The Da)'book Volume 6 Issue 3 Spring 2000

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The Navy's Yankee The Daybook Volume 6 Issue 3 Spring 2000 In This Issue ...

f• r New Exhibit on the Battle of the Atlantic Now Open, Page 3 . - - .,._~,,.: . , -~ Museum Acquires 19th Century Shipfitter Tools, page 4

The Navy's Virginia Yankee, page 6

Features

L o r a I History. Wo rId E v en t s. The Director's Column- Building History ...... 2 About The Daybook HRNM Staff

The Daybook is an authorized publication of the Director Book Reviews ...... Naval Museum (HRNM). Its contents Becky Poulliot 10 do not necessarily reflect the official view of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Navy Curator Crossed Currents-Navy Women in a or the U.S. Marine Corps and do not imply endorsement Joe Judge Century of Change by Jean Ebbert & thereof. Book reviews are solely the opinion of the Education Specialist Marie-Beth Hall. Reviewed by Helene reviewer. Bob Matteson The HRNM is operated and funded by Commander Tisdale. Navy Region Mid-Atlantic. The museum is dedicated to Exhibits Specialist the study of 225 years of naval history in the Hampton Marta Nelson Roads region. The museum is open daily from I 0 a.m. to Museum Tech./Librarian Call Sign Revlon by Sally Spear. 5 p.m. Admission is free. The Daybook's purpose is to Ofelia Elba educate and inform readers on historical topics and museum Reviewed by Sarah Petrides related events. It is written by the staff and volunteers of Architectural Historian the museum. Michael Taylor Questions or comments can be directed to the Hampton Editor of The Daybook Roads Naval Museum editor. The Daybook can be reached Gordon Calhoun The Museum Sage ...... 12 at (757) 322-2993, by fax at (757) 445-1867, e-mai l at Special Events [email protected], or write The Daybook, The Movie U-571: Hampton Roads Naval Museum, One Waterside Drive, Helene Tisdale Suite 248, Norfolk, VA 23510-1607. The museum Director, HRNHF Implications for Historians can be found on the World Wide Web at Maj. Gen. Dennis Murphy, or Just a Money Maker? http://www.hmm.navy.mil The Daybook is published quarterly with a circulation USMC (Ret.) of I ,200. Contact the editor for a free subscription. Cover Photograph: Of all ofthe stories of broken families, one of the most interesting ones is that of the . While several Lees chose to serve Virginia, U.S. Naval officer Samuel Phillips Lee was a strong supporter of the Union. As an "acting" rear admiral, Lee oversaw the operations of the Hampton Roads-based North Atlantic Blockading Squadron and the Squadron for most of the two squadrons Rear Adm. Christopher W. Cole existence. On several occasions, S.P. Lee's ships directly Commander Navy Region Mid-Atlantic opposed hi s cousin Robert E. Lee's army and ultimately caused its downfall.

1 The Daybook Spring 2000 Building History The Director's Column by Becky Poulliot

ppy Spring! We have a lot of Most people are familiar hings going on at the museum this with historic buildings H eason. First of all, I'm pleased to from the Jamestown introduce the new officers of the Hampton Exposition. But, did you Roads Naval Historical Foundation. Our know that the Navy new president is Samuel B. Segar, Jr., our oversees hundreds of new vice-president is Hon. Vincent J. historic structures located Thomas, and our new secretary-treasurer from Yorktown to Oceana is Cmdr. John M. Barry, USN (Ret.). We ? also have new board members: Maryellen The Navy is committed Baldwin, Benjamin G. Cottrell, Hon. to following the National James H. Flippen, Jr., Carter B.S. Furr, Historic Preservation Act. Edwin C. Kellam, Jr., Rear Adm. P.W. Compliance includes documentation and interested in helping, call Michael directly Parcells, USN (Ret.), and Gordon B. public education regarding these structures. at 445-8574. Tayloe, Jr. Welcome all! Michael is our action officer on this In other news, we have finished the first One of the projects the foundation has project. Right now, he is assembling a focus new permanent exhibit since our relocation supported has been the reproduction of the group to consult with the Virginia Historical to downtown Norfolk in 1994. "The Battle submersible H.L. Hunely. This full-scale Preservation Office in order to study the of the Atlantic" exhibit uses the latest in reproduction is run by the Friends of the best methods of sharing our resources. interactive technology to give the visitor a Hunely and arrived here at the beginning Prospective projects could include true experience about the events in the of May. The museum and websites, CD-ROMs, and hands-on and Atlantic and in Hampton Roads during through the generosity of the foundation computer-based travelling exhibits. We are World War II. See page three for a glimpse and Leon & Mary Chevallay were able to targeting audiences as diverse as area at this exciting exhibit, then come to the bring this important traveling to display to civilians, Naval Station personnel, and local museum to experience it for yourself. Norfolk. schoolchildren, in an effort to share both Our newest staff member, Michael the architectural importance of the Hampton Taylor, is the mastermind behind the Roads area and the role that cultural museum's collaboration on a new project resource management plays in safeguarding about naval architecture in this region. our country's historic properties. If you are

100 Years Of Silence • An Exhibit Commemorating the Submarine Force Now on display on the 2nd outside the museum. See a small sample of the past, present, and the future of the U.S. Navy's Submarine Force. Visit http:/ I www.sublant.navy.mil for information on the Submarine Force Centennial Celebration • ~~NAVAi*MuSEUM Local History. Wo rId Even t s.

