Posted on 10/16/2003 6:53:28 PM PDT by Excuse_My_Bellicosity
CHARLESTON, S.C. (NNS) -- When scientists began excavation of the Hunley’s ballast tanks in October, they were doubtful any artifacts would be found, but once again, the H. L. Hunley exceeds expectations.
During the first week of excavation, a 19th century wooden cask was uncovered at the bottom of the submarine near the port side.
“It more than likely was used to hold some type of liquid, it may have been water or liquor, or even used as a chamber pot. It’s too early to tell, as the cask also could have been used as some type of mechanism for the sub,” said Hunley Project Director and Naval Historical Center (NHC) staff member, Dr. Robert Neyland. This could have been a floating mechanism used in the ballast tank to measure the water level of the tank.
The cask is about 10 inches in length and approximately eight inches in diameter, and had metal hoops at either end, very much like a barrel. It was partially filled with orange-colored sediment, not typical of the earlier sediment found inside the sub. Samples of the sediment will be taken to Clemson University, S.C., to be tested to determine what it might have contained 139 years ago.
The excavation is moving smoothly. “I am surprised that we were able to get to the bottom of the sub this quickly,” said Neyland.
Although the focus is in the forward ballast tank at this time, rivets have been removed from a quarter panel in the stern. Senior Conservator Paul Mardikian and his conservation team will be analyzing a newly removed quarter plate and its rivets, in collaboration with Clemson University Professor Michael Drews.
The ongoing corrosion studies will help conservators solve the unique conservation challenge the Hunley represents.
Clemson and Hunley researchers say that they are optimistic that applications of their research may benefit industries that deal with the challenges of metal corrosion, such as the treatment of metal for bridges, ships, oil drilling platforms and the metal infrastructure in some types of chemical plants.
"Just as the Hunley has provided unforeseen artifacts, it has been the impetus for unexpected technological advancements, as well," said Warren Lasch, chairman of Friends of the Hunley. “The collaborative research taking place with Clemson University demonstrates that the benefits of the Hunley project exceed the historical perspective, but will offer innovative technological applications for the future.”
The H. L. Hunley was located in 1995 by the author Clive Cussler's National Underwater Agency . The hand-cranked submarine was raised in 2000 and delivered to the Warren Lasch Conservation Center, located on the former Charleston Navy Yard, where an international team of scientists is at work excavating and conserving the historic vessel and its artifacts.
For related news, visit the Naval Historical Center Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/navhist.
Since moving to the South, I am amazed at the amount history uncovered almost daily!
030307-N-0000X-001 Charleston Navy Yard, S.C. (Mar. 7, 2003) -- Senior Conservator of the Civil War-era Confederate submarine the H.L. Hunley, Paul Mardikian, uses a microscope to examine a pocket watch that belonged to the sub’s commanding officer, Lt. George Dixon. The watch was retrieved from the Hunley and archeologists hope to use it to determine the time the sub sank on February 17, 1864. U.S. Navy photo. (RELEASED)
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