Bombing Union Ships become Confederate Balloon Targets
Nascent B-52
About 12 and a half years ago I took a boat tour in Chattanooga. The guide said that the blue herons on the Tennessee River were referred to as the “Confederate Air Force”. Whoever came up with the following idea beat the birds to it. Professor Lowe might be impressed.
From the Richmond Daily Dispatch December 23, 1861:
“Squelching” the Blockaders
–An Original Idea.–A correspondent from Jeffries Creek sends us the following suggestion, which certainly possesses the merit of intense originality:
“Among the many projects for destroying the blockade, the following plan seems to me to combine less risk of life than would attend any other with an equal chance of success; Prepare a number of large iron shells, loaded with 100 lbs. of powder, and a due proportion of destructive missiles. Let the shells be heavier on one side, and let this side be fitted with nipples for percussion caps, communicating with the charge. Take these shells up in balloons, and when at a convenient altitude above the blockading squadron allow them to descend upon the enemy’s decks. The shells should be of sufficient weight to penetrate the deck of any vessel upon which they might be dropped. Even if this plan were impracticable upon the seas, it might serve to clear our harbors, such as Tybee and Port Royal.”–Mercury.
