BGuthrie Photos: MD -- Baltimore -- USS Constellation

MD -- Baltimore -- USS Constellation:

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Specific picture descriptions: Photos above with "i" icons next to the bracketed sequence numbers (e.g. "[1] ") are described as follows:
1. CONST_041205_056.JPG: Life on Board the Ship The Great Guns Civil War Armament :... extraordinary work at target practice." Main Battery: Constellation's main battery on the Gun Deck consisted of sixteen 8-inch Navy Chambered Shell Guns, which fired exploding shells, and four 32-pound "long guns," which fired solid shot projectiles. Each gun crew of 13, including a powder boy, served a pair of guns -- one on the port side, and its opposite number on the starboard. Each man on a cannon team had a specific duty. The gun captain gave the orders and fired the piece. Two loaders placed powder and shell into the muzzle. Two rammers seated the powder and shot in the chamber, and two spongers swabbed the barrel with a water soaked sponge to extinguish burning embers. The remaining members used the side and train tackles to train the gun left and right, or to run it in or out of firing position. Pivot Guns: Two Parrott Rifled cannon were mounted on pivot carriages on the Spar Deck, permitting them to fire at greater elevations than the gun ports allowed, and with fewer crewmen. One 30-pound (4.2-inch) Parrott rifle was located on the Forecastle, serviced by a crew of nine, including a powder boy, and one 20-pound (3.67-inch) Parrot rifle at the Stern, serviced by a crew of seven, including a powder boy. Boat Howitzers: Constellation had three 12-pound Dahlgren bronze boat howitzers that could be used in the ship's boats to pursue enemy vessels into shallow water, cover the landing of troops, or disembark with seamen and marines for shore operations. On landing, the crew could mount the piece on its field carriage in three minutes or less. And anti-personnel weapon for close combat, howitzers fired exploding shell, shrapnel, or spherical case (after 1859), and canister munitions, but not solid shot. A well-drilled crew could fire seven or eight rounds per minute.
2. CONST_041205_060.JPG: Life on Board the Ship Training the Crew Drill, Drill, and More Drill "Our men were eager for a fight." When Constellation put to sea in March 1862, her crew was not ready for combat. One of the duties of the Captain was to train the ship's company into an efficient crew. The men learned what was required in exercising the great guns, handling small arms and boats, and in using the boat howitzers. They also had to be ready to execute hasty repairs of battle damage, fight fires, and continue to sail the ship. To prevent monotony and improve readiness for action, Captains would vary the training sequences, so no two days' schedules were alike, and drills were called at any time. "General Quarters" was the alarm to main "Battle Stations" and prepare the ship to fight. With the sound of the drum and alarm rattles, boatswains' whistles and the shouted order for "all hands prepare ship for action," men ceased routine activity and sprang from their sleep to perform those duties that their training had made second nature to them. Each man knew his station. Gun crews reported to their guns and prepared them for firing. The Carpenter and his mates prepared plugs and patches to repair shot holes. The Surgeon and his stewards established the aid station on the Orlop Deck. The Gunner supervised the preparation of the powder cartridges in the magazines and preparation of fuses in the shell rooms. The marines formed their ranks on the Quarter Deck.
3. CONST_041205_063.JPG: The Ship as a Machine How the Ship Works VIII-inch Chambered Shell Guns Sixteen naval 8-inch chambered shell guns made up USS Constellation's main armament from 1855 to 1871. Made of cast iron, the "second pattern" model was produced from 1841 to 1843. Weighing 7,000 pounds, the tube had a "nominal length" of 106 inches from muzzle to the breach, and an overall length of 117.5 inches measured from the muzzle face to the end of the cascade. To set the fuse, the gunner estimated the range (distance) to the target, consulted a mathematical table for the proper charge of propellant, gun elevation and shell's time of flight, and cut the fuse's length accordingly. After the fuse burned its length, it ignited a burster in the shell. If the gunner estimated correctly, the shell would detonate on or near the target. Aiming: Range or distance was adjusted by changing the elevation of the barrel using a wooden wedge called a quoin under the breech. Placing a handspike on the step of the carriage to raise the breech, the quoin was shifted forward or back on a sled. The quoin's side was marked to indicate elevation, permitting all broadside guns to be ranged simultaneously at a given elevation. The guns were "trained" or aimed left and right, using tackles and handspikes. 8-inch shell: The 8-inch "shell," or hollow projectile, was filled with explosive. A fuse that was inserted into the hole using a threaded metal plug detonated it. The flames of the cannon's discharge ignited the fuse. The 8-inch shell guns on USS Constellation during the Civil War were mounted on four-truck cartridges.
4. CONST_041205_084.JPG: Messing in the Navy: Pork and Navy Beans Unlike in the Army, the Navy stationed men with the full-time rating of cook on many vessels, and on some ships the men received three hot meals a day. Cooks prepared, cooked, and supervised the meals at the galley served to the crew, but they did not do all the work. They were assisted by "mess cooks" or "cook's helpers" from each mess. Officers "messed" in the wardroom, and the Captain, in his cabin. Officers purchased their own food, which was prepared by the cooks and served by stewards. Each sailor was assigned to a "mess," or team of men who ate together. A typical mess consisted of eight to fourteen men of the same rating or watch. Petty officers and marines "messed" separately while the boys were distributed among the mess teams. Each member of the "mess" took a turn as orderly or mess cook. He unlocked the mess chest, took out the cooking utensils and tableware, and drew the food from the cook or paymaster. Each member of the mess was responsible for keeping his own knife, fork, spoon and mug. After the meal, the dishes were cleaned and returned to the mess chest. Breakfast: The morning meal was usually served at 8:00 AM, and typically consisted of one pint of coffee, and a piece of "salted junk" (hard, salted beef). Lunch: The main meal of the day, lunch usually consisted of a piece of beef or pork, desiccated vegetables or beans, and coffee. The time was determined by the watch schedule. Evening Meal: The various mess teams usually served light meals in the evening, at times determined by the watch schedules. The typical menu while at sea could get monotonous. When in port or on coastal blockade duty, however, there was opportunity for the crew of Constellation to obtain fresh provisions.
