The CSS Mason is, like the CSS Slidell, a vessel that seems to have existed, but left very little evidence. Both appeared to have been converted into gunboats at New Orleans.
The names (James) Mason and (John) Slidell are, of course, linked because of the Trent Affair.
These are not the only similarities.
The CSS Mason has attracted considerably less attention than the Slidell, but the true history of this vessel should still be determined, documented, and shared.
If some of the following sounds familiar, do not be concerned.
There actually was no gunboat named CSS Mason
Mason was only a temporary name for the CSS Pontchartrain during its construction.
The steamboat Lizzie Simmons was purchased by G.N. Hollins for $65,000 from George H. Kirk at New Orleans on November 5, 1861
This vessel was converted into the gunboat CSS Pontchartrain at New Orleans. The work commenced almost immediately,
The name Lizzie Simmons was used exclusively from the November 5th sale of the vessel until December 30, when Lieut Jno. W. Dunnington was assigned to the command of the CSS Mason by G.N. Hollins. His mission was to oversee the completion and outfitting of the vessel, as well as to be its operational commander.
At this point in time the authorities will refer to this vessel by all three names: Lizzie Simmons (from November 5, 1861 to February 11); its temporary name CSS Mason (from December 30 to February 18); and its official and final name CSS Pontchartrain (February 3 to September 10, 1863, when it was destroyed by fire at Little Rock, Arkansas to prevent capture.)
Lieut. Dunnington certified and approved of several vouchers for work done and materials furnished on his vessel under the name CSS Mason between January 18 and February 18.
Attached is the heading of a voucher which demonstrates that the names Mason and Pontchartrain were used simultaneously in referring to this vessel.
There is no credible evidence of the existence of another CSS Mason.
DANFS is not a credible source.
There simply was not a separate vessel named CSS Mason.
The purpose of this post is to establish there the facts about the CSS Mason so there is no need to review the subsequent history of the Pontchartrain.
The names (James) Mason and (John) Slidell are, of course, linked because of the Trent Affair.
These are not the only similarities.
The CSS Mason has attracted considerably less attention than the Slidell, but the true history of this vessel should still be determined, documented, and shared.
If some of the following sounds familiar, do not be concerned.
There actually was no gunboat named CSS Mason
Mason was only a temporary name for the CSS Pontchartrain during its construction.
The steamboat Lizzie Simmons was purchased by G.N. Hollins for $65,000 from George H. Kirk at New Orleans on November 5, 1861
This vessel was converted into the gunboat CSS Pontchartrain at New Orleans. The work commenced almost immediately,
The name Lizzie Simmons was used exclusively from the November 5th sale of the vessel until December 30, when Lieut Jno. W. Dunnington was assigned to the command of the CSS Mason by G.N. Hollins. His mission was to oversee the completion and outfitting of the vessel, as well as to be its operational commander.
At this point in time the authorities will refer to this vessel by all three names: Lizzie Simmons (from November 5, 1861 to February 11); its temporary name CSS Mason (from December 30 to February 18); and its official and final name CSS Pontchartrain (February 3 to September 10, 1863, when it was destroyed by fire at Little Rock, Arkansas to prevent capture.)
Lieut. Dunnington certified and approved of several vouchers for work done and materials furnished on his vessel under the name CSS Mason between January 18 and February 18.
Attached is the heading of a voucher which demonstrates that the names Mason and Pontchartrain were used simultaneously in referring to this vessel.
There is no credible evidence of the existence of another CSS Mason.
DANFS is not a credible source.
There simply was not a separate vessel named CSS Mason.
The purpose of this post is to establish there the facts about the CSS Mason so there is no need to review the subsequent history of the Pontchartrain.
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