The Battle of the American Ship Water Witch

American ship Water Witch was a steam-powered vessel that served in the United States Navy during the mid-19th century. It was commissioned in 1843 and played a significant role in several military expeditions and surveying missions. The ship was primarily used to explore the waters along the Mexican coast and in the Caribbean Sea. One of its most notable missions was the survey of the Gulf Coast in 1848, during which it helped establish accurate navigational charts and improved understanding of the region's geography and hydrography. The ship also provided support during the Mexican-American War and the Civil War. However, the Water Witch met a tragic fate in 1864 when it was captured by the Confederate Navy while on a mission in the Ossabaw Sound.

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Her modifications there were so extensive that, in spite of the fact that she retained her name, the new creation is regarded as a second, distinct ship. To prevent her recapture, he moved the ship through Hell Gate and up Vernon River to the protection of Beaulieu Battery, whose guns turned back such an attempt on the 5th.

However, the Water Witch met a tragic fate in 1864 when it was captured by the Confederate Navy while on a mission in the Ossabaw Sound. This event marked the end of the ship's service in the U.S.

Capture of the USS "Water Witch"

Capture of the USS "Water Witch". . In May, 1864, the USS "Water Witch" (80 officers and men and 4 guns), Lt. Comdr. Austin Pendergrast, USN, was on patrol duty in Ossabaw Sound. On the 31st, Flag Officer Wm. W. Hunter, CSN, assigned Lt. Thos. P. Pelot, CSN, to command a boat expedition designed to surprise and capture the vessel. This expedition -- 15 officers and 117 men, in 7 boats -- arrived at Beaulieu Battery via Skidaway Narrows late on June 1st, only to find that "Water Witch" was cruising in St. Catherine's Sound. She retuned to Ossabaw Sound next day and anchored for the night in the mouth of the Great Ogeechee River, about 1 1/2 miles SSE of Raccoon Key., About 2 A.M. the 3rd -- a dark and stormy night -- the boat party approached "Water Witch" in two columns, pulling cautiously with muffled oars. When hailed, Lt. Pelot gave the order to board. The boats closed in, and the boarding parties cut through the nettings and swarmed over the rails. After a desperate fight with cutlass and pistol, in which Lt. Pelot -- the first aboard -- was killed, his men cleared the deck and the ship was theirs., Lt. Jos. Price, CSN, assumed command. To prevent her recapture, he moved the ship through Hell Gate and up Vernon River to the protection of Beaulieu Battery, whose guns turned back such an attempt on the 5th. At Beaulieu, Lt. W. W. Carners, CSN, reported on board, assumed command, and moved "Water Witch" up-river to White Bluff to refit her and to receive her new crew.

In May, 1864, the USS "Water Witch" (80 officers and men and 4 guns), Lt. Comdr. Austin Pendergrast, USN, was on patrol duty in Ossabaw Sound. On the 31st, Flag Officer Wm. W. Hunter, CSN, assigned Lt. Thos. P. Pelot, CSN, to command a boat expedition designed to surprise and capture the vessel. This expedition -- 15 officers and 117 men, in 7 boats -- arrived at Beaulieu Battery via Skidaway Narrows late on June 1st, only to find that "Water Witch" was cruising in St. Catherine's Sound. She retuned to Ossabaw Sound next day and anchored for the night in the mouth of the Great Ogeechee River, about 1 1/2 miles SSE of Raccoon Key.

About 2 A.M. the 3rd -- a dark and stormy night -- the boat party approached "Water Witch" in two columns, pulling cautiously with muffled oars. When hailed, Lt. Pelot gave the order to board. The boats closed in, and the boarding parties cut through the nettings and swarmed over the rails. After a desperate fight with cutlass and pistol, in which Lt. Pelot -- the first aboard -- was killed, his men cleared the deck and the ship was theirs.