2 The Daybook Spring 2000 Museum Opens New the Battle of the Atlantic

he Museum is pleased to announce that its new B a t t 1 e of the Atlantic exhibit is now open. This new permanent exhibit replaces the aging map display that had served the museum for many years. The exhibit itself is broken up into three main sections and uses a combination of interactive and traditional displays. The interactive displays are two touch screen computers that allow the visitor to learn about facts like life in the area during the war and the role that marine camouflage played. Visitors will also see newsreel footage of the 1939 scuttling of the German pocket battleship GrafSpee and the 1945 The first section ofthe museum 's new Battle surrender of U-858 m of the Atlantic focuses on the early stages of the conflict. Included in this section are Portsmouth, New Hampshire. German artifacts, news footage of the Using this combination of •-• scuttling ofthe pocket battleship Graf Spee, traditional and modem displays, and an introduction to the theater of war. the exhibit shows how Hampton (Photo by Mike Taylor) Roads played a leading role in this cru~ampaign. Call 322- 2984 for more information on the exhibit.

Section two of the new exhibit (shown at left) focuses on the crucial period of1942 and 1943. Included in this section is an interactive display that allows the visitor to learn about one ofthree lives in Hampton Roads. The visitor can choose between an African­ American teenager who delivers the Journal and Guide, a nurse who works at the Portsmouth Naval Hospital, or a shipyard worker turned escort sailor. (Photo by Mike Taylor)

Section three ofthe new exhibit (shown at right) focuses on the last years of the campaign. Included in this part is a battle flag flown on the Norfolk­ based destroyer USS Ellyson (DD-454), news footage ofthe surrender ofU- 858 to American authorities in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and an interactive display that presents information about the campaign. (Photo by Mike Taylor)

3 The Daybook Spring 2000 Museum Acquires Tum-of-the-Century / / \ \ Shipyard To -,...~ \

he museum is excited to a~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Tthat it has acquired the to<.?.!Fo NorfolkFrnncisHu~ Naval Shipyard a~ip-fitt~e~rj~~ in the 1 ~~~~~ill$~~~ij~§~~~~~~!~~~~~~~~~i~~ 1890's. Through the generosity of descendents, the museum has ,. over 40 rare, late 19th century \AJnnrl\AJu"J~·k-~i~·-'h- -~' -...,.------~---.....,_ ~----""'1 sheet metal, and leather working tools used in the construction of such famous ships as the battleship USS and the cruiser USS Raleigh (C-8). According to his supervisor, Hart-was­ "sober, intelligent, and faithful in his duties." One local history commented that he was "unexcelled in his line of work" and his skills were much sought after. He was born and educated in Ireland and learned his ship construction trade in Scotland. He immigrated to the in 1883 and Francis Hart in his later years. He was began working for the Norfolk Naval born in Ireland and educated in Scotland. Shipyard in 1885. As a ship-fitter, his job He immigrated to the United States in 1883. was to construct parts of the ship and to He later moved to and lived in the Berkeley verify that ship construction was done section of Norfolk in 1885. Shortly after moving here, he began working at the correctly according to the architect's plans. . (Photo provided by We hope to have this extraordinary his descendents) collection ready for public viewing soon. ~

This is Hart 's pair ofdividers which would be used in layout work. They could have been used in both steel and wood work projects. (Photo by Mike Taylor)

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Hart 's hand drill and bits. Most ofthe tools in the collection are in good, working order and could still be used to build items. Hart's pocket watch (Photo by Mike Taylor) (Photo by Mike Taylor)

4 The Daybook Spring 2000

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Even though we call the late 19th, early ce/'ltwy th "Age of Steel," architects called for lavish amounts ofw6 d to be used in the warships. This was especially true in officers' spaces such as this one on board the cruiser USS Newark (C- 1). A skilled constructoF-like I-Iart would be needed to build such spac (Naval Institute photo)

.... ~ .... - • .."""v- .. -·-... -,..,-. This is a center hole punch tool. Made of brass and steel, this r tool allows a constructor to form perfectly centered smaller holes inside bored out larger holes. (Photo by Mike Taylor)

No good tool set would be complete without some kind of monkey wrench to turn the several thousand rivets and bolts on the new steel ships. Being that Hart was from the British Isles, he might have called this tool an "adjustable spanner. " (Photo by Mike Taylor)

Parts ofa ship had to be indentified and this letter stamp kit was just the thing for it. A complete set would include all letters of the alphabet and zero through nine in numbers. Each letter would then be hammered in. (Photo by Mike Taylot)

