One Name... Two (or more) Ships

The US Mail Steamer SS Nashville was seized in Charleston after the capture of Fort Sumter. Now named CSS Nashville, she became the first vessel flying the Confederate flag in the UK and the first Confederate vessel to seize a US merchantman. The vessel was rechristened as a blockade runner under the name SS Thomas L Wragg and later as the privateer, SS Rattlesnake. While sailing under the name SS Rattlesnake she was destroyed in the Ogeechee River, Georgia, in 1863. In 1864 the Confederacy commissioned ironclad CSS Nashville which served in Mobile Bay until the end of the War.
 
Although I would have given the boats names like "Bob" or "Isaac" - or better yet ladies' names. Imagine the fun the officer of the watch could have!

"Boarders drilling in Elizabeth"
"Carpenter's crew spent fore-noon-watch caulking Doris"
"Bad squall at meridian. Sarah upset - lost her boom - spanker."
"carpenter's mates employed plugging shot-holes in Rachael."
"Forenoon engaged in scraping Mary's bottom"
 
I like how after it was captured the CSS General Sterling Price became the USS Sterling Price. I guess why bother changing a name. It was very original of them. It's kind of messed up if you think about it. Our Navy in action.
 
Back
Top