5. CONST_041205_143.JPG: Helm and Compass: The "Helm" or Steering Wheel of the ship consisted of a wheel at each end of a drum. Upon the drum were wound five and a half turns of rope, with a staple securing the midpoint to the drum. As the wheel was turned, the lines would move the tiller, which in turned controlled the rudder. Each turn of the wheel corresponded to a change in the angle of the ruddle. The head of the uppermost center spoke was specially shaped to it could be identified easily by feel in the hands of the helmsman. Steering was only entrusted to veteran seamen. Only a few in any ship's company had a "feel" for the job. A ship the size of the Constellation required at least two helmsmen on duty. Compass: Helmsmen steered the ship in specific directions using a magnetic compass. The ship's course was given to the helmsman by the Office of the Watch in "compass points," such as North North East, or West by South. The helmsmen would steer the ship so that the point of the compass card lined up with the "Lubber Line." When this was achieved, the ship was "on course." The compass was placed in a housing called a "binnacle," which also contained an oil lamp for navigating at night. Constellation had two compasses so that a single helmsman could stand on either side of the wheel and always have one in view.
6. CONST_041205_156.JPG: Captain's Stateroom. The captain always needed to be ready for action, even when asleep in his stateroom. Driven by the weight of his responsibilities, the captain tended to spend little time resting in his stateroom. Rather, his waking hours were spent on deck overseeing the operation of the ship or at a desk in the cabin dealing with the ship's business. It was common for Civil War captains to only sleep three or four hours a night, as the needs of the ship required their constant attention. Like most other spaces aboard ship, the stateroom served dual purposes. Though intended as the captain's bedroom, it also doubled as a second office. This economy of space was continued in the design of the bunk. Topped with a feather mattress, the bunk contained storage for the captain's wardrobe, eliminating the need for a chest or dresser. Like the rest of the cabin, the bunk was built to come apart quickly prior to battle. When sharing the cabin with a passenger, the stateroom also acted as the captain's office, with the majority of the ship's business occurring at its desk. For the most part, the work area in the stateroom served as spare space for the captain's use when his secretary was busy toiling away in the office. Likewise, it provided a private area from which he could maintain his correspondence with his family and the Navy Department.
7. CONST_041205_172.JPG: Starboard Washroom: The seat of ease One of the many privileges of being captain was possession of the only private toilets aboard the ship. Unlike the rest of the crew who were required to use the "head," a plank suspended under the bowsprit, the captain had his own "seat of ease." Located in the stern galleries, the "seats" were simple, built-in benches with pipes opening to the sea below. Doors to the gallery provided a further degree of privacy. Like the portside gallery, this one was lined with lead allowing it to also serve as a bathtub. A door from the stateroom provided the captain with direct access to the washroom and gallery without entering the day cabin. During these times when the captain was sharing the cabin, the stateroom occupant was entitled to use this washroom and gallery.
8. CONST_041205_184.JPG: Port Washroom Bathing at Sea Combined with the stern galleries, the cabin's washrooms fulfilled the duties of a modern bathroom. The washroom itself provided the captain and his guests with a place to clean and refresh themselves. The space also served as a dressing area for the cabin's occupants. When the office was acting as a second stateroom, its occupant would have been assigned this washroom and gallery for their use. Projecting from the side of the ship, the stern gallery served several vital functions. Among these were that of the captain's bathtub. While the remainder of the crew had to restore to such trying methods as showering with deck hoses, the captain bathed in relative comfort and privacy. The gallery was lined with lead sheets and sealed to prevent water from escaping. To prepare a bath, the captain's steward would simply insert a plug at the bottom and fill it with water. When the captain had completed bathing, the plug was released and the water drained into the sea.
9. CONST_041205_187.JPG: Captain's Office: The administrative heart of the vessel, the office provided the captain and his secretary with a place to address the many needs of the ship. As rigorous as commanding a sailing man-of-war was, the paperwork required by the Navy Department was nearly as daunting. The captain was required to submit frequent reports to his squadron commander, the departmental bureau chiefs, as well as directly to the Secretary of the Navy, all while efficiently managing the affairs of his vessel. To aid in navigating through the sea of forms and reports, regulations permitted the captain to appoint a secretary. Equivalent to the rank of master, the secretary was responsible for aiding the captain with his correspondence and maintaining records of the ship's business. A central, though mundane, task assigned to him was that of copying. In this period, before carbon paper and typewriters, multiple copies of documents had to be written out by hand. On occasion, the captain and secretary were prior acquaintances, or even family. Such was the case on Constellation, when Capt. Henry S. Stellwagen brought his son, Thomas, abroad to serve as his secretary in 1863. During those times when the captain shared the cabin with a passenger or superior officer, the office served as a second stateroom. To create the proper accommodations, the desk would have been removed to allow for either a cot or a hammock. In these circumstances, the secretary worked at either the day cabin table or at the desk in the captain's stateroom.
