Exactly why a crewman would take a hat aboard the submarine is thus far unclear. It's the last thing I expected to find on board the Hunley. The only reason project scientists and historians can think of to explain the hat's presence is that its owner didn't want to leave it ashore to possibly be lost or stolen. It is dark in color with a leather band and leather edging around the brim. Also found Monday were two pocket knives.
Details are unclear as they are still embedded in concretion on the floor of the crew compartment.
Concretion, as the name indicates, is harder material to work through and remove than the fudge-like mass of sand and mud that filled most of the Hunley's crew compartment. This has slowed excavation in recent days. George E. Dixon, would have been stationed and where his remains and effects are expected to be found.