Sinking of the U. S. S. Housatonic by the Confederate States submarine torpedo boat H. L. Hunley, off Charleston, S. C., February 17, 1864

Report of Lieutenant-Colonel Dantzler, C. S. Army.

HEADQUARTERS BATTERY MARSHALL,

Sullivan’s Island, February 19, 1864.

            LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report that the torpedo boat stationed at this post went out on the night of the 17th instant (Wednesday) and has not yet returned. The signals agreed upon to be given in case the boat wished a light to be exposed at this post as a guide for its return were observed and answered. An earlier report would have been made of this matter, but the officer of the day for yesterday was under the impression that the boat had returned, and so informed me. As soon as I became apprised of the fact I sent a telegram to Captain Nance, assistant adjutant-general, notifying him of it.

            Very respectfully,

O. M. DANTZLER,

Lieutenant-Colonel.

Lieutenant JOHN A. WILSON,

            Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

[Endorsement.]

FEBRUARY 20, 1864.

            As soon as its fate shall have been ascertained, pay a proper tribute to the gallantry and patriotism of its crew and officers.

G. T. BEAUREGARD,

General, Commanding

Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion; Series I - Volume 15: South Atlantic Blockading Squadron (October 1, 1863 - September 30, 1864), 1902, U.S. Government Printing Office, and
The war of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies; Series 1 - Volume 35 (Part I), 1891, U.S. Government Printing Office
(material appears in both books)

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