5 The Daybook Spring 2000 The Navy's Virginia Yankee Robert E. Lee's Cousin Takes Command of theNorth Atlantic Blockading Squadron by Sarah Petrides s the nation divided during the Civil midshipmen's positions War, so did families. The were usually given to Aprominent Lee family of Virginia candidates between the ages distinguished itself in both the Union and of fifteen and eighteen with Confederacy. Samuel Phillips Lee, the both political connections cousin of General Robert E. Lee, was less and prior experience. Lee of a recognized personality than his adored himself thought his relative. Nevertheless, "Phil" as intimates appointment was the result called him, served honorably in the U.S. of President John Quincy Navy during the conflict. His most Adams' admiration for prominent role was that of Acting Rear , Francis Admiral in charge of the North Atlantic Lee's brother and a signer of Blockade based out of Hampton Roads. the Declaration of This Unionist Lee was born during an Independence. Although he age of American Naval resurgence-the received his appointment in year 1812. His father, Francis Lightfoot 1825, Phillips Lee did not step aboard a ship Though not as charismatic as some of the other Lee, was the nephew of Robert E. Lee's until two years later. The Navy ordered him Union flag officers, Samuel Phillips Lee was among great-grandfather- however, the cousins the more efficient and effective commanders in the to the sloop USS Hornet only after he flooded U. S. Navy during the American Civil War. (HRNM were less than six years apart in age; the the Secretary's office with letters begging to photo) general was the eldest. Unlike Robert E. be deployed. Phillips Lee was determined to Lee's roguish father, "Light-Horse" Harry work in the Navy, whether he was expected several years. Lee's first twelve years in Lee, Francis Lee was known in his family to or not. the Navy were marked with achievement. as being "calmness and philosophy itself." Samuel Phillips Lee's determination to His thirteenth year of service, however, This quiet, reluctantly political man married fulfill his obligations and see that others would remain a permanent painful Phillips Lee' s mother, Jane Fitzgerald, fulfilled theirs did not mute itself during his memory to the proud officer. In 1838, several years after the death ofhis first wife. first years of sea duty. His diary draws a the Vincennes, and Lee, were chosen to When Jane Fitzgerald Lee died during portrait of a studious, duty-conscious young join the Wilkes Expedition, which was Phillips' fourth year, his father was man determined to distinguish himself- but an ambitious scientific project launched destroyed. The loss of two well-beloved he would not sacrifice his personal honor in by the U.S . Navy. The point of the trip wives in less than a decade unhinged the order to advance. In 1829, the seventeen-year­ was to survey natural habitats and people kindly man's mind, and Phillips Lee and old Lee gained the unfavorable attentions of groups worldwide; the expedition ended his four siblings were left virtual orphans, his on the frigate Java when he up travelling to such diverse areas as insolvent-as their father's estate was not challenged several shipmates to a duel. Tonga and the South Pole (where they profiting- and thrown on the mercy of their Allegedly, their offense was making crude discovered that Antarctica was, in fact, (luckily) fairly generous extended family. remarks about Lee and a young British woman a continent). Lee was posted as one of Likely these early troubles influenced he was seeing at the time. Despite this and four lieutenants on the USS Peacock. Lee's decision to join the Navy at the age other such occasional professional problems At first, an invitation to join the of thirteen. This particular branch of the brought on by Lee's sense of honor, he Wilkes Expedition seemed like an service tended to attract young, adventurous progressed quickly in his naval career. In fact, assignment guaranteed to increase men from the impecunious middle class; his sense of rectitude probably increased his Phillips Lee's prestige. Further, Lee was many of these were, like Lee, without competence when he served as the Sailing excited by the science of sailing, and he parents and in need of work to support Master for the Brandywine in 1834, a job that knew that the excursion would offer him siblings. Lee must have been an impressive required alertness and attention to detail. ample opportunity to navigate, map candidate to win a midshipman's warrant His abilities did not go unrewarded. He was previously uncharted seas, and generally at such a young age. Although the Navy given an Acting Lieutenantship aboard the observe and improve the mechanics of accepted applicants as young as twelve, sloop-of-war Vincennes, where he served for Lee continued on page 7

6 The Daybook Spring2000 Lee continued from page 6 running a ship. What Lee did not daughter of powerful, well-connected protocol-conscious officer. Luckily, his anticipate, however, were the conflicts he Washingtonians. In between voyages superiors were grateful that he was back, would become embroiled in with the during the next four years, Lee paid court and so chose to overlook the impropriety notoriously volatile Wilkes. Some of the to the popular belle. Elizabeth Blair's heart, of the move. Phillips Lee's true other sailors on the trip did not measure too, was soon set on the officer, but her allegiance was not to a state, but to the up to Lee's standards of naval decorum and father, frightened by the rigor and instability ships and waters under the American eye. thoroughness. Wilkes, as the leader of the of naval life, forbade the match. Only after His years spent at sea had protected him expedition, was responsible for the overall his daughter declared that the marriage from the attitudes corroding most of the demeanor and morale of the crew, and Lee would take place regardless of family South. He arrived in the States ready to thought (as he recorded in hi s diary) that Wilkes was not doing a good job. Lee could not keep his disapproval to himself, and his attitude insulted Wilkes. Also, Wilkes resented Lee's stubborn refusal to call him "captain" which title Lee declined to use, as Wilkes' rank was actually that of lieutenant commander. Wilkes, out of pique, assigned officers junior to Lee the command of two of the ships in the squadron. To Lee, this was a violation of military protocol and a grave insult. Following a short time of conflict, Wilkes dismissed Lee's main responsibility as commanding officer of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron was to intercept ships bound for ports in Lee and ordered him back . Capturing blockade-runners proved to be extremely difficult and the squadron netted only a few captures. In 1863, to the United States. This Lee developed an innovative blockade pattern three zones deep off the coast of Wilmington, NC. While many ships still got through, the number of captures increased dramatically. {From the 1864 Official Records of the War of Rebellion) · was a shameful blow to the upright officer, who resented the injustice opinion did he reluctantly allow the match. preserve the Union. done him and rankled under the disgrace Following his marriage in 1843, Lee The Union was ready and willing to be of dismissal. Lee was comforted by the continued his rigorous seafaring schedule. preserved. Almost immediately after he Court of Inquiry opened on Wilkes due to When he was ashore, he and his wife (and landed ashore, Lee received an assignment his aggressive behavior with many of the later, his son) lived as upscale to Charleston, South Carolina. He was to officers on the expedition. For his part, Washingtonians. However, Lee was not at serve as part of the "Anaconda Plan", the Wilkes remained angry at Lee for decades. the nation's capital during the tumultuous blockade that the Union intended to squeeze In his memoir of the expedition, Wilkes day of secession. Lizzie Blair Lee wrote the life out of the Confederacy. As Lee huffed, "I cannot but express my surprise, her husband as he commanded the captured blockade runners in the sailing­ even at this distant day, that any officers Vandalia in the East Indies Squadron. She ship Vandalia , his well-connected in-laws embarked on this undertaking could have had attended the meeting of Congress in campaigned for him to get another ship. so far lost sight of their duty as to attempt which the Southern states seceded, and was They all thought the Vandalia was much to throw obstacles in the way of the prompt shocked and grieved by the tum of events. less effective a vessel than any steamer execution of the duties they owed to the The Blairs were Unionists from the first. would be. They wanted to see Lee country, and the service on which they were Although Phillips Lee was a Virginian, distinguish himself in capturing ships; engaged, or would have allowed selfish he, too, expressed no doubts about siding surely the thought of the prize money that feelings to predominate over those for the with the Union. While his cousin Robert captors received fueled the family 's zeal. public good." was sorrowfully deciding to support his In early 1862, Lee was put in charge of the In a grim mood, Lee returned to the native state, Lee was sailing the Vandalia steamer Oneida, which was assigned to the United States and morosely made his way back from the coast of the East Indies Gulf Blockading Squadron. Lee to White Sulphur Springs. There he soon without orders, to support his government distinguished himself sufficiently in actions regained possession of himself in the during its time of need. This act was an against rebel forces that Navy brass picked salutary presence of Elizabeth Blair, the amazing piece of behavior from the usually Lee continued on page 8

