Page 59 - Handout

Swedish militaries in the Confederacy and US forces 1860s - early 1870s The Union forces during the Civil War 1861-1865 1862 Telegram manuscript, from US Navy Lieutenant J. Dahlgren... ...at US Naval Yard, Washington D.C, dated 9.40 am, by clerk H.C, Mar. 16, (1861). Sent in official service to Adams Express Co. in Baltimore. Notation “Chg Govt” (=charge Government). Content about sea transports of materials to repair damage to the USS Monitor at Hampton Roads after the battle with CSS Virginia a week earlier. The Swede John A. Dahl- gren, US Navy officer, son of the Sw. Consul, had designed the “Dahlgren gun” in 1850s, which become the standard armament in the US Navy, incl. the Merri- mack-class (one was CSS Virginia) and the new built Monitor. Promoted to Rear- Admiral 1863. USS Monitor, 1 ironclad in st the US Navy, designed by the Swede John Ericsson, commissioned Feb. 25, 1862, only 2 heavy guns but in a revolving turret (= firing in all directions), 52 m. long and 13 m. wide. 4 cents, official tele- gram Washington D.C. - Baltimore. Baltimore Battle of Hampton This was the first The Monitor’s suc- uu Roads, Mar. 8–9, combat of ironclad cess had immediate Washington 1862, was the most warships. Monitor effects on navies D.C uu important naval battle arrived to the battle around the world. Richmond uu of the American Civil Mar. 9, was not Naval powers, Great Hampton Atlantic War, due to the devel- proven in combat, Britain and France, Roads uu Ocean opment of navies. The but changed the halted further con- Confederacy tried to battle from a Union struction of wooden- The telegram route break the Union sea- catastrophe to a hulled ships. USS Monitor's position blockade of Richmond. strategic victory. Mar. 9 - May 11, 1862 Duration: Apr. 12, 1861 - May 26, 1865 Main area: USA Enemy: the Confederacy