"Sinking of the 'Otsego' and blowing up of the 'Bazeley.'"
Phototype by F. Gutekunst, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, circa the later 19th Century.
This print depicts the U.S. Navy tug Bazely striking a mine while going to the assistance of USS Otsego, near Jamestown, North Carolina, on the Roanoke River, 9 December 1864. Otsego, which had just been sunk by other mines, is in the left center background. USS Wyalusing is in the foreground, providing covering fire as boats drag for mines nearby.
USS Wyalusing, a 974-ton Sassacus class "Double-Ender" side-wheel steam gunboat, was built at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Commissioned in February 1864, she joined the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron and was soon assigned to the North Carolina Sounds. On 5 May 1864, she participated in a battle with the Confederate ironclad CSS Albemarle. Later in that month, five of Wyalusing's sailors attempted to sink Albemarle with a swimmer-delivered mine. Though this attack failed, all five men were awarded the Medal of Honor for their heroic effort.
On 31 October 1864, following Albemarle's destruction, Wyalusing took part in the capture of Plymouth, N.C. She also participated in expeditions up the Roanoke River in December. Remaining in the North Carolina Sounds area until after the end of the Civil War, Wyalusing was decommissioned in June 1865. She was sold in October 1867.
Civil War Along the Carolina Coast
BLACKBEARD !!