December 20, 1861 (Thursday): An Atrocious Act?

Herman Melville

                                                                        HEADQUARTERS

                                      Coosawhatchie, December 20, 1861.

General R. S. RIPLEY,

Commanding, &c, Charleston, S. C.:

    General: Your telegram announcing the attempt of the enemy to shut the port of Charleston by the obstruction of stone vessels sunk in the channel has just been received.  This effort, prompted by feelings unbecoming a great nation, however abortive, I think plainly indicates that they despair of ever getting possession of the city, whether their attack be made by land or water.  While it should not cause you to relax your efforts to strengthen and complete the works now in programs, it may allow you time and means to expand your operations so as to give protection to the islands and points on the main which invite their predatory excursions.  I beg therefore you will give this matter your earliest attention.

I am, &c.,

R. E. LEE

Official Records, Series I, Vol. 53, Part 1, Page 201.

The blockade of Charleston by Union ships had not been effective, in large part because there were four separate channels leading into the harbor.  The sinking of 16 ships, mainly past their prime whaling vessels, filled with granite was designed to block access.  On December 19 and 20 they were anchored and their masts removed to one of the vessels so as to conceal their location after sinking and hinder salvage operations.  Then pipes were opened and the ships sunk to the bottom.  Lee’s reaction, interestingly, was not out of proportion at the time.  Although the sinkings were hailed in the North, reaction from France and England to the assumed permanent destruction of a harbor was immediate and negative.  The London Times said, “Among the crimes which have disgraced the history of mankind it would be difficult to find one more atrocious than this.”  To the Europeans it was an act of revenge by the North signalling there would be no quick end to the war.  Secretary of State Seward felt it necessary to term the sinkings “all a mistake” and claim no permanent obstruction was intended.  In any event the heavy granite caused the ships to sink into the harbor mud and all the channels into Charleston were soon open again.   In the words of Herman Melville's poem, "The Stone Fleet"

And all for naught. The waters pass--
  Currents will have their way;
Nature is nobody's ally; 'tis well;
  The harbor is bettered--will stay.
      A failure, and complete,
      Was your Old Stone Fleet.