The following list of steamers owned by the Georgetown captains summarizes their Civil War activity. According to the Gibsons’ dictionary six boats were listed at Shiloh. Two others were chartered during the correct period and were listed at Vicksburg in 1863 so I assume they were also at Pittsburg Landing. The Neptune crashed into the Clarksville Bridge on 19 Mar 1862 so she may not have been transporting to troops and supplies to Shiloh battlefield. I may be incorrect. The Melnotte was not chartered until 1 Apr 1863 so I have no evidence that she participated in the movement of troops in support of Shiloh. Gibson’s Dictionary does indicate that the Melnotte transported troops and artillery to counter Morgan’s Raiders who had crossed the Ohio River in Jul 1863.
Listed in
Steamer Gibsons Way Shiloh Owner/Capt
Argyle Y Y Y Jacob Poe
Clara Poe Y Y Y Thomas W Poe
Ella Y Y Chart Adam Poe
Horizon Y Y Y JT Stockdale
Jacob Poe Y Y Y Jacob Poe
Kenton Y Y Chart George W Ebert
Leonora Y Y Chart Richard Calhoon
Melnotte Y Y N Richard Calhoon
Neptune Y Y ? Adam Poe
Yorktown Y Y Y Jacob Poe
The Yorktown is a mystery. According to Way’s Directory, she was not put into service till 1863. Gibson’s Dictionary has the Yorktown in Pittsburg Landing in 1862. I do not know who is correct. Maybe another source will confirm its participation?!?
The Georgetown captains and their crews were civilians. Whether impressed or chartered by the Quartermaster, the subject of military transport by civilian crews generated legal problems in the area of discipline, pay, handling of prisoners, eligibility for pensions, etc. There was discernible friction between the military and civilian regulatory agencies. From my reading, a civilian streamer, especially if impressed, was not a good business proposition.
Part history, part puzzle?
Tags: adam poe, civil war steamboats, civil war steamers, civil war transports, george w ebert, jacob poe, jt stockdale, richard calhoon, ste neptune, str argyle, str clara poe, str ella, str horizon, str jacob poe, str kenton, str leonora, str melnotte, str yorktown, thomas w poe
Hi Fran, the Lytle-Holdcamper List has five Yorktown steamboats including the sidewheeler Yorktown built in Cincinnati in 1844 that apparently was still active until 1863 when it was sold abroad. That might explain the Yorktown active in 1862. Great web site. Ken Robison, Historian, Overholser Historial Research Center, Fort Benton, MT