1863
History:
The hull was “Skiff built”, double ended, causing much confusion over the years, being taken to mean that the vessel had one screw at each end. Balance of weight plus the inherent drawbacks of having one screw and rudder at each end strongly indicate that the screw machinery layout was traditional. The two 8ft screws are a strong indication that the boilers and machinery constructed for CSS Arkansas’ sister ship Tennessee were to be utilised in this vessel. No doubt as constructed it would have been very different as the constructors, guided by Isaac Newton Brown, would have made use of available resource and his experience with CSS Arkansas. Her ordnance may well have been composed of whatever was available. No name was ever assigned but CSS New Orleans has been suggested as being appropriate for morale