Despite the foreboding of yet another serious snowstorm poised to paralyze the greater Boston area, a respectable number of friends and chapter members shrugged off the ominous threats of inclement weather to attend what proved to be a wonderful presentation.
Using historic photographs and news accounts, readings from his book, and even poetry of the day, Mindell delivered a most creative presentation. Taking us on a journey through the eyes of William F. Keeler, formerly an Illinois watchmaker who found himself assigned to the Monitor as Assistant Paymaster, Mindell recounted life aboard the ship, which, with its constant leaking, poor ventilation, and insufferable heat, surely must have been an exhausting trial for its crew.
In addition to recounting the background and events of the Civil War leading up to the development of this new weapon of destruction. Mindell provided a fascinating portrayals of the men involved with this project, including Paymaster Keeler, John Ericcson, the Swedish inventor and master engineer who created the Monitor, and Capt. Jeffers, the pessimistic Captain assigned its command. All played a role in what emerged as a hotly-debated issue within the Navy, the government, and the press, namely, what would prove more effective in naval warfare - engineering or experience?
On March 9,1862, The USS Monitor battled the CSS Virginia (originally the Merrimack) in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Although the Monitor's key strategic value in the war may have been in blockading this gateway to Chesapeake Bay, the battle became legend as a public event, taking place in full view of tens of thousands of troops from both Union and Confederate sides, as well as British and French warships and a multitude of other spectators. After firing away at each other for more than four hours, the Monitor drifted away having inflicting severe damage on the Merrimack, though the question as to who exactly "won" the battle has continued to fuel controversy and debate.
On New Year's Eve, 1862, the Monitor sank in a gale off Cape Hatteras; 16 hands were lost, but 48 others, including Keeler, survived to recount the ship's last moments. The Monitor's subsequent location and salvage were the subject of a recent NOVA film, including a graphic portrayal of the difficulties in retrieving the vessel's propeller in the treacherous Cape Hatteras waters.
Dr. Mindell continues his efforts to develop the new field of Deep Sea Archeology. Working with Dr. Robert Ballard, he has participated in expeditions to locate and explore the USS Yorktown, Roman, Carthaginian and Phoenician shipwrecks in the Mediterranean and ancient human habitations at
the bottom of the Black Sea. We look forward to hearing him again speak about his research and endeavors.