Gunboat collision

“Desperate engagement, april 24th, 1862, between the United States gunboat “Varuna,” Commander Boggs, and the Confederate steam ram “J. C. Breckinridge,” and the gunboat “Governor Moore.” Captain Boggs of the “Varuna,” finding that the Confederate ram “J. C. Breckinridge” was about to run into him, put the vessel in such a position that in being damaged he could repay it with interest. On came the ram, all clad with iron about the bow, and hit the “Varuna” in the port waist, cutting and crushing in her side. she dropped alongside and cleared out to butt again. She hit the “Varuna” a second time, and while in a sinking condition the “Varuna” poured her 8-inch shells into her so fast that the Confederate was set on fire and driven on shore.” — Frank Leslie, 1896

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