Posted 14 years ago
covers
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CSA Navy Commander James D. Bulloch bought the newly completed steamer Laurel in England on 4 October 1864 for the CSA Navy as part of a package deal with the Sea King. She departed Leeds on the 9th, under the command of Lt. John F. Ramsey, CSN carrying a larger than ordinary crew, and armaments, as well as the cover at left (from
Greenwood & Batley, Machinists, Leeds dated 6 October 1864).
The Laurel rendezvoused at Funchal, Madeira, with Sea King, about to be commissioned CSS Shenandoah. The Laurel supplied the new CSA cruiser with her commander, Lt. James I. Waddell, most of her crew as well as her armaments. After the transfer was complete, the Laurel departed for Tenerife and Nassau. After receiving updated orders at Nassau, Lt. Ramsey ran the blockade into Charleston arriving on 2 December.
Lt. Ramsey then reported to the Secretary of the Navy Mallory that he felt that the Laurel was inadequate for the intended Naval service.
Transferred to Treasury Department her register was changed and she was consigned to Fraser, Trenholm & Co. and renamed Confederate States.
Posted by Richard Frajola
