This Week in American History | Rick Britton

In this segment Les Sinclair speaks with historian Rick Britton about This Week in American History: During the Civil War, the extremely important Battle of Mobile Bay, Alabama, took place on August 5, 1864. (I picked it because of the local connection.) It featured a Union fleet commanded by Rear Admiral David Farragut, and a contingent of soldiers, attacking a smaller Confederate fleet led by Admiral Franklin Buchanan and three forts that guarded the entrance to Mobile Bay. During the dramatic naval action, Farragut boldly ran his flotilla through a floating enemy minefield—mines back then were called “torpedoes”—even after the mines had claimed one of his ironclads. This seemingly rash move got Farragut’s ships past the Confederate forts so he could engage the smaller enemy fleet that included the powerful ironclad CSS Tennessee. The Tennessee put up a fight, but when it surrendered the naval battle was over. Within days the three Confederate forts also surrendered.

The Battle of Mobile Bay is important for several reasons: Mobile had been the last major port on the Gulf of Mexico east of the Mississippi River remaining in Confederate possession. Its closure was the final step in completing the Union naval blockade. This Union victory, together with the capture of Atlanta, was a significant boost for Abraham Lincoln’s bid for re-election three months later. And, it spawned what’s arguably the Civil War’s most famous naval quote.

And that leads us to the local connection: In preparation for the naval fighting, Farragut had his wooden frigates tied together in pairs. His flagship, the USS Hartford, was lashed to the USS Metacomet. In popular accounts of the battle, when the USS Brooklyn slowed down because torpedoes—naval mines—were in her path, Farragut allegedly ordered “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!” The full quote—assuming the incident actually took place—is “Damn the torpedoes. Four bells, Captain Drayton” (the captain of the Brooklyn). Then Farragut shouted to the commander of Metacomet, lashed alongside, “Go ahead, Jouett, full speed.” Rear Admiral James Edward Jouett, known as “Fighting Jim Jouett of the American Navy,” fought in the Mexican–American War and the Civil War. He was the son of Matthew Harris Jouett, a notable painter, and grandson of our own Revolutionary War hero, Jack Jouett.

Also: In honor of U.Va.’s 200th anniversary The Center is presenting a new class entitled “Mr. Jefferson’s Academical Village.” (It starts Tuesday, October 15, and runs for 5 more Tuesdays, 4 to 5 p.m.) Perfect for history buffs and transplants alike, this six-session class covers the University’s early days. Topics include “The Founding of the University” – “The Architecture of the Original Grounds” – “Slavery at the University” – “Edgar Allan Poe at U.Va.” – “U.Va. Archaeological Digs!,” and “The Marquis de Lafayette’s Visit.” And there’ll be a FREE U.Va. tour! To sign up, call The Center Travel Office at (434) 974-6538 or go to www.thecentercville.org and press first “Travel,” then “Lectures.”