10. CONST_041205_195.JPG: "Unremitting attention to his duties" -- the Captain Aboard Ship Upon taking command, a captain was to acquaint himself with every aspect of his new vessel. As the commanding officer, he needed to be aware of how the ship was constructed, its sailing characteristics in all types of weather, as well as its strengths and weaknesses in battle. Likewise, it was necessary for him to become familiar with the abilities of his officers and men. The sum of this knowledge was of great importance as the captain was solely responsible for the welfare of his ship and crew. While the captain was able to delegate some of his work to his executive officer (second-in-command), such as writing the watch lists and organizing drill schedules, he alone made the decisions that affected the actions of the ship. Only he was empowered to set the ship's course, determine responses toward unknown vessels, and order the decks cleared for action. Failure to make the correct choices in these situations could lead to disciplinary action, with consequences ranging from censure to dismissal from the service. The captain was also required to maintain discipline aboard his vessel. This was one of the most important tasks given the commanding officer, and also one of the most difficult. The approach taken to administering discipline greatly affected both the morale and efficiency of the crew. It was necessary for the captain to be fair, but stern, in order to maximize the effectiveness of his men. Directed by the captain, the executive officer enforced regulations and took note of rule breakers. While major offenses required the convening of a court marshal, the commanding officer was permitted to impose limited punishment for minor infractions. Possible penalties could include reducing a sailor in rank, placing him in irons, assigning him extra duties, or restricting him to the ship during liberty. As the commanding officer, the captain lived a life of relative solitude. Quartered in the suite of rooms that composed the captain's cabin, his position and responsibilities separated him socially from the other officers on board. While they messed together in the wardroom, the captain was always on duty, whether walking the deck or at a desk, as the ship's safety and readiness ultimately rested with him. During the Civil War, two men commanded USS Constellation, Commodore Henry K. Thatcher and Captain Henry S. Stellwagen. Both were veteran captains who fully appreciated the responsibilities and "unremitting attention to his duty" required to command a vessel of the U.S. Navy. The Day Cabin: The principle room of the captain's cabin, the day cabin served a variety of functions. It provided the captain with a sizable space in which to conduct the ship's business and meet with official callers. Likewise, it permitted the captain to hold large conferences with his officers to discuss upcoming plans and to review navigational charts. An important role fulfilled by the day cabin was that of a dining room. Protocol called for the captain to entertain frequently in foreign ports, and it was customary for local dignitaries to be invited aboard for a meal. Such dinner parties were command aboard Constellation during the Civil War when the ship was patrolling the Mediterranean. The captain also would have regularly invited selected officers to dine with him. This was an effective method for gauging and unfamiliar officer's abilities, as well as helping to break up the drudgery of dining alone. The day cabin, with its settee lounges and ample light, gave the captain a place to relax during those infrequent times when his services were not required. Similarly, it provided a space in which to pursue any favored pastimes or activities. Capt. Henry Stellwagen, an avid watercolorist, used this area when sketching and painting.
11. CONST_041205_210.JPG: The Captain's Cabin: An example of respect and obedience: The grandest accommodations aboard Constellation, the captain's cabin serviced as the commanding officer's home while at sea. Within its six rooms, the captain was provided with space to dine, entertain, rest, and relax. Also included in the cabin was space for seeing to the administration of the vessel. Prior to battle, the cabin's furnishings and partitions would have been struck below into the hold. This action helped to prevent injury from flying debris during battle. During the Civil War, the cabin was occupied by two men, Commodore Henry K. Thatcher (1862-1863) and Capt. Henry S. Stellwagen (1863-1865).
12. CONST_041205_219.JPG: Saving the Ship The Restoration Victim of Time and Elements "Some Things Are Worth Fighting For"
13. CONST_041205_223.JPG: Saving the Ship The Restoration Move to Dry Dock, 1996 "Some Things Are Worth Fighting For"
14. CONST_041205_231.JPG: Saving the Ship The Restoration The Process Begins "Some Things Are Worth Fighting For"
15. CONST_041205_235.JPG: Saving the Ship The Restoration Restoring the Hull "Some Things Are Worth Fighting For"
16. CONST_041205_238.JPG: The Ship as a Machine How the Ship Works: Capstan: The capstan was a machine used for tasks requiring great physical effort, like raising the anchor, lifting boats and spars, and raising sail. The captains on the Spar Deck and Gun Deck turn on the same axle. Bars were inserted into the slots on the capstan's head. A detail of sailors would push on the bars as they moved around the capstan. As the capstan turned, a rope called the "messenger" made several "turns" around the capstan drum, then ran to the object to be moved in a continuous loop. When raising the anchor, for example, the messenger ran from the capstan forward to the bows of the ship, and back around the capstan. While some men turned the capstan, others formed a relay to fasten the anchor chain to the messenger with short lengths of line called "nippers." They followed the chain aft, and quickly detached it as the chain went below through the chain pipe to the cable tier. The men then returned to the bows to repeat the process until the anchor chain was completely stowed.
17. CONST_041205_247.JPG: Saving the Ship The Restoration Masting and Rigging "Some Things Are Worth Fighting For"
18. CONST_041205_252.JPG: Saving the Ship The Restoration Launch Day, 1998 "Some Things Are Worth Fighting For"
19. CONST_041205_259.JPG: Saving the Ship The Restoration Calking the Ship "Some Things Are Worth Fighting For"
20. CONST_041205_264.JPG: Saving the Ship The Restoration The Blacksmith "Some Things Are Worth Fighting For"
21. CONST_041205_275.JPG: Saving the Ship The Restoration Restoring the Details "Some Things Are Worth Fighting For"
22. CONST_041205_289.JPG: Life on Board the Ship Thoughts of Home Navy Families "... a nice long letter from home..." Unlike the soldier in the field, the sailor or marine at sea was isolated, and cut off from news at home for months at a time. When not relaxing or engaging in horseplay or some other activity, almost every many thought about home and those he left behind. Many spent their free time writing, reading, and re-reading letters. It was not uncommon for men to receive word from home that a child had been born or a beloved relative or friend had died many months before. The Navy attempted to get mail to and from the men when supply vessels brought provisions to their ships, and through the American Consulates or at naval stations in foreign ports. Officers, sailors and marines carried photographs of their families and loved ones while on cruises.
23. CONST_041205_290.JPG: Life on Board the Ship US Navy in the Civil War Union Sailors 1861-1865 "Nor must Uncle Sam's web feet be forgotten" In 1861, the U.S. Navy grew from about 90 vessels and about 9,000 men to over 260 vessels and 22,000 men. By the end of the war, Constellation was one of over 670 ships in commission, and more than 118,000 men had served in the Union Navy. The Navy's missions ranged from blockading the 3,500-mile coast of the Confederacy, capturing Southern harbors and battling for control of western rivers, to protecting Union merchant shipping from Confederate raiders and privateers on the high seas. To meet the need for manpower, the U.S. Navy accepted men of all colors and backgrounds. Young men wishing to join the Navy had to have consent of their parents or guardian if under the age of 18 (or 21 in the Confederacy). The "average" Civil War sailor was 25 years of age. The usual term of enlistment was three years, or one cruise, and a sailor could expect to be at sea most of the time. Most of the Navy's recruits came from harbor towns. They included both native and foreign-born individuals, and represented a variety of social backgrounds and skills.