7 The Daybook Spring 2000 Lee continued from page 7 him to replace Louis Goldsborough as the continued to be busy. Despite the mix-up offensive and defensive action for the ships Acting Rear Admiral of the North Atlantic in his initial collaboration with the Army, under his command. Apparently, too, these Blockading Squadron, based out of he continued to aid them in various plans were effective. By November of his Hampton Roads. operations, most of which depended on tenure, Lee's ships around the crucial port Lee took command of the squadron, surprise to seize enemy supplies and destroy of Wilmington had captured fifteen enemy joining the flagship Minnesota on transportation, and then quickly withdraw. ships. It was Lee's idea to form a double September 4, 1862. Less than one month Lee was also busy lobbying Secretary of the boundary around this port, which proved later, he was already butting heads with the Navy Welles for more ships. As rebel amazingly effective in capturing blockade­ in the person of General John forces gained ground in both North Carolina runners. The prize money resulting from Dix. General Dix was a man with a social and Virginia, he foresaw his conscience. He was interested in protecting current forces becoming the Army' s rights and also those of the overextended. In an citizens ofNorfolk, which his army was, at unofficial communique to the time, occupying. The general was Assistant Secretary G.V. Fox, therefore not interested in following the Lee wrote somewhat letter of the law when it came to enforcing desperately, "Please give me the blockade. He wanted goods to get a list of vessels I am to have, through for the use ofNorfolk civilians, and stating when each will be he was prepared to use Army transport here.... The good weather, vessels to meet this goal. Of course, to Lee, the weak state of the for whom duty and orders were of blockade, and the pressure on paramount importance, this was both a Richmond are the main violation of military etiquette and a betrayal causes for urgency now. The of the Unionist cause. Lee and Dix fired enemy has had ample time in polite but firm letters back and forth: "I eighteen months to prepare respectfully request your aid in your his defense.... I am arguing department in putting a stop to all further for all the force you can attempts to violate the blockade and the give-more monitors [sic] , if instructions of the department, which I have you can." Luckily, the Navy the honor to communicate with you," Lee heeded Lee's pleas and, the wrote. day after Lee began Dix would not budge: "I shall do all in marshalling his meager forces my power hereafter, as I have heretofore, around Wilmington, N.C., to aid you in preventing any commercial Hampton Roads, and many of intercourse with Norfolk, except such as is the smaller ports in North p ermitted by the Secretary of the Carolina were pretty well Treasury ... " [italics added]. secured, but Wilmington Lee frequently had differences with the local Union Army commander. With General Dix f or example, Lee wanted to stop all incoming food To resolve the dispute, both men wrote continued to be a bee-hive of shipments to Norfolk per the blockade instructions. Dix, whose job it their respective secretaries- naturally, this activity for blockade runners. was to garrison the occupied city, believed some exceptions should have settled nothing. Secretary of the Navy Secretary Welles sent a letter been allowed. (Engraving from Battles and Leaders of the Civil War) Gideon Welles agreed with Lee's strict giving Lee temporary command of eleven these actions was immense- the squadron interpretation of blockade rules, stating that additional vessels. However, there were received around $2,000,000 total in the "that there is distress in Norfolk and the never enough ships to satisfy Lee. The dollar of the time. Since Lee was the whole insurrectionary region I doubt not. .. . theme of "more ships, please" remained a commanding officer of the blockade The relief is in the hands of the people who thorn in the flesh of both the Secretary and squadron, he personally received over have only to be loyal to be relieved. The the admiral. $200,000 of this prize money. case is not one of sympathy, but of duty." These sorts of administrative duties too Lee's squadron still had the duties of Of course, these sentiments were often claimed Lee's time. As Rear Adm. assisting, one might say bailing out, the pleasant to the duty-loving Lee, but they later pointed out, Army. In the Spring of 1863, General did not sit well with Dix and those in though, the job of directing the blockade Longstreet's corps temporarily detached command of him. The Treasury required less of a warrior and more of a from the Army of Northern Virginia and Department was on Dix's side, and those competent administrator. Still, it was an launched a small offensive towards Suffolk of his later replacements, John Foster and onerous duty for Lee to be chained to his and Union positions on the Peninsula. Benjamin Butler. This conflict waxed and desk, analyzing requests from the men Hostilities broke out on Aprilll, 1863, at waned throughout the duration of Lee's under him and sending to for Fort McGruder near Williamsburg, tenure in the North Atlantic Blockade. permission to act as he saw fit. Lee found Virginia. The Union army feared that the Months after his installation, Lee pleasure, though, in devising schemes of Lee continued on page 9

