Manassas' Prow

[DaveBrt]

Charleston Mercury, 4/9/62:

The Wrought Iron Prow
Since the commencement of this war, our attention has been directed to the construction of Steam Battering Rams, and it appears that in the design, the prow was a very prominent feature. In constructing the prow, cast iron was at first considered strong for that peculiar object, but in two instances it has proved the reverse. The Manassas, at New Orleans, was first fitted with one made of the best cast iron; it was neatly fitted to the bow, and firmly secured by means of heavy wrought bolts, but in the naval engagement at the Head of the Passes, the blow she gave the enemy's ship was so violent as to break the cast iron into three parts; one-third was lost overboard, and the remainder was wrenched from its place. Flag Officer G. N. Hollins, C. S. Navy, ordered First Assistant Engineer John H. Loper, C. S. N., then acting Chief Engineer of the Navy Station at New Orleans, to examine into the subject and report to him. The report condemned the cast iron prow, and recommended one of wrought iron, which has since been placed on that vessel. ***

 

[USS Cumberland]

Captain Pope's description of the damage done to the USS Richmond by the ram:

"By the time the alarm could be given, she had struck the ship abreast of the port fore
channels, tearing the schooner from her fasts and forcing a hole through the ships side.
Passing aft, the ram endeavored to effect a breach in the stern, but failed. Three planks in the ships side were stove in about 2 feet below the water line, making a hole about 5 inches in circumference."