24. CONST_041205_292.JPG: "...For the relief of the wounded." Naval Medicine in the Civil War: Here in the murky darkness of the berth deck was USS Constellation's sickbay. The ship's hospital, sickbay was overseen by Surgeon John S. Messersmith, and was the focal point for all of the medical activities that occurred on board. It was here that the sick and injured were treated and given time to recover before returning to duty. Each morning, if members of the crew were feeling ill, they had the option to report for sick call. The sailors would proceed to the sickbay where they would be examined by the surgeon who would determine their fitness to stand their watches that day. If they were judged well enough to work, they were sent back up on deck. If not, they would be diagnosed by the surgeon and treated. Those who were severely ill would be kept here in the sickbay, and placed in one of the several hanging cots. Here they could be observed by the surgeons and medicated as required. Common illnesses aboard Constellation included coughs, colds, rheumatism, and other seminar ailments that stem from exposure to a harsh, sea-going environment. Due to its assignment to the Mediterranean, Constellation was able to avoid many of the diseases, such as yellow fever and malaria, which plagued much of the Union Navy during the war. The surgeons also routinely saw a variety of injuries that were incurred through the daily operation of the ship. Cuts, bruises, and minor broken bones frequently occurred, and usually were easily treated.
25. CONST_041205_312.JPG: Medicines of the Civil War Navy: During the first half of the 19th century, the U.S. Navy purchased its medicines from a variety of privately-owned pharmaceutical companies. The products from these suppliers often proved to be unreliable, and in some cases harmful. In 1853, the navy founded its own pharmaceutical laboratory on the grounds of the Brooklyn Naval Hospital. This facility produced medicines for the service, and ensured that only quality drugs were issued to the fleet and naval hospitals. Surgeons used a variety of drugs to treat patients, some more effective than others. Morphine and opium were commonly prescribed for pain, while fevers could be treated with quinine and arsenic. As the practice of purging the body remained a favorite method for treating some fevers and venereal diseases, the surgeon would give blue mass, calomel, jalap, or sulfate of magnesia to induce bowel movement. For those with diarrhea, the doctor would prescribe morphine, antimony, or Dover's powder. In situations where surgery was required, chloroform and either were available as anesthetics. Due to its ease of use and less volatile nature, most surgeons preferred chloroform when operating. While many of the medicines used were effective, some did have negative side effects. Several, such as calomel and blue mass, had mercury as their primary ingredient. Overuse of these drugs could lead to mercury poisoning which could be fatal. Others, such as opium-derived drugs (laudanum, Dover's powder) and morphine could be become highly addictive if over prescribed. Naval Medicine in 1860: The years of the Civil War represent a period of transition for the medical profession. For centuries prior to this time, doctors believed that disease was caused by spontaneous generation and spread by "bad" airs and fluids. To combat illness they practiced "heroic" medicine, which relied on bleeding and purging to clear the body of disease. In the mid-19th century, naval surgeons began slowly moving away from the heroic tradition, and embraced a more drug-based regimen. Specific illnesses were generally treated with medicines intended to cure the patient, rather than purge them of "bad" fluids. In the 1860's, noted scientists, such as Louis Pasteur and Joseph Lister, began to explore the causes of illness and laid the groundwork for the modern germ theory of infectious disease. Their findings emphasized hygiene and cleanliness when treating patients, as well as maintaining a sterile environment. Unfortunately for sailors and soldiers in the Civil War, Pasteur and Lister's findings were virtually unknown in the United States. Though naval surgeons were not aware of Pasteur and Lister's experiments, they unknowingly practiced many of the antiseptic procedures recommended by the two scientists. Cleaners and deodorants that were frequently used in sickbays and hospitals, such as chlorine, iodine, and carbolic acid, served as sterilizing agents which greatly reduced the number of diseases and post-operative infections by killing microorganisms. The Naval Hospital System: One of the key factors that contributed to the qualify of medicine in the U.S. Navy during the Civil War was the existence of a system of naval hospitals. Established in 1811, as the Naval Hospital Fund, it was financed by the monthly deduction of twenty cents from the pay of every officer and enlisted man. The first naval hospital opened in 1830, at Portsmouth VA, and by the end of the Civil War, the Navy was operating eight main hospitals. Besides giving medical care to the ranks, these hospitals provided surgeons with a stable environment to gain valuable experience that could be used at sea, as well as a venue to conduct medical research. During the Civil War, the facilities provided a place for critically ill or wounded sailors to recover. Unlike in the army's overcrowded hospitals, seamen were treated by skilled physicians and were able to enjoy a pleasant environment while they healed.
26. CONST_041205_313.JPG: The Surgeon at Sea: Unlike Army surgeons of the time who were often selected through political patronage, naval surgeons and assistant surgeons were required to undergo rigorous testing by an examining board before receiving their appointments. Comprised of three surgeons, these boards were also responsible for all promotions within the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery. This process ensured that only competent physicians were permitted to join the fleet. As a result, medical care was generally better than that found ashore. Aboard ship, the surgeons was responsible for the management of the medical department and the overall health of the men. Prior to the start of a cruise, the surgeon would inspect each member of the crew to determine their fitness for service, with those who were ill or infirm being sent ashore. The surgeon also had the power to appoint attendants and nurses to assist in caring for the sick and wounded, with the number of each varying based upon the size of the ship. After departing port, the surgeon would care for the suck and keep a daily record of the treatment provided. When in port, the surgeon was required to inspect all provisions and water for cleanliness and quality before they were brought on board. This preventative measure helped to reduce most intestinal disorders, and greatly improved the overall health of the crew. Prior to battle, the surgeon supervised the preparation of a place to receive and treat the wounded. In most vessels, this area was located deep in the ship, below the waterline, where the surgeon could work in relative safety. Aboard USS Constellation, this was below on the ship's orlop decks. When combat commenced, the surgeon provided immediate medicate assistance to the wounded as they were brought below. In the aftermath, he would see to their long term care and was required to prepare a full casualty report for the captain. The assistant surgeon, besides following the orders and instructions of the surgeon, possessed specific duties of his own. In addition to seeing to the comfort and cleanliness of the sick, he was required to supervise the weighing, measurement, and distribution of medicine. Likewise, if the surgeon was absent or incapacitated, the assistant surgeon was to fulfill all of the duties of his superior. Due to a shortage of trained naval doctors during the Civil War, it was common to find those with the rank of assistant surgeon filling the role of the surgeon aboard smaller vessels.
