Indiana daily times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1914-1922, 1920-06-18
VOTED FRIGATE
SENT OUT UPON
FINALVOYAGE
Richmond Goes to Execution
Grounds at East
port, Me.
FAMOUS IN CIVIL WAR

EASTPORT, Me-, June 1s.-The Z. S.
S Richmond has finished her last cruise
has fought her last battle, has said her
last farewell tc the few remaining he
roes who knew and loved her best. and.
stripped of masts and superstructure
her empty gun ports staring right and
left like sightless eyes. this famous fri
gate, which shared the glory of the
capture of New Orleans and the victory
Of Mobile bay, back in the sixties, has
been towed to execution.
Stricken from the navy list In June
Of last year. the Richmond was taken
to Philadelphia, her masts removed, her
boilers taken out. everything OF value
salvaged and then, with virtually moth
p'lng left except her dauntless spirit and
her heroic record she finally was dragged
10 her death-dock at Eastport, Me-, to
be beaehed and burned for the few bits
of scrap metal that remained.
Though her body be valueless, her
name and fame are priceless, and there
were some loyal friends who found 4
Joy In paying the Richmond a last trib-
ute
Only few weeks ago, before she he
gan her last voyage to Maine, a little
band Of naval veterans gathered on her
decks in Philadelphia, uncovered their
gray heads IS the bugler sounded taps"
and stood in swed attention while the
rifles barked out that last honor volley
accorded to the doors of great deeds.
There was a lump in many throat
as these boys Of 81 said goodbye to
the warrior craft that had served 80
well, so faithfully and so long.
In official records the Richmond's his
tory is short, but in memory's book it
nils pages, many that never will be writ
ten.
Launched at Norfolk. Va, Jan. 90.
1860. the Richmond was 225 feet long
and had a beam Of 4215 feet.
In command Of Capt. Charles H. Bell,
flag officer, she made her first cruise to
the Mediterranean in 1880 and 1861.
RICHMOND ARRIVED
DURING THE WAR.
On the day before Independence day.
1851, the Richmond reached home to find
the north and south in the opening
stages OF that death grapple that was
to continue for four long years. and.
without waiting to have the barnacles
scrsped from her sides. she was hustled
OF In search of the Confederate steam
ship Sumter, and then to join the Union
gulf squadron.
For three months she stood watch at
the head OF the Mississippi river passes,
ANU III Aet AASL rear
of victorious In 4 fight with the Con-
federate ram Manassas and gunboats.
A month later the Richmond took part
in the operations for the defense of FIT.
Piekens and Pensacola.
Then, in 1862, she was assigned to the
west gulf blockading squadron under
admiral Farragut. and, with this brave
old sea fighter, gained her brightest VIC
tories and her greatest glories.
In April, 1862, the Richmond. with
Farragut's squadron, passed Fl. st.
Philip and Fit. Jackson. on the Missis-
sippi and captured New Orleans.
After active engagements in all the
prominent operations on the river dur
ing the remainder Of the year and
throughout 1868, the gallant ship then
rendered valiant service again to Farra-
gut in the victory at Mobile bay in Au-
gust, 1864.
Eight months later, in April. 1863
the Richmond assisted In the capture
and destruction Of the confederate
steamer William II. Webb, and finally
was put out OF commission July IL 1868.
From 1870 to 1891 the Richmond
cruised in European, Atlantic, Pacific
and Asiatic waters. her last official voy-
age being in the South Atlantic in 1890
and 1881
Returned to port. she was attached TO
the training station at Newport, r. l.,