CHAPTER IX.
AT Charleston, S. C., in January, 1863, were the two Confederate ironclads Palmetto State and Chicora. These vessels were constructed on the general plan of the Merrimac, but their "ends" were not submerged. The side-plating, of 4-inch iron, extended to the "knuckle" near the water line, and from the "knuckle," at the same angle, to some three feet below the water line. They were more buoyant than the Merrimac, much stronger at the water line, and very creditable vessels, exceedingly well officered and manned. They carried each an 8o-pounder Brooke rifle forward, a 60-pounder rifle aft, and two 8-inch shell guns in broadside four guns in all. Their draft was 14 feet and their engines were reliable and capable of giving a speed of six knots per hour.
Flag-Officer Duncan N. Ingraham was in command of the station and of the vessels. The officers of the Palmetto State were: Capt. John Rutledge, Lieuts. William H. Parker, Philip Porcher, George Shryock and Robert Bowen; Surg. A. S. Lynch, Paymaster Banks, Chief Engineer Campbell, Assistant Engineer Jordan, Master F. T. Chew, Midshipmen Clarence Gary, Sevier and Hamilton; Boatswain Wilson and Gunner George Thompson, with a crew of about 120 men. The officers of the Chicora were: Capt. John R. Tucker, Lieuts. George Bier, William T. Glassell, John Ingraham and William H. Wall; Master A. M. Mason, Passed Midshipman J. B.