27. CONST_041205_330.JPG: "The Sanded Deck is Red and Slippery with Blood..." Treating Wounds at Sea During battle, the surgeon and his assistants would tend to the wounded as they were brought below. Unlike operating ashore, naval surgeons were forced to contend with working in a poorly lit, encampment [???], as well as with the rolling of the ship and the roar of the guns above. When the fighting ended, the wounded would be brought up from below and allowed to recover in the relative comfort of the sickbay. those who were severely injured would be transferred to a naval hospital or hospital ship for further treatment. Common Types of Wounds: Secondary Missiles: During the Civil War, the majority of battle wounds suffered by sailors were the result of being struck by "secondary missiles," rather than bullets. The most common type of these was the wooded splinters that would shower a ship's deck when it was struck by a shell. Other types of missiles could include nails, bolts, and shell fragments -- anything that could be sent flying by the impact of shot and shell upon the ship. If the wound was minor, the surgeon could remove the missile and bandage the area. In some cases, a surgeon might bathe the wound with alcohol before bandaging. In most cases, if a sailor was hit in the arm or leg, with projectile would break a bone. If the break was clean, the surgeon would care for the wound and set the bone. In cases where the bone was shattered or the limb was mangled from the missile, an amputation would be required. The surgeon would administer chloroform or ether as an anesthetic and would quickly remove the damaged limb. At this time, wounds to the head and abdomen were considered inoperable. Those with severe head trauma were frequently medicated to make their last few hours tolerable. Abdominal wounds would be probed and cleaned, and if possible, the missile removed. Surgeons of the period, however, lacked the ability to repair the damage that was inflicted, and were reduced to caring for the patient and hoping that the wound would heal itself. Shot & Shell: While not the most frequent type of injury, wounds from shot and shell were always a hazard in battle. If a sailor was hit by a bullet, the surgeon would treat it much as he would a missile wound. Sailors who were struck by shells or cannonballs almost always suffered major traumatic injury. Those who survived frequently lost a limb, and time was of the essence in treating them. Sailors who had an arm or leg shot off would be brought below where the surgeon would immediately focus on trying to stop the bleeding. The area would next be cleaned and any debris removed. Once the edges of the wound were made regular, the surgeon could proceed as if he was finishing an amputation. Burns: The introduction of steam power to the navy brought with it a dramatic increase in the number of sailors who were wounded by burns. If a steamer's boiler was hit, the engineering crew would frequently be scalded by the escaping steam and heated water. In these cases, blankets would be placed on the deck and barrels of flour dumped out upon them. The scalded sailors would be forced down and wrapped in the flour covered sheets, sealing the burns from the open air. Severe scalds and burns were considered untreatable and victims usually died within a few hours. Minor burns were cooled and treated with ointments, such as aloe, before being bandaged.
28. CONST_041205_335.JPG: Disease in the Union Navy: During the Civil War, as in all conflicts during the 19th century, more American servicemen died of disease than of wounds suffered in battle. Between 1861-1865, the U.S. Navy lost 1,800 men in action, while approximately 2,550 died from a variety of illnesses. Despite this greater loss of life from disease, sailors tended to fair much better than their comrades in the United States Army. One out of every twelve who enlisted in the army would die from disease, while the navy lost only one out of every fifty. The reason for this lower rate of disease is that the U.S. Navy entered the Civil War well prepared to deal with the medical demands of a life at sea. In the decades preceding the war, the navy actively sought to eliminate many of the traditional diseases, such as scurvy, that had tormented sailors for centuries. The introduction of steam power, and with it the ability to distill fresh water while at sea, aided in eradicating many intestinal disorders, such as dysentery and diarrhea, which were the greatest cause of death in the army. This, combined with well-trained doctors, reliable medicines from its own pharmaceutical laboratory, and a traditional emphasis on shipboard cleanliness and hygiene gave the navy a distinct advantage over their comrades of short. The navy realized that it could only be effective if its sailors were healthy enough to work and fight their ships. Despite these efforts, several diseases, such as yellow fever, malaria, typhus, and typhoid fever plagued Union sailors throughout the war. Yellow Fever: Though not known at the time, this acute and infectious disease is spread through the bite of the mosquito. The deadliest disease to hit the U.S. Navy during the Civil War, yellow fever appears in two stages: the first involves the patient experiencing a fever as high as 105 degrees, with chills, followed by a brief remission. In the second stage, patients experience a high fever with vomiting, sometimes with blood. If untreated, death usually occurs several days later as a result of exhaustion and uremia. Aboard ship, naval surgeons would commonly treat yellow fever by isolating the patient, allowing them to rest, and trying to cool the fever. In some cases, a mixture of quinine and spirits would be administered. If a yellow fever outbreak on board a ship became epidemic, the surgeon, believing that "bad" air from coastal marshes caused the disease, often would request that the ship be removed out to open sea to slow the fever's spread, and allow those already infected to recover.