8 The Daybook Spring 2000 Lee continued from page 8 forts they controlled in Suffolk were also at risk. In response to their panicked pleas, .. ans rn01ad Rivnr ·Clnity Lee deployed gunboats up the James, lohow rr.J eeone of H .., Opor•tion$ Nansemond, and York rivers near the in a1('1 or af'ft'l)' dcfel'ln'" &..f'fol k.'Va. embattled towns. Despite this precaution, the Confederates pushed United States l'flluw-r ~ '~ ~.....,. tt.c.,.;;,.. troops down from Williamsburg and ~ ('~(· - cornered them at the mouth of Queen's Creek. Pandemonium ensued among the Unionists, who thought they were going to lose their valuable foothold on the eastern seaboard. The , however, rose to the occasion by holding their gunboat positions behind their beleaguered army, using their fire to push the Confederate troops from their positions. Brig. Gen. Getty and Lt. Cushing of the U.S. Navy, confident with Acting Rear Admiral Lee's forces behind them, faced down the redoubtable General Longstreet and his tremendous forces. The battle turned towards the Union on April19, when Lee's Lt. Lamson, commanding the blockade's gunboat fleet, assisited ~of the 89'h New York Volunteers and the 8'h Connecticut. That morning, blockade gun­ boats opened fire in tandem on Confederate entrenchments, covering Lamson as he sailed abreast of the rebel batteries. The gunboats then ceased firing, and with split­ second timing, Lamson beached his craft too close to the Confederates for them to fire. Immediately, the troops that had been hiding on his gunboat disembarked, followed by the Navy's four howitzers. The rout was complete, and the few remaining days of fighting merely solidified the Union victory. The admiral tried to prevent such surprises from happening again. With a father-to-son like attitude, he would frequently write to local army commanders and offer his unsolicited advice on how to cond~:~ct ground operations. For example, he pleaded several times with the Confederate forces took to the offensive in the Spring of 1863 when Gen. Longstreet's corps detached from commander of Union forces in North the main army and attacked Suffolk, VA. The local Union garrison was caught completely by surprise and sent back many panic-stricken notes to Norfolk begging/or reinforcements. Lee dispatched several shallow­ Ca.olina for them to withdraw and gunboats to prevent the Confederates from crossing the river. Lt. Lamson and Cushing's quick worked consolidate their positions along the coast. saved the Union Army garrison from a total disaster. (Print from the Official Records of the War of the It was the admiral's belief that the Union Rebellion) Army was spread too thinly trying to instructed them on how much powder to consequences. In the spring of 1864, local garrison every little coastal village and town use in their guns. He also warned them to Confederate forces went on the offensive and that they were not helping to win the watch for cannonballs bouncing off the with the assistance of Albemarle and put war this way. He adopted a similar tone ironclad CSS Albemarle should the many garrisons to flight. At Plymouth, NC, with officers within his direct chain. When gunboats encounter her. 2,200 Union soldiers were surrounded and writing out orders to the officers of the Lee's warning went unheeded and the captured. Miami and Southfield engaged gunboats USS Miami and Southfield, he local commanders suffered the Lee continues on page 14

9 The Daybook Book Reviews Crossed Currents: Navy Women in a Century of Change by Jean Ebbert & Marie-Beth Hall Reviewed by M. Helene Tisdale

ne of my college professors that men were not thrilled about being sent claimed that history could be into dangerous locations themselves, so when 0 defined as change over time. That the female replacements arrived some men is certainly applicable when one looks at the were not helpful when it was time to train the role of women serving in the Armed Forces, female sailors. The documentation more specifically in the Navy. The resistance concerning the numbers of women who to women serving in any military capacity volunteered to be a W A YES, for example, stems from an idea that women need to be (yv omen Accepted for Volunteer Emergency the conference, and trying to protect protected; if men are fighting the wars in order Service) helped to prove that women were themselves and the institution they served. The to protect the women, how are women able willing to serve, even while the nuts and bolts whole Tailhook conference, the accusations to play the role of protectors? Two major of the system had to be worked out. The of harassment during the conference and the wars the United States fought, the authors were glowing in their praise of the way the Navy reacted before outside forces American Revolution and the Civil War, fledgling WAVES and their determination applied pressure are all telltale signs of what took place on American soil. The and perserverance. the built up resentments could result in. While occurance of a woman using a gun to One problem with the authors' it is true that there were a significant number protect her house and land was more documentation, however, is that they paint the of women in the Navy, an undercurrent of common during that time. By the time picture of happy cheerful women who were resentment and doubt about the right and willing to serve in any way they were allowed. capabilities of women to serve was also Jean Ebbert & Marie-Beth Hall. During the Vietnam War, fo r example, only present. With a writing that was middle of the Crossed Currents: Navy Women nine women officers were assigned to serve road, Ebbert and Hall point out the people who in a Century of Change. "in country." Despite the fact that many took the blame for more than they deserved, women's qualifications to serve surpassed but also the fact that many wrongdoers faced Washington, D.C.: Batsford those of the men who were being accepted, no consequences. In this aftermath of Brassey, Inc., 1999. 409 pages. the quota for women was never raised. Tailhook, the Navy had to commit in action ISBN 1-57488-193-0. $18.95 However, the authors concluded, "The as well as word that women had a place in women knew that if they were not allowed to the Navy, and should not be punished for a carry a share of the burden, then the men willingness to serve. World War I started the idea of sending would have to carry more." This does not This book was very well researched. women overseas, especially in a combat seem to be a valid reason to want to serve in a From the first woman who enlisted the role, was absurd. However, when the need war zone. More realistic reasons to want to authors have documented the trends of for "manpower" is higher than the available serve in the combat zone would have been a women joining the Navy and the reasons number of men, people are open to change. belief in the goals of the war, wanting to serve for leaving. Some of the research would In Crossed Currents: Navy Women in a in the full capacity they had been trained, and be useful to answer naysayers who claim Century of Change Jean Ebbert and Marie­ wanting the promotions and awards that can that a woman would rather get pregnant and Beth Hall document the changes made only be earned by serving in combative roles. spend eighteen years raising a child than through trial and error as the Navy struggled Easing the burden on men would not be a deploy on a sixth month cruise. Most of the to fit women into a male controlled domain. realistic worry of women in the Navy. women who join have the same reasons as One of the main obstacles with integrating This is the third edition of this book. The men: job security, knowledge and patriotism women into the Navy was that no plan had first edition was printed in 1992, before the about the United States. It is an interesting ever been formulated that addressed where the Tailhook findings were complete. The third textbook read and is very enthusiastic about women should train, what uniforms should edition offers a full account of what happened women and the contributions they have made look like, even how to designate the sex of and how the investigation was botched · to the Navy. Crossed Currents is a valuable the sailor on orders. Ebbert and Hall beyond the point where one could receive fair resource for people to understand the Navy demonstrate how distinguishing the standards punishment or acquittal. Ebbert and Hall also and its relationship with women from the for men and women too drastically created relay the difficulties encountered during the inception of the service.D more resentment between the men and their investigation when so many people were Ms. Tisdale is a graduate of Virginia Wesleyan College new compatriots. The theroy they present is under the influence of alcohol at the time of and a staff member of the museum.

