USS Miami and the Action at Wilcox’s Landing

Photo Above: A gun crew drills on the aft 9-Inch Dahlgren on USS Miami on the James River in Virginia circa 1864. Run out to port, the aft pivot gun is mounted on a pivot mounting. Library of Congress Photo: https://www.loc.gov/item/2013647381/

Two photos taken from approximately the same position aboard USS Miami show the same 9-Inch Dahlgren on a Pivot Mounting. ("9IN" can clearly be seen on the right trunnion.) In one photo the Dahlgren is run out to port with the gun's crew at drill. In the other the Dahlgren is amidships bearing astern while officers (and dogs) pose beside the wheel. Both photos show boarding netting, pivot rails on the deck, mounting points for breach rope, and the conning position - though the gun crew photo shows a few more details like the binnacle and the skylight (possibly above the wardroom?).

Note the small dog in the arms of the seated Lieutenant at left. The officer at center holds a fowling piece (or other hunting firearm). Note the cutlass belts hanging from the handle of the elevating screw of the Dahlgren. Library of Congress: https://www.loc.gov/item/2013647359/

SS Miami participated in several actions, including one on the James River near Wilcox's Landing on August 3rd, 1864. Her commanding officer at the time, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant George W. Graves, reported:

U. S. S. MIAMI,

James River, August 3, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of my engagement with a rebel battery this p. m.: At 3:30 p. m., while passing up the river, I heard firing above me on the starboard hand. Upon turning the bend I discovered a battery stationed at Wilcox's Landing, firing upon some unarmed transports which were passing down. I immediately went to quarters and proceeded to the place of action as fast as the disabled state of my machinery would permit. I engaged the battery at about 1,200 yards distance. After about an hour's sharp firing, I succeeded in dislodging the enemy and drove them off. I then shelled the banks above and below the position for a short time, and proceeded up the river until I met the U. S. S. Osceola, Commander Clitz, who ordered me to return and remain for the night.

The battery consisted of six 12-pounders, two of them Whitworth rifles, projectiles from which struck us several times, inflicting some damage, killing 1 man and wounding 1. I enclose reports of casualties, ammunition expended, etc.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. W. GRAVES.

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding.

The member of the crew who was killed in action is identified as Private Matthew Callahan, United States Marine Corps.

The gunner's report indicates that Miami fired fifty-six rounds from her 9-Inch Dahlgrens including 2 solid shot, 1 stand of grape, 12 shrapnel shells, a 41 shells (with a mix of 5, 10, and 15 second fuzes). The 100-Pounder Parrott was fired 16 times (4 10-second fuzed, 4 20-second fuzed, 7 precussion shell, and 1 solid shot). A 24-Pounder Howitzer was fired only once - presumably due to the range of the engagement.

(See OR-N. Ser. 1. Vol. 10. pp. 331-333.)

USS Miami and other US Navy Gunboats in Virginia in 1864-1865

USS Miami and other gunboats in Virginia in 1864-1865. Detail of Library of Congress Photo: https://www.loc.gov/item/2018670871/

A 12-Pounder Whitworth Rifle at Fort Fisher. Read more about this Whitworth here: https://www.santee1821.net/preserved-artillery/the-12-pounder-whitworth-rifle-at-fort-fisher