29. CONST_041205_336.JPG: Disease in the Union Navy: Malaria: Also known as Intermittent fever in the 19th century, malaria was a common occurrence aboard ships operating off the coast of the Confederacy. While doctors at the time believed that it was caused from breathing foul air, it is actually spread by the mosquito. Symptoms commonly include a cycle of high fevers and chills, as well as sweating, progressive anemia, and sometimes death. To combat malaria, surgeons used quinine, which was a staple of their medicine chest by the Civil War. Made from the bark of the cinchona tree, quinine was often distributed as a preventative medicine if the surgeon felt the risk of malaria was high. Typhus: An infectious disease that commonly occurs in crowded living conditions, typhus is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia prowazeki. The disease is spread through the bites of rat fleas and lice, and will cause the sufferer to have a cough, chest pain, and headache. This is often followed by a sudden high fever and chills. Surgeons could effectively eliminate typhus outbreaks by insisting that the crew bathe frequently and that their uniforms be laundered regularly. Typhoid Fever: Transmitted by the bacterium Salmonella typhi, typhoid fever is commonly caused by the consumption of contaminated food or contact with someone who is already infected. Symptoms usually include high fever, chills, cough, vomiting, prostration, and diarrhea. Though eighty percent of typhoid victims eventually recover, about twenty percent will develop and internal hemorrhage or pneumonia, and may die as a result. The only treatment available to the surgeon was to isolate the victim, give them ample fluids, and allow them to rest. Due to the way the disease is spread, it was imperative that the surgeon insist that the crew use good hygiene when handling food and using the head.
30. CONST_041205_348.JPG: The Enlisted Men: Landsmen: Landsman was the rank of the naval recruit. They put up with constant harassment from their more seasoned comrades, and performed the dirtiest and most menial tasks. They scraped and scrubbed the decks and polished the guns. Landsmen also worked aloft on masts and yards, furled set sails, helped weigh and stow the anchors, and manned the guns. In 1863, Constellation's crew included 69 Landsmen. Ordinary Seamen: After at least three years' experience, a Landsman, of Boy if at least age 15, could be promoted to Ordinary Seaman. The duties of an "O.S." included those that required some skill and knowledge, like handling and splicing lines, and working on the masts and yards. There were 82 Ordinary Seamen on Constellation's Muster Roll in 1863. Seamen: Promotion to Seaman meant the sailor had at least six years' experience, and demonstrated that he "knew the ropes." When fully rigged, the average ship had at least four miles of rope, and the "A.B.", or Able Bodied Seaman, knew them all by name and use, as well as every shipboard task instinctively. The 1863 Muster Roll lists the names of 57 Seamen. Petty Officers: The most reliable and experienced sailors were appointed Petty Officers. They occupied positions of intermediate authority that paralleled sergeants and corporals in the Army, and "ran" the ship. They were relied on for their advice on safety and maintenance. Some Petty Officers were appointed based on their previously acquired skills or training to perform special duties, or "staff" assignments, like Yeoman Safford and Purser's Steward Cox. There were 59 Petty Officers on board Constellation in 1863.
31. CONST_041205_349.JPG: Life on Board the Ship US Navy in the Civil War Powder Monkeys "Boys Who Did a Man-sized Job" Boys or Apprentices: Young men between the ages of 13 and 18 (or 14 and 18 in the South) could join the Navy as Boys or Apprentices. Although they required parental consent, some Boys were as young as 11, and every port had many orphans and runaways eager to volunteer. By regulation, Boys could make up no more than 5% of the ship's crew, and Constellation's Muster Roll for March 1862 lists 17 Boys. They learned seamanship on the job. They also acted as messengers, cook's helpers, sick bay attendants, and officer's servants. The ship's Boys carried the powder cartridges to the guns. This hazardous activity earned them the nickname "powder monkeys." The duty required someone who was fast, and able to quickly get in and out of tight areas, a job perfectly suited to teenage boys. At 7:30am every morning, the Boys assembled for inspection by the master-at-arms. They were expected to have clean faces and hands, hair combed, with their uniforms clean and tidy. Following inspection, they climbed to the top of the masthead, and back down the other side; an exercise done to keep the boys agile for their duties. Arthur Phelps (Ship's No. 229) A typical Powder Monkey was fifteen year-old Arthur Phelps from Old Cambridge, Massachusetts. Enlisting on November 5, 1861 in Boston as a 2nd Class Boy, he reported on board Constellation from the Receiving Ship Ohio in March 1862, and served throughout the Civil War.
32. CONST_041205_350.JPG: Life on Board the Ship The Berth Deck The Crew's Quarters "... like a baker's oven." When a sailor arrived on board Constellation, he signed the ship's muster book, and received his Ship's Number that corresponded to the various duty assignments listed on the station, quarter, and fire bills, both at sea and in port. He was also assigned to a "watch", or shift, that determined when he was to work, eat, sleep, and go on "liberty" ashore. The sailor was issued a hammock and berthing assignment. The hammock used by Union sailors was 72 inches long and 30 inches wide, and was suspended from the overhead by a rope that passed through twelve grommets on each end. The Berth Deck served for sleeping, eating and recreation. On a wooden ship, it was subject to constant dampness. When combined with high summer temperatures and the body heat of 300 men, conditions could get uncomfortable. Portholes were frequently closed at night while at sea. In summer, a "windsail" was installed above to hatch to funnel breezes below and increase ventilation. Members of the crew tried to remain on the Spar Deck, or Gun Deck, as long as possible before retiring.
33. CONST_041205_351.JPG: Life on Board the Ship African American Soldiers Black Tars in the Civil War "We are coming, Father Abraham..." Before the Civil War, the U.S. Navy tried to restrict the number of black men in the ranks to one-twentieth of the crew. At the war's start, the African Americans who enlisted were free men living in northern port cities. The need for manpower led Navy Secretary Gideon Welles to suggest to the Atlantic Blockading Squadron commander that he open stations ashore for the recruiting of "contrabands," as blacks who fled slavery were called. African Americans accounted for as much as 20% of the Navy's lower rank strength by the end of the war. Unlike in the Army, the Navy accepted blacks as regular members before the Emancipation Proclamation, and paid them the same as their white shipmates from the start. During the Civil War, the number of blacks in the Constellation's crew usually numbered between eleven and fifteen. Following the war, when Constellation was a receiving ship, black representation in the crew rose to be around 30.