10 The Daybook Spring 2000

Call Sign Revlon: The Life and Death ofNavy Fighter Pilot Kara Hultgreen by Sally Spears Reviewed by Sarah Petrides

e issue of women in the military has daughter remarkable. Hultgreen' s gone undercover with the demise of academic record and her athletic TiTailhook litigation and the achievements are certainly superlative. But recertification of that conference as an passages such as the following were ill­ appropriate official venue for military considered: "She had on a black miniskirt, travel. However, a recent spate of books dagger heels that elevated her above the six­ on the subject promise to reopen the issue; foot mark, a black lace camisole that was among these is Call Sign Rev/on, a almost covered by a double-breasted, fitted combination biography/polemic by Sally tuxedo jacket, and dangling earrings .... apology. Also, by the time this book was Spears, the mother of naval aviator Kara When she got off the elevator, the reaction published, evidence had been produced Hultgreen. In her career as a naval officer, was what could be expected when an (most notably on CBS's "60 Minutes") that Hultgreen was a vocal activist agitating for imposing, beautiful, dressed-to-kill (or at Hultgreen and her compatriots were indeed the right of women to participate in combat, least seriously injure) woman appeared in rushed through the flight training pipeline with all the job options that entailed­ the midst of a tribal gathering of warriors so the Navy could claim it had women including flying fighter planes. She was in war paint." flying its fighter jets. In Spears' zeal to also one of that first class of women trained This is a description of Hultgreen's prove her daughter's competence, she participation in the infamous Tailhook refuses to consider the fact that, if her Sally Spears. Call Sign Rev/on: conference- and the "reaction" of the daughter was indeed unqualified to fly F- The LUe and Death of Navy "tribal gathering of warriors in war paint" 14As and was allowed in the cockpit, then Fighter Pilot Kara Hultgreen. was to behave in such a way that Hultgreen the Navy is guilty as an institution of Annapolis: Naval Insitute Press, became Victim Number 5. Since one of reckless endangerment. Spears is not, of 1998. ISBN 1-555750-809-7 the major arguments of those opposed to course, an impartial reporter- perhaps she women in the military in general and in should have confined herself to 293 pages. $29.95 combat positions specifically is the worry memorializing her daughter's character and of sexual activity between female and male avoided political issues entirely, as she is to fly the planes- and she was the first to personnel or that male soldiers will be too defensive to be trusted. die, just four months after receiving her F- distracted by the sexual auras of their The facts of the Hultgreen case will 14A flight clearance. In Call Sign Rev/on, female counterparts, the passages likely never be known, and as women prove Sally Spears attempts to defend her describing Hultgreen's nubility - and they themselves over and over again in the daughter from the many critics who, after are legion- are hardly conducive to cockpit, the significance of the case will the accident, accused both Hultgreen and convincing the opposition that women will pall. This book, too, will become less a r the Navy of complicity in the crash. not be a social liability in a group of military historical (if biased) account of an incident Hultgreen, according to her accusers, was personnel. Hultgreen' s male counterparts and more an artifact of an era of sexism culpable because of her eagerness to fly emphasized her "one of the guys" which future generations will hopefully fighter planes and her feminist camaraderie and her ability to match men's find it difficult to believe existed. Call Sign campaigning; the Navy, because they "gave physical and training requirements- and Rev/on will not be a lasting memorial to a in to feminists" and "pushed" women her mother negates this in her desire to woman who, whether or not she could fly a through the pipeline, approving highlight Hultgreen's beauty and fighter plane, was a remarkable officer who incompetent pilots simply because of their femininity. won the loyalty of many of her compatriots. gender. However, even when examining Another flaw ofthis book is in the issues Hultgreen' s gravestone in Arlington cemetery Call Sign Rev/on with the compassion due it ignores. Spears does not sufficiently wjll have to serve that purpose . ~ to a bereaved parent's requiem for a child, excoriate the officers who released her the discerning reader is forced to realize that daughter's flight records to the press. This the book has some irritating flaws. was strictly against all military codes of Ms. Petrides is a graduate student in southern studies The first problem with Call Sign Rev/on behavior. Spears should have ruthlessly at the University of Mississippi and is currently doing is Sally Spears' insistence on proving her confronted this behavior, demanding an an internship at the museum.