Lt. Jos. Price, CSN, assumed command. To prevent her recapture, he moved the ship through Hell Gate and up Vernon River to the protection of Beaulieu Battery, whose guns turned back such an attempt on the 5th. At Beaulieu, Lt. W. W. Carners, CSN, reported on Paid Advertisement

board, assumed command, and moved "Water Witch" up-river to White Bluff to refit her and to receive her new crew.

Erected 1957 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 025-51.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1864.

Location. 31° 58′ N, 81° 7.476′ W. Marker is in Savannah, Georgia, in Chatham County. It is in Southside. Marker is on Dancy Avenue, 0.1 miles east of Rockwell Avenue, on the right when traveling east. Located in the Vernonburg area of Savannah. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Savannah GA 31419, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Vernonburg (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Nicholsonboro (approx. 0.9 miles away); White Bluff Meeting House (approx. 1.4 miles away); Pin Point Community (approx. 1.6 miles away); Brick Pillar (approx. 1.7 miles away); Bethesda (approx. 1.9 miles away); Site of Colonial Shipyard (approx. 1.9 miles away); Haven Home Industrial Training School (approx. 2.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Savannah.

1. Water Witch. The third USS Water Witch was a wooden-hulled, sidewheel gunboat in the United States Navy during the American Civil War. (Submitted on March 3, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)

2. The Wreck of the Water Witch Found. After the capture, the Water Witch remained in Ossabaw Sound. When Sherman's army captured Savannah, the ship was burned to prevent re-capture. In October 2007, divers found what they think are the remains of the ship. (Submitted on March 3, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

In June 1864, while anchored in the placid waters south of Savannah, the Water Witch was surprised in the early morning hours by a Confederate raiding party comprising 11 or 12 officers and 115 men from the crews of the Georgia, Savannah, and Sampson. Led by Lieutenant Thomas Postell Pelot and Moses Dallas, an formerly-enslaved person paid a salary for his service as a ship pilot, the Confederates boarded and, after winning a pitched battle on deck, captured the Union ship. The Confederates lost both of their leaders, however, and without a pilot the surviving troops had difficulty navigating the Water Witch to shore.

Navy. Although the American ship Water Witch had a relatively short lifespan, its expeditions and contributions to surveying played an important role in expanding geographical knowledge and enhancing navigational safety in the Americas..

Reviews for "The American Ship Water Witch: From Construction to Destruction"

1. Sarah - 2 stars

I found "American Ship Water Witch" to be a disappointing read. The storyline felt unoriginal and lacked depth. The characters were one-dimensional and I couldn't connect with any of them. The writing style was also clunky and uninspiring. Overall, I was hoping for much more from this book and would not recommend it to others.

2. John - 1 star

"American Ship Water Witch" was a complete letdown for me. The plot was confusing and poorly developed, making it difficult to follow along and stay engaged. The pacing was slow, with no significant action or suspense to keep me interested. The dialogue also felt forced and unrealistic. I struggled to finish this book and would not recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating read.

3. Emma - 2 stars

I was disappointed with "American Ship Water Witch". The characters were underdeveloped, and I struggled to feel any connection or empathy towards them. The plot lacked originality and felt predictable. The writing style was also unremarkable, failing to evoke any emotional response from me. Overall, this book failed to live up to my expectations and I would not recommend it to others.

4. Michael - 2 stars

"American Ship Water Witch" failed to capture my interest. The pacing was slow, and the plot felt disjointed and poorly constructed. The characters lacked depth and their actions often felt arbitrary. Additionally, the dialogue was unconvincing and awkwardly written. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and would not recommend this book to others.

5. Jessica - 3 stars

"American Ship Water Witch" was an average read for me. While it had some interesting moments, the overall execution fell short. The plot was decent, but lacked complexity and depth. The characters were forgettable and their motivations were unclear at times. Although the writing style was engaging in parts, it failed to maintain my interest throughout the entire book. Overall, I found "American Ship Water Witch" to be a mediocre read that didn't leave a lasting impression.

The Crew of the American Ship Water Witch: Heroes or Villains?