34. CONST_041205_353.JPG: Life on Board the Ship The Ships Routine Plan of the Day "I have been quite busy all day..." The workday on Constellation began at 5:00 AM when the marine bugler blew "Reveille." The men got up and lashed their hammocks and bedding into tight bundles, and carried them to the Spar Deck where they stored them in the hammock rails. This arrangement provided additional protection from small arms fire and flying splinters in battle. A well-trained crew was able to rise, lash hammocks, and place them in the rails in seven minutes. The crew got out sand, brooks, holystones, and buckets to wash down the decks. The brass fittings and other bright metals were polished. The metal tracks on which the pivot guns were turned were burnished. The guns were cleaned. The rigging, halyards, and blocks were checked, and repaired as needed. The sailors then washed and shaved with salt water before breakfast. Following breakfast came the "call to quarters." Guns were inspected to see if they were secured and ready for an emergency. The rest of the day was spent i drill, and sailing and maintaining the ship. Around 8:00 PM, "Tattoo" was sounded by the boatswain's pipe. The hammocks were removed from the rails in preparation for sleep, followed by lights out.
35. CONST_041205_354.JPG: Life on Board the Ship US Marines in the Civil War Constellation's Marine Guard: All naval bases and large ships had marine detachments. Constellation's Muster Roll showed 45 members in the Marine Guard from 1862-1865; one Lieutenant, one Orderly Sergeant, one Sergeant, three Corporals, thirty-six Privates and three Musicians. The marines were drilled in manning all the guns. When the ship's company were called to quarters, some marines could be distributed among the gun divisions, or comprise an entire gun crew. More often, the marines were formed into a division under their lieutenant on the Spar Deck. From there, the captain could order them into the rigging as sharpshooters, or to support boarding parties, and repel enemy boarders, or to conduct operations ashore. Marines provided an offensive arm for the Federal fleet in protecting its power ashore. Although they served in few large land battles, they helped to enforce the Union blockade by conducting countless raids and other landings along the Confederate coast. In larger shore operations, the marine detachments of several ships were combined into battalions. When not preparing for or engaging in battle, the Marine Guard provided the officers with a force capable of stopping fights that resulted from the personality clashes that surely arose among large numbers of men confined in a small area, and guarded the Brig.
36. CONST_041205_374.JPG: Life on Board the Ship: The Ship's Wardroom: Officer's Country: "I was dining in the wardroom." The ship's officers bunked, messed, and took their leisure in the Wardroom. The large rooms were the commissioned officers' quarters. The room directly aft was the pantry. The Lieutenants were the "Line" officers responsible for sailing and fighting the ship. They commanded the various divisions of the crew. The senior, of "First Lieutenant," was the ship's second in command. When the Navy created the grade of Lieutenant Commander in 1862, it became the rank for Constellation's Executive Officer. The "Civil" or "Staff" officers were in charge of the ship's specialized departments. The Master was responsible for navigation, the Surgeon managed the medical department, and the Paymaster accounted for the crew's payroll, and purchased supplies and equipment. The Lieutenant of Marines commanded the Marine Guard. The Captain's Secretary was the administrative officer. Quartered forward of the Wardroom were the Midshipmen, undergraduates of the Naval Academy, who served as junior officers while waiting to take their examinations for Lieutenant. In 1862, the Navy created the rank of Ensign for those who had passed the examination, but had not yet been promoted. Forward of the Midshipmen's berth were the Warrant Officer's rooms. The Boatswain, Gunner, Carpenter, and Sail Maker were the technical experts responsible for sailing, fighting, and maintaining the ship.
37. CONST_041205_405.JPG: Life on Board the Ship The Orlop Deck: Ship's Stores and Supplies: "Enough provisions and stores for six months." Below the Berth Deck is the Orlop. Used for storage, the after Orlop is lined with storerooms for Constellation's various departments. The forward Orlop is lines with lockers and additional storage rooms. Between the two sections of Orlop Deck was the "Hold," where bulk supplies, cordage, chain, and tanks of fresh water and oil were stored. The ship's Yeoman, working under the direct supervision of the Executive Officer, stored, issued, and accounted for supplies used by the various departments of the ship. The Paymaster purchased stores that were not delivered by naval supply ship or taken on board at naval bases from vendors in port. Supplies were lowered into the hold through the main hatch. Gunpowder was stored in magazines deep within the ship, and exploding projectiles in shell rooms below deck. To prevent explosion, lamps in lead-lined glass-faced containers provided light in these compartments. Solid shot was kept in the hold. The cartridges and shells were prepared under the supervision of the Gunner. During battle, target practice, or drill, parties of seamen passed cartridges in leather buckets called "passing boxes," to the guns through scuttles in the decks. Heavy shot and shell were holstered by block and tackle.
38. CONST_041205_420.JPG: "... Curses Not So Loud; But Deep..." The Aft Orlop Deck and Spirit Room: One of the primary storage areas aboard the USS Constellation, the after orlop deck possessed a multitude of compartments for goods of various sizes and uses. Included here were spaces for private stores belonging to the captain, wardroom officers, master, and marines. Also on this deck were two sail rooms for stowing sails not in use, as well as spares and those needing repair. At the forward most part of the deck was the ship's armory, where the vessel's supply of small arms was stored. USS Constellation's paymaster was assigned to compartments on this deck, one of the starboard size and another on the stern. He also had use of a storeroom at the after end of the hold. In these spaces were kept the paymaster's stores, sometimes known as "slops," which included items such as fabric, clothing, knives, tobacco, and soap, as well as supplemental rations like sugar, coffee, and spices. Once a month, the paymaster made these available for sale to the crew, deducting purchases from their pay. Orders for goods would be collected from each mess group, and the requested material drawn from the storerooms. Sailors received their purchases at the paymaster's issuing room on the berth deck, where they would sign the receipt book to complete the transaction. Directly under the forward part of the after orlop deck was USS Constellation's spirit room. Here, under constant guard, was stored the supply of alcohol used for the crew's grog rations. Twice a day, the crew would line up and receive one gill (four ounces) of either rum or whiskey mixed with water. Should neither be available, a quart of beer was an acceptable replacement. Considered by many of the crew to be the highpoints of the day, the grog rations were usually eagerly anticipated. Though a long-standing naval tradition, the US Congress had attempted several times to abolish the grog ration in the years before the Civil War. With the secession of the Southern states, Congress was finally able to pass a law eliminating alcohol from the U.S. Navy. Taking effect on September 1, 1862, sailors were to receive an additional five cents a day in pay rather than their grog. The elimination of the grog ration was met with great dismay in the ranks and created a deep resentment of Congress among sailors.