11 The Daybook Spring 2000 U-571: Post-Modernism Strikes istorical fiction is one of the more particularly problematic. For those of you based escort carrier USS Gudalcanal (CVE- popular forms of media in America who have not seen it, U-571 is the story of 60) and the sharp-witted CO, Capt. Daniel Htoday. Some of the best selling and a group of American submariners who set Gallery along with the USS most admired works of writing and movie out to capture a German U-boat and its Pillsbury (DE-133) are the real heroes. productions are ones based on a famous Enigma encoding machine. The heroes Even this capture was not the first such historical event or person. Anyone who is lose their boat and have to take U-571 back event as the British had captured two a fan of Patrick O'Brian's many novels or home in the face of enemy opposition. The Enigma machines before 1944. has seen the movie Amistad would agree. story is of course completely fictitious . U-571 is most certainly not the first The challenge posed to historians by However, don 't tell that to some people movie about World War II with a fictitious historical fiction is that by its very nature, writers use some poetic license with the history in order to make a good, readable story. Now before you jump on the Sage for

American sailors from the Norfolk­ CJhe !)(useum Sage based USS Pillsbury (DE-133) -""".-:••- criticizing historical fiction, let him first say storm aboard U-505 in one of the most celebrated actions in U. S. that he is not. Good historical fiction is well Naval history. Unforunately, researched and does make a very good read. despite th e produ cers ' Many historical novels have done historians disclaimers, Hollywood has a great service, particularly in the area of probably forever tainted the event with the movie U-57 1. the American Civil War. The problem comes with the reader of the book and viewer of the movie. What happens when people start believing the who have seen this movie. Despite a plot. Saving Private Ryan and The Thin fiction before the history? A "post­ disclaimer at the end of the movie Red Line are two more recent examples, with modernist" historian might respond to that informing movie goers of the true event, Kelley's Heroes and Mr. Roberts being older question by saying what's the difference? the Sage is being approach by people examples. What makes these four movies For those of you who have not had the believing that this movie depicts how we different from U-571 is the distinction pleasure of discussing post-modernist really nabbed the Enigma machine. People between what is fact and fiction is clear. In history, the concept simply put (if that is apparently are believing the movie is the case of Saving Private Ryan and Th e possible) believes that there is no set "truth" "based on actual events." Thin Red Line, we know what happened at about the past. The "true" past, in the post­ If this is the case, then maritime D-Day and the eight-month struggle at modernist historian's viewpoint, is only museums, both public and private, have Guadualcanal. These movies' fictitious what a writer says it is when he or she writes their work cut out for themselves. The story lines do not try to change the basic it down on paper. "The truth is in the shame of it all is that the real story of how facts of the battles. In the case of Kelley's language" is how my historiography American sailors captured a German U­ Heroes and Mr. Roberts it is very clear that professor explained this theory of history. boat is better than the movie ever could be. they are stories and nothing more. The plot The recently released movie U-571 is For the record, the crew of the Norfolk- The Sage continues on page 13

12 The Daybook Spring 2000 The Sage continues from page 12 of Kelley's Heroes is of a group of bored The problem is this: The Sage just Enigma machine, then well, it really U. S. Army soldiers going to get a stash of successfully completed the historiography happened. Nazi gold in France. It's one of the best course at and The other way to look at U-571 is to say war movies ever made in The Sage's argued quite forcefully that post-modernists that there is no reason to connect it with opinion (which, by the way, the production are wrong. It is the Sage's belief that there is post-modernist thought or any other form staff of the recent film Three Kings outright a truth to past events. Something happened of historical theory. It might be more stole with out so much as a mention of in the past and it is our goal to find it and out simple to say that the producers just wanted Kelly's Heroes). The uniforms are correct, and learn from it. This one of the reasons a good action flick to make a quick buck. the equipment is correct, and they even had places like the Hampton Roads Naval OK, fair enough, that is the movie the markings on the German Tiger tanks right. Museum exists in the first place. We have producers' job, to make money. But even But it is nothing more than a fairy tale of artifacts. While artifacts can be if you look it at from this viewpoint, it is Gls striking it rich. misinterpreted, the object itself is real. still disappointing. Thanks in large part to U-571 is also not the first, nor will it be It could be that The Sage is taking this computer-aided graphics, bigger the last, shoot' em up, action film. The Sage movie entirely too seriously. But, is this production budgets, and the use of has nothing against action movies except what "history" has come to? Maybe the professional historians as consultants, maybe the level of violence in some, but post-modernists are right after all. The U- historically-based movies within the last that is for other people to debate. Heaven 505/USS Gudalcanal story has been told few years have really been fairly accurate knows the Sage has seen enough action thousands of times. The actual U-boat is and have gone out of their way to be movies to personally bankroll every major on exhibit at the Chicago Museum of accurate. Hopefully, producers will movie studio. From Terminator 2: Science and Industry for goodness sakes! continue to show a little discipline in the Judgement Day and Starship Troopers to But apparently, if a movie tells people eight future. Additionally, we as consumers of every John Wayne war movie ever made, sailors seized from an American submarine these products need to be more mindful of the Sage has seen them all. took a German submarine home with the what is historical fact and what is not.~

Useful Web Sites

naval-station.norfolk. va.us-This is the official site for Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest naval station. The site provides information about ships currently in port, information on base tours, and services provided by the command to service members stationed in the area.

