CSS Torpedo

	Model of confederate ships, Torpedo is first on the line.
History
Confederate States
Name	Torpedo
Namesake	Spar Torpedo (Torpedo)
Operator	Confederate States Navy
Fate	Burned to prevent capture.
General characteristics
Type	Gunboat
Displacement	150 tons.
Length	70 ft (21 m)
Beam	16 ft (4.9 m)
Depth of hold	66'
Propulsion	Steam engine
Armament	1 gun or 2 x 20-pdr.

|} Torpedo, a screw steamer, was placed under the command of Lt. H. Davidson, CSN, and attached to the squadron of Flag Officer S. Barron, CSN. She served only in the James River as a torpedo boat tender.[1] Early in July 1863 she was stripped of her guns and made a flag-of-truce boat by Alexander H. Stephens, Vice President of the Confederate States, who hoped to bear a written communication from Jefferson Davis to Abraham Lincoln. Stephens' request to carry the message to Washington on the Torpedo was refused.[1] She was cited as being in charge of James River submarine batteries in November 1863.[1]Torpedo's guns were remounted and she participated in the James River operations, including the attempted passage of the obstructions in Trent's Reach, 23-24 January 1865.[1]Torpedo was partially burned and sunk on 3 April 1865 to prevent her capture by the Union forces who entered Richmond. She was raised and sent to Norfolk Navy Yard in May 1865.[1]

References

"Torpedo (screw steamer)". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Naval History and Heritage Command. Retrieved April 26, 2022. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.

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[DANFS-1] "Torpedo (screw steamer)". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Naval History and Heritage Command. Retrieved April 26, 2022. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.