39. CONST_041205_450.JPG: "I Am to Take Charge of the Hold..." The Ship's Hold: The primary storage area aboard the USS Constellation, the hold contained a wide variety of stores and equipment used to support the crew and operate the vessel. Lining the bottom of the hold were forty-one iron tankers, which contained 25,700 gallons of drinking water for the crew. This was supplemented by an additional 5,880 gallons in wooden casks stored along the sides of the hold. The location of the tanks at the bottom of the hold helped to increase the ship's stability by serving as additional ballast. Foodstuffs for the crew, such as pork, beef, butter, and beans were stored in casks stacked in tiers about the water tanks. Also kept in the hold were the chains and cables used for raising the ship's anchors. As a chain was brought on board, it was fed into lockers forward of the main mast, while cables were stowed in tiers at the after end of the hold. Bins at the forward part of the hold contained the vessel's supplies of other necessary commodities such as coal, sand, lime, and tar. On either side of the main mast were large lockers for storing shot for the ship's guns. For a ship to sail safely and maximize its sailing qualities, it was critical that the weight in the hold be distributed properly. Oversight for this belonged with the ship's master whose responsibility it was to see that goods and supplies were stowed appropriately to give the vessel the correct trim. As provisions and water were consumed, cargo would sometimes be shifted to compensate. Often this necessitated emptying and restowing the hold in port. Though despised by the crew, this action permitted the hold to be cleaned and its contents inspected for damage while also allowing for adjustments of the ship's trim.
40. CONST_041205_460.JPG: "... Take Every Precaution..." The Forward Magazine: Situated under the forward orlop deck, at one of the lowest points in the ship, the forward magazine contained the gunpowder used to discharge USS Constellation's guns. As the slightest fire could detonate the powder and destroy the ship, great efforts were taken to deter sparks of any kind. The magazine itself was lined with copper or lead to prevent sparks from being produced by iron in shoes, belts, or tools. Crewmembers working in the magazine were required to wear a "magazine dress," a long shirt of worsted material with no metal buttons, as well as soft-soled slippers. Light in the magazine was provided by a pair of lead-lined, encased lamps. These were lit and tended through two latches on the orlop deck, negating the need to have an open flame in the magazine. Also, the magazine possessed a seacock to allow the space to be flooded in case of fire. The gunpowder itself was stored in cylinders which were kept in large copper tanks within the magazine. These tanks were sealed with lids and rubber washers to prevent moisture from damaging the powder, as well as for additional fire protection. The lid of each tank was painted to signify the range of the charges kept within; white for "distant" firing, blue for "ordinary" firing, and red for "near" firing. Responsibility for the magazine belonged to the ship's gunner. A warrant officer, the gunner oversaw the maintenance and operation of the ship's primary armament. In battle, he was stationed in the forward magazine and supervised the distribution of charges to the guns. One of the gunner's mates fulfilled a similar role in the after magazine, located under the after orlop deck. Charges were sent up from the magazine through passing ports in the decks, and were delivered to the guns by ship's boys known as "powder monkeys."
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Wikipedia Description: USS Constellation (1854)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

USS Constellation constructed in 1854 is a sloop-of-war, or corvette, and the second United States Navy ship to carry this famous name. According to the US Naval Registry, the original frigate was disassembeled down to the keel on 25 June 1853, in Gosport Navy Yard in Norfolk, Virginia, and she was rebuilt as a faster, heavy sloop-of-war.

Service History:

19th Century:

The sloop was launched 26 August 1854, and commissioned 28 July 1855, with Captain Charles H. Bell in command.

From 1855 to 1858, Constellation performed largely diplomatic duties as part of the US Mediterranean Squadron. She was flagship of the US African Squadron from 1859 to 1861. In this period, she disrupted the African slave trade by interdicting three slave ships and releasing the imprisoned slaves. The last of these was captured at the outbreak of the American Civil War: Constellation overpowered the slaver brig Triton in African coastal waters. Constellation spent much of the war as a deterrent to Confederate cruisers and commerce raiders in the Mediterranean Sea.

After the Civil War, Constellation saw various duties such as carrying famine relief stores to Ireland and exhibits to the Paris, France Exposition Universelle (1878). She also spent a number of years as a receiving ship (floating naval barracks).

20th Century:

After being used as a practice ship for Naval Academy midshipmen, Constellation became a training ship in 1894 for the Naval Training Center in Newport, Rhode Island, where she helped train more than 60,000 recruits during World War I.

Decommissioned in 1933, Constellation was recommissioned as a national symbol in 1940 by President Franklin Roosevelt. She spent much of the Second World War as relief (i.e. reserve) flagship for the US Altlantic Fleet, but spent the first 6 months of 1942 as the flagship for Admiral Ernest J. King and Vice Admiral Royal E. Ingersoll.

Restoration:

C ...More...
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2004 photos: Equipment this year: I bought two Fujifilm S7000 digital cameras. While they produced excellent images, I found all of the retractable-lens Fuji models had a disturbing tendency to get dust inside the lens. Dark blurs would show up on the images and the camera had to be sent back to the shop in order to get it fixed. I returned one of the cameras when the blurs showed up in the first month. I found myself buying extended warranties on cameras. Trips this year: (1) Margot and I went off to Scotland for a few days, my first time overseas. (2) I went to Hawaii on business (such a deal!) and extended it, spending a week in Hawaii and another in California. (3) I went to Tennessee to man a booth and extended it to go to my third Fan Fair country music festival. Number of photos taken this year: 110,000.
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