USS Lewis Cass

USS Lewis Cass was a Canonicus-class monitor built by the Continental Iron Works in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, and launched on 4 December 1862. The ship was named after Lewis Cass, a United States Secretary of State and United States Senator from Michigan. The American Civil War was in full swing, with battles like the Battle of Antietam and the Battle of Fredericksburg taking place around the same time. The ship's construction was overseen by John Ericsson, a Swedish-American engineer who also designed the USS Monitor, and Cornelius S. Bushnell, a Connecticut shipbuilder.

● History

The USS Lewis Cass was one of several monitor warships built by the United States Navy during the American Civil War, along with the USS Mahopac and the USS Saugus. The ship's design was influenced by the USS Monitor, which had been built earlier in the war, and featured a similar turret design. The Lewis Cass was constructed using iron plating and a wooden hull, with a steam engine providing power. The ship was launched on 4 December 1862, and was commissioned into the United States Navy on 7 December 1863, with Captain James S. Thornton in command. The Lewis Cass was part of the James River Flotilla, which also included the USS Onondaga and the USS Atlanta.

● Characteristics

The USS Lewis Cass was a Canonicus-class monitor, with a length of 225 feet 6 inches and a beam of 43 feet 8 inches. The ship had a draft of 13 feet 6 inches and a displacement of 1,034 tons. The Lewis Cass was powered by a steam engine and had a top speed of 8 knots. The ship was armed with two 11-inch Dahlgren guns and two 9-inch Dahlgren guns, which were mounted in a turret on the centerline of the ship. The Lewis Cass also featured a pilot house and a hurricane deck, and was crewed by 150 officers and men. The ship's design was similar to that of the USS Mahopac and the USS Saugus, and was influenced by the USS Monitor and the USS New Ironsides.

● Service

The USS Lewis Cass served in the United States Navy during the American Civil War, and was part of the James River Flotilla. The ship played a key role in the Siege of Petersburg, and was also involved in the Battle of Trent's Reach and the Battle of Dutch Gap. The Lewis Cass was commanded by Captain James S. Thornton, who had previously served on the USS Monitor, and later by Captain John C. Febiger, who had served on the USS New Ironsides. The ship was also crewed by 150 officers and men, including Lieutenant Commander George W. Brown, who had served on the USS Saugus. The Lewis Cass was decommissioned on 15 June 1865, and was sold at auction on 10 October 1867 to John Roach, a Delaware shipbuilder.

● Commanding_officers

The USS Lewis Cass had several commanding officers during its service, including Captain James S. Thornton, who commanded the ship from 7 December 1863 to 10 August 1864. Thornton was a United States Naval Academy graduate and had previously served on the USS Monitor. He was followed by Captain John C. Febiger, who commanded the ship from 10 August 1864 to 15 June 1865. Febiger was also a United States Naval Academy graduate and had previously served on the USS New Ironsides. Other notable officers who served on the Lewis Cass included Lieutenant Commander George W. Brown, who served as the ship's executive officer, and Lieutenant William H. Porter, who served as the ship's navigator. The Lewis Cass was also crewed by 150 officers and men, including Ensign Charles F. Blake, who served on the USS Saugus.

● Battles_and_operations

The USS Lewis Cass was involved in several battles and operations during the American Civil War, including the Siege of Petersburg and the Battle of Trent's Reach. The ship played a key role in the Battle of Dutch Gap, where it helped to bombard Confederate positions. The Lewis Cass was also involved in the James River Expedition, where it helped to escort Union troops up the James River. The ship was part of the James River Flotilla, which also included the USS Onondaga and the USS Atlanta. The Lewis Cass was also involved in the Appomattox Campaign, where it helped to blockade Confederate ports. The ship's actions were influenced by the Anaconda Plan, which was developed by General Winfield Scott and General Ulysses S. Grant. The Lewis Cass was decommissioned on 15 June 1865, and was sold at auction on 10 October 1867 to John Roach, a Delaware shipbuilder. Category:American Civil War ships