[Tallguy]

If indeed the Canandaigua was the instrument of her demise, then she was sunk as a result of enemy action. Not due to a flaw in her design or tactics.

I would not have gone quite that far in assessing the design. After all, the Hunley killed 2 crews before the attack on the Housatanic.

I wasn't aware of many of these facts uncovered since the recovery of the vessel. I can't argue with the conclusions that you've drawn from them.

[75thOVI]

I take your point. The Hunley may stretch the definition of "Sucessful" to the breaking point. My thoughts are that if she wasn't blown up by her own torpedo, or drawn into the Housatonic's wound, as some have proposed, Then her attack was indeed sucessful. A flaming datum is the signal of sucess for any submariner. Of course the evasion and escape part of the plan could have use a bit more work.