DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF: Full Details of the Attempted Escape and Final Destruction of the Rebel Iron-clad Webb (5/3/1865)

New York Times - Times Machine ^ | 5/3/1865

[Homer_J_Simpson]

The steamer Guiding Star arrived here, from New-Orleans the 25th and Havana the 28th, last evening.

The destruction of the rebel ram Webb is fully confirmed. She passed New-Orleans under the heavy fire of our war vessels, the Lackawanna sending a 250 pound shot through her bows. Only one vessel, the Hollyhock, Lieut.-Commander GHERARDI, was ready to follow, which kept close upon the track of the Webb until 28 miles below the city, when the rebel saw the sloop-of-war Richmond ready for action, and turned for the shore, the Hollyhock going straight at her. The Webb's officers and crew fired her in different places, and fled into the swamps. Boats from the Hollyhock boarded her, and saved one man who had been abandoned, and was asleep. They were unable to put out the flames from the inflammable nature of the cargo and from fear of an explosion of her magazine. The Webb was armed with three guns, one a 32-pounder, and was commanded by Lieut. C.W. REED, formerly of the United States navy, and commander of the pirate Tacony, which inflicted much damage on our commerce a year or so since. There were 217 bales of cotton aboard, besides resin and turpentine. It seems the pilot of the Richmond knew the Webb. Two of the crew had given themselves up.

ANOTHER ACCOUNT.

U.S. STEAMER FLORIDA. NEAR NEW ORLEANS, April 24, 1865.

To the Editor of the New-Orleans Times:

I have the honor to report complete destruction of the rebel ram Webb, which took place twenty four miles below the city. She was set on fire by her crew and men on shore at McCall's Flats, at half-past two o'clock. She burned till half-past four, when she blew up. I was on board the Richmond,

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TOPICS: History
KEYWORDS: civilwar

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Free Republic University, Department of History presents U.S. History, 1861-1865: Seminar and Discussion Forum
The American Civil War, as seen through news reports of the time and later historical accounts

First session: November 21, 2015. Last date to add: May 25, 2025.
Reading: Self-assigned. Recommendations made and welcomed.

Posting history, in reverse order

https://www.freerepublic.com/tag/by:homerjsimpson/index?tab=articles

To add this class to or drop it from your schedule notify Admissions and Records (Attn: Homer_J_Simpson) by reply or freepmail.

Link to previous New York Times thread

https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4314611/posts

[Homer_J_Simpson]

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

Department of the Gulf: Full Details of the Attempted Escape and Final Destruction of the Rebel Iron-clad Webb – 2
The Reported Surrender of Kirby Smith: Negotiations in Progress at the Mouth of Red River – 2-3
The Late Rebel Navy: Another Surrender – 3
The Sultana Disaster: Statement by Hon. John Covode – 3
Movements of Gen. Grant: He is to Take Possession of His Splendid Home in Philadelphia To-day – 3
The Condition of Secretary Seward and His Son – 3
The President’s Obsequies: From Chicago to Mr. Lincoln’s Home – 3
News from Washington – 3-4
Editorial: The Present Spirit of the South – Its Auspicious Aspect – 4-5
Editorial: The Breaking Up of Our Army – 5
The Reduction of the National Forces – 5
Now and Then – 5
Shooting Folly as It Flies – 5
An Appeal to England – 5
American Securities in Germany – 5
Amusements this Evening – 5

[silent majority rising]

I would love to see the Time Machine for 1938. It seems that history is repeating itself in Europe.

[Homer_J_Simpson]

“I would love to see the Time Machine for 1938. It seems that history is repeating itself in Europe.”

I wasn’t a NYT subscriber in 2008 when I started my WWII series. I did it the old fashioned way and printed out articles from microfilm at the library. They are a little awkward to access but, thanks to CougarGA7 there are links on my profile up through 1943.

1938 => https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2156712/posts

Profile => https://freerepublic.com/~homerjsimpson/

[BroJoeK]

"An Appeal to England – 5"

This is a very funny piece, sounds like something we might say today regarding a certain Rosie Hollywood actress now thankfully residing in Ireland!

😂

[SkyDancer]

Nice to travel back in time to read the newspaper those people read - the adverts are cool too.