Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 30.djvu/179

 The Torpedo Boat Hunley. 171

put it under guard at Battery Marshall, walk back to quarters at Mount Pleasant, and cook breakfast.

TERRIBLE DIFFICULTIES.

During the months of November and December, 1863, through January and the early part of February, 1864, the wind held con- trary, making it difficult, with our limited power, to make much headway. During this time we went out on an average of four nights a week, but on account of the weather, and considering the physical condition of the men to propel the boat back again, often, after going out six or seven miles, we would have to return. This we always found a task, and many times it taxed our utmost exertions to keep from drifting out to sea, daylight often breaking while we were yet in range. This experience, also our desire to know, in case we struck a vessel (circumstances required our keeping below the surface), suggested that while in safe water we make the experi- ment to find out how long it was possible to stay under water with- out coming to the surface for air and not injure the crew.

It was agreed by all hands, to sink and let the boat rest on the bottom, in the Back bay, off Battery Marshall, each man to make equal physical exertion in turning the propeller. It was also agreed that if any one in the boat felt that he must come to the surface for air, and he gave the word "up," we would at once bring the boat to the surface.

It was usual, when practicing in the bay, that the banks would be lined with soldiers. One evening, after alternately diving and rising many times, Dixon and myself and several of the crew compared watches, noted the time and sank for the test. In twenty-five min- utes after I had closed the after manhead and excluded the outer air the candle would not burn. Dixon forward and myself aft, turned on the propeller cranks as hard as we could. In comparing our in- dividual experience afterwards, the experience of one was found to have been the experience of all. Each man had determined that he would not be the first to say " up." Not a word was said, except the occasional, " How is it," between Dixon and myself, until it was as the voice of one man, the word " up " came from all nine. We started the pumps, but I soon realized that my pump was not throw- ing. From experience I guessed the cause of the failure, took off the cap of the pump, lifted the valve, and drew out some seaweed that had choked it.

During the time it took to do this the boat was considerably by