The torpedo trial in Charleston harbor — further particulars.
The fact of an attempt to blow up the Yankee frigate
Ironsides in
Charleston harbor Monday night, has been published by telegraph.
The Charleston
Courier gives the following account of this daring excursion:
‘
The torpedo steamer
David, with a crew of four volunteers, consisting of
Lieut. Wm. T. Glassell,
J. H. Toombs,
Chief Engineer; and
James Sullivan, Fireman of the gunboat
Chicora, with
J. W. Cannon,
Assistant Pilot of the gunboat
Palmetto State, left
South Atlantic wharf between 6 and 7 o'clock on Monday evening, for the purpose of running out to the
Ironsides, exploding a torpedo under that vessel near amidships, and if possible to blow her up. The weather being dark and hazy favored the enterprise.
The boat, with its gallant little crew, proceeded down the harbor, skirting along the shoals on the inside of the channel until nearly abreast of their formidable antagonist, the New Ironsides.
’
They remained in this position for a short time, circling around on the large shoal near the anchorage of the object of their visit.
Lt. Glassell, with a double-barreled gun, sat in front of
Pilot Cannon, who had charge of the helm.
Chief Engineer Toombs was at the engine, with the brave and undaunted
Sullivan, the volunteer fireman, when something like the following conversation ensued:
Lt. Glassell--"It is now 9 o'clock. Shall we strike her?"
Pilot Cannon--"That is what we came for. I am ready."
Engineer Toombs--"Let us go at her, then, and do our best."
Sullivan (fireman)--"I am with you all, and waiting.
Go ahead."
The boat was now put bow on, and aimed directly for the
Ironsides.
As the little steamer darted forward the lookout on the
Ironsides hailed them, with "Take care there, you will run into us. What steamer is that?"
Lieut. Glassell replied by discharging one barrel at the
Yankee sentinel, and, tendering the gun to
Pilot Cannon, told him there was another Yankee, pointing to one with his body half over the bulwarks, and asked Cannon to take care of him with the other barrel.
The next moment they had struck the
Ironsides, and exploded the torpedo about fifteen feet from the keel, on the starboard side.
An immense volume of water was thrown up, covering our little boat, and, going through the smoke stack, entered the furnace, and completely extinguished the fire.
In addition to this, pieces of the ballast had fallen in the works of the engine, rendering it unmanageable at that time.
Volley after volley of musketry from the crew of the
Ironsides and from the launches began to pour in upon them.
Lieut. Glassell gave the order to back, but it was found impossible.
In this condition, with no shelter and no hope of escape, they thought it best to surrender and hailed the enemy to that effect.
The
Yankees, however, paid no attention to the call, but barbarously continued the fire.
It was then proposed to put on their life preservers, jump overboard, and endeavor to swim to the shore.
All but
Pilot Cannon consented.
The latter, being unable to swim, said he would stay and take his chances in the boat.
Lieut. Glassell,
Engineer Toombs, and
Sullivan, the fireman, left the boat — the two first having on life preservers, and the latter supporting himself on one of the hatches thrown to him by the pilot.
Engineer Toombs becoming embarrassed with his clothing in the water got back to the boat and was assisted in by Cannon.
The boat was then rapidly drifting from the
Ironsides.
He now fortunately found a match, and lighting a torch crept back to the engine, discovered and removed the cause of its not working, and soon got it in order.--They then commenced to run the gauntlet of the monitors and launches.
The latter seemed inspired with a seeming dread of something supernatural, and opened a path right and left for the little steamer.
The Ironsides fired two eleven-inch shot at the party as they sped away, but fired completely over them.
The crews of the monitors, which the steamer was obliged to pass on her return, were also out and commenced a heavy fire of musketry upon her as she was passing.
The launches made way evidently from a wholesome regard for her explosive character.
Engineer Toombs and Cannon reached their wharf in the city about midnight, fatigued, and presenting a worn-out appearance, but rejoicing at their fortunate and narrow escape.
The
David bears the honor able marks of thirteen bullet holes.
With regard to the damage of the
Iron sides, nothing positive is known.
At the moment of striking there was great consternation on board.
It was reported that the crew in gangs were hard at work at the pumps all day yesterday.
Small boats were seen continually passing between the
Ironsides and the monitors.
At nightfall, however, she remained at her old anchorage.
