The Sinking of the Revenue Cutter Gallatin-- Part 2

The Charleston newspaper at the time reported: "We have to state a most melancholy occurrence which took place in our harbor this morning-- the blowing up of the revenue schooner Gallatin, commanded by Captain John Silliman.  She arrived here yesterday from Savannah and a cruise, and was anchored abreast of the City.

The confusion and distress which the accident occasioned, have prevented us from obtaining any correct information as to its cause, or to the number of persons who have suffered.  We have seen four of the unfortunate men who were picked up and who are lacerated and torn in a manner the most pitiable."

A year later, the March 31, 1814 Charleston newspaper reported that a diving bell had been built to help salvage ordnance and equipment from the Gallatin.  Also, it said that since the 1813 explosion, attempts had been made to raise the ship.

If they succeeded in recovering the cannons, I doubt that the current searchers are going to have much luck finding the wreck by looking for the cannons.

Hipe They Find It, Though.  --Brock-Perry