__ ...... , __ _.. ___ -----·~..... ,...... - ~----- ...... • www.nara.gov-This is the offical site of the National Archives ,...,._,.., W..'"'-"~'AIA F-' ...... _._ ....._. ...T.,..._t.-._JUitN. and Records Admistration. This site contains a treasure chest of ------· information on current and past Federal laws, information about --- the National Archives and the records it keeps, and online exhibits...... ,y....._...., ,...... ,__...... _...... ,_._ ... National Archives is where one finds information on ship plans ...... ,.. ,...... ~..-.

13 The Daybook Spring 2000

Lee warned local Union Army and Naval officers stationed in North Carolina that their forces were spread too thinly. The warnings f ell on deaf ears. in the Spring of 1864, Confederates launched a counter-offensive that resulted in the lost of a few outposts, Plymouth, NC, two gunboats, and 2,200 soldiers. Lee, as he usually did, adamantly defended the Navy against Army accusations that the Na vy was unprepared. (Battles and Leaders of the Civil War engraving) Lee continued from page 9 the ironclad and had several ofthem bounce "Nothing can be more ungenerous and unjust than off and land back in their laps. The results were equally ugly as Southfield was lost and to make the Navy responsible for the occupation or Miami severely damaged. Lee expressed both his disappointment surrender for this fortified town. " and anger to Secretary Welles when he -Lee to Secretary Welles concerning the Union heard about the defeat at Plymouth. Gen. Butler placed the blame on the Navy for not disaster at Plymouth, NC. supporting the positions. ''Nothing can be ferry boats, and the recently captured more ungenerous and unjust than to make the Confederate ironclad Atlanta. Butler even Navy responsible for the occupation or added his own little squadron to "make his surrender for this fortified town," Lee own command a perfect unit" a brigadier commented to Welles. To back up his claim, general later cynically commented. The same he attached three copies of letters he had general described the fleet to be "some grand written the year before that warned of national review." It may seem like Lee was impending disaster. being a bit too cautious, but one must Cooperation with the Army was still a remember that the Confederates possessed necessity. As part of Gen. Grant's overall three ironclads, several wooden gunboats, 1864 strategy to capture Richmond, he shore batteries, and traps (which had instructed Butler and the Army of the James already sunk a few gunboats) guarding the to march on Petersburg. Butler requested river. No challenge was made, however, and assistance from Lee to transport and escort the Army of the James safely landed at the entire army, all 40,000 of them, up the Hundred. James River to Bermuda Hundred. It was After this major operation, Lee instructed Butler's opinion that by moving the Army by the squadron to make preparations at Trent's Lee was extremely fortunate to have two very talented water, he would be able to sneak up and Reach should the Confederates decide to and energeticjunior officers, Lt. Cushing (shown here) and Lt. Lamson working for him. Cushing sank the surprise the Confederates. Lee happily agreed sortie. He also proposed several plans to troublesome CSS Albemarle and Lamson helped the though he commented to Butler that "I do not capture Fort Fisher and close Wilmington to army at the Battle ofSuffolk. in many ways, Lee treated see clearly how such a movement can be a blockade-runners. These plans fell on deaf. the two oft hem like favorite sons. (Battle and Leaders made a surprise, as the enemy has a signal ears. of the Civil War engraving) corps along the James River." Despite Lee's success and his efficient was going to be replaced by Rear Adm. It would not be hard for the Confederate operation of the squadron, he continued to . Welles felt that Lee was Signal Corps to miss it either. The fleet irritate Welles by his constant requests for competent, but that he was not the consisted of over 70 vessels including several ships and men. He was surprised when flamboyant risk-taker that the blockade monitors, gunboats, transports, New York Welles told him in September 1864 that he Lee continued on page 15

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"A grand national review" is how one Union general describe Lee's armada that moved Butler's Army ofth e James from Hampton Roads up to Bermuda Hundred. Over 70 vessels were involved including the double turreted USS Onondaga and the recently captured Confederate ironclad Atlanta. The fleet moved 40,000 troops with no opposition. (1864 Harper's Weekly engraving) Lee continued from page 14 needed at the time. To Welles, Lee was too requested. In any case, he gamely accepted wife and Washington when the war was "cautious" for the kind of action needed to the consolation prize of acting rear admiral over. Although his career in the Navy secure the Southern ports for the Union- this of the Mississippi Squadron. continued to flourish, and he ended his idea diverged from Porter's opinion that administrative acumen, IH!I'l'.~SI\S (>V ])11 ~\\' H\J.Wr, SOt:'fiiWAI

not flashy operations, f.}Of:'io U:ltom)f\-4-

15 The Daybook Spring 2000 Don't Quit Your Day Job

20 BLUEJACKETS' L1 IA1\"UAL

READ FIGURE FROM BOTTOM TO TOP Enemy MG in house

\ The assau/1 squads have been held up by an enemy I { machine gun. ) The support squad has been ordered lo work forward under cover lo flank the machine qun. The squad is now ( firing upon the machine gun and the squad leader is ) awaiting opportunity to rush the r;un w!lh the bayonet / I / Located within a copy of the 1940 edition of the Navy's Bluejackets ' Manual is a section on infantry tactics. This was deemed necessary as historically the Navy provided armed landing parties. This particular diagram shows what the author considers the best way to take an enemy occupied building containing a machine-gun. The author's solution? Fix bayonets and storm the building in the same spirit as World War I. Good thing the Navy had Marines.

In Our Next Issue ....

• On Wisconsin! A New Special Series on BB-64 and Her Arrival in Downtown Norfolk

• • Book Reviews: Millions for Defense: The Subscription Warships of 1798 by Frederick C. Leiner and When Computers Went to Sea: The Digitization ofthe United States Navy by David L. Boslaugh

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