Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-02-19
DAUGHTERS MAY GET
POSSESSION OF SHIP
Historic Vessel Endeavor, Condemn
cd and Ordered Sold, to BE
Preserved.
IT'S CAREER IN QUESTION
Collector Hamilton Asked to Inves-
tfgnte and Confirm, II Possible,
Romantic Stories of It's Building
and Record in Civil War.
Especial to The Times-D:spatch.l

Especial to The Times D:spatch1
NORFOLK. VA. February Is.-Col-
lector OF Customs Norman r. Hamilton
mas been requested by the Department
or Commerce to make such Inquiry rs
ne can concerning the building and
origin Of what is now the Coast and
ieodctic Survey steamer Endcavor.
JhiS vessel has been condemned and
ordered sold. but owing TO the report
on her origin, which has particular in
'"r"St to Virginia people, she has hap
pcn"d to be of such historical value
ms 10 suggest to a member Of Congress
INC dcsirability OF obtaining authorize
t!on FOR her transfer TO the Daughters
OF the Confcdcracy. Recent inquiry con-
corning the Endeavor prior to lSG5 has
rallied to verify certain reports OF her
origin which appear to be Of particular
historical interest. In this connection,
Collector Hamilton has been requested
ny the department to secure, If posi-
bic. any information concerning this
vessel prior TO or about the year 1865.
VESSELS SAID TO HAVE
ROMANTIC HISTORY
1t appears that during the CIVIL
War. about 1862. the Endeavor was
under construction by Page Brothers
~ Norfolk. She was intended Cor use
rs Il Confederate gunboat Funds for
her construction were raised by women
jewels 10 meet the weekly payments
of the workmcn who were engaged on
Ihc vessels construction, the jewels be
ing converted into funds through
broker who purchased them and resold
them
II was the intention to name the yes
sci The Lady Davis" hu: while still
on the stocks she WAS captured by the
Federal forces. Before her capture.
however. AN attempt was made to
J. ~. l..
piops from around her and trying to
rry her out with Crowbars. This hay
!ng failed, she was set OH fire to pre-
vent her falling into the hands Of the
f"derhls. The commanding officers OF
the Federal forces, hearing that Il yes
sci had been set on fire. sent . force OF
men and the fire was cXtinguishcd not.
however. until the vessel had been con-
sidcrhbly damaged. The vessel WAS
completed By the Federal forces, placed
in commission as the General Curtis.
and 10Y several years was used as :,
Sunboat and In the Quartcr-nasters' ser
vice OF the United States Army. Tho
resscl was originally equipped: w!th Il
sawmll engine and boiler.
Originally the only structures on the
main deck We're small housing over
the engine and boiler space and a
small vine. house jus, forward of that
Her ordnance consisted. Of TWO Ward"
guns. one mounted on scmicircular
TRACK forward anu one similarly mount
cd on her after end. The tracks were
mad" OF strap iron secured TO the
decks.
BECOMES PROPERTY
OF COAST SURVEY
about the year 1865 the vessel was
sold at public auction and purchased
by Lohn r. Fardy. Later it became the
property Of John 7. Fardy & Co. and
while in their possession, at the re-
quest OF Captain Carlisle i. rattcr-
son. ut that time inspector of hydro
Sraphy and topography OF the Coast
survey, the vessel was rcmodclcd for
use In surveying work. and on March
:. 1861. was purchased by the Coast
survey Service for the sum OF 500
i%..i.. Since that dat" the vessel has
n"cn known as the fndcavor.
The net tonnage Of the Endeavor is
cIghty-siX tons: length lovcr all ~
ilI.. feet: beam, eighteen feet, draft,
loaded So feet. NJ full speed. under
favorable conditions OF and
weather the ship can make eight knots
AN hour. She Is tophcavy and unfit
for going To sea. The after part OF
her hull some Of her Emidships
frames and after part OF her main deck
are in poor condition.