Scientists excavating wallet found on Hunley

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Origional credit to the Washington Post) ^ | The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: 2/17/03 | Editorial Stff

[vannrox]

CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Scientists say a leather wallet found on the Confederate submarine H.L. Hunley may provide details about one of the eight men who died on the vessel during the Civil War.

Work on excavating the 3 inch-by-5 inch wallet began Monday, the 139th anniversary of the hand-cranked submarine's disappearance. The Hunley became the first sub to sink an enemy warship when it rammed the U.S.S. Housatonic in Charleston Harbor on Feb. 17, 1864. While the Union ship was destroyed, the Hunley and its crew were also lost.

Much of the scientific salvage work done so far has shown the technology and workings of the sub. Sen. Glenn McConnell, R-Charleston, who chairs the Hunley Commission, says more focus will be placed on identifying each crewman.

[vannrox]

I excerpted it because of the initial source.

[wasp69]

A Dixie -ping- request, sir.

[Kay Soze]

These must be government scientists.

The governments been excavating my wallet for years!

[Rudder]

Maybe they'll find expired credit cards and a pack of condums.

[Rudder]

I didn't mean any disrespect, btw. I've been following the Hunley's excavation and plan to go to the museum this fall.

Whenever I come across news about the boat, I begin an episode, of 1-2 days' length during which I find myself absorbed into what it would be like to be one of the crew---what a story!