I'm not certain on Laird's, but it appears that Arman of Bordeaux designed the
Stonewall and her sister according to some specifications provided by Bulloch - such-and-such a draft, twin propellers for quicker turning, ram, etc., though I'm sure he didn't do the detailed design himself.
The "Laird Rams" were similar enough to other Laird products of the era that I'd have to think they were substantially if not wholly designed by the builders-- but I'm sure John will chime in on that!
Name: “The Laird Rams”
Type: Ironclad Turret-ship Screw(s): one Speed: 11k , Crew ; 153
Dimensions: 246ft 5ins (OA) x 224ft 6ins (BP) x 42ft 4ins (EX) x 16ft 3ins (D),
2,579 tons
Guns: 6 -70pdr Whitworth MLR in three fixed turrets
Armour: 4.5ins iron belt, 10ins wood backing, turrets 4.5ins iron, 10ins around gun-ports.
Design: Lairds Builder: Lairds, Birkenhead
History:
Drawing by J.W.Wallis showing the original proposal.
The Admiralty had bought Coles turret patent ,and were not prepared to allow outside contractors to use it when these vessels were initially offered to Cdr Bullock.
Note that only three 70pdrs could fire to a side, each one having two ports.
Lairds were the first Company to take up the patent when it was released and the design was altered to incorporate two Coles Turrets, and the ordnance warrant changed to 4 9” Armstrong MLR. 2 -70pdrs were to be retained, mounted under the forecastle and quarterdeck.
CSS North Carolina
Laid Down: 4/1862; Launched: /07/1863; Completed: 10/10/1865
History:
Built to the order of Cdr. James Bulloch CSN, hull no. 294 cover name "El Tousson”. Detained in British waters, and taken over by the RN as "Scorpion" served at Bermuda as harbour defence ship until 1901, sunk as target but raised and sold for scrap.
Foundered en route to Boston USA 17/06/1903.
CSS MISSISSIPPI
Laid Down: 04/1862; Launched: /08/1863; Completed: 10/10/1865
History:
As per North Carolina but hull no. 295, cover name "El Monassir". Taken over by RN and named Wyvern, served as harbour defence ship at Hong Kong 1880 to 1898. Reduced to distilling hulk, and sold for scrap 1922.
True seagoing ship turret ships, their design and armament originated from Secretary Mallory’s proposals as outlined earlier and made them superior to any US monitor, although with lighter protection to the hull
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