The USS Water Witch was a steam-powered sidewheel gunboat that was in service with the United States Navy during the mid-19th century. It was built and launched in the early 1850s, specifically for service in the rivers and coastal waters of the United States. Designed with the intention of supporting military operations in various rivers and estuaries, the Water Witch possessed a shallow draft that allowed it to navigate in shallow waters. It was armed with a combination of guns, including a mix of smoothbore cannons and rifle cannons, providing it with the capability to engage both naval and land targets. The Water Witch initially served in the Caribbean region, participating in the efforts to suppress piracy in the West Indies and the Gulf of Mexico. Later, it was involved in various operations, including surveys and expeditions along the East Coast of the United States, the Gulf Coast, and the coast of Central and South America.
Later, it was involved in various operations, including surveys and expeditions along the East Coast of the United States, the Gulf Coast, and the coast of Central and South America. During the American Civil War, the Water Witch continued its service, primarily in and around the rivers of the southeastern United States. It participated in various naval engagements and supported Union forces in their efforts to control and secure strategic waterways.
Water Witch Incident
While surveying the Paraná River in February 1855, the USS Water Witch was fired upon from the Paraguayan fort Itapirú, killing the helmsman and injuring others. The American warship had been sent to survey the Río de la Plata system, a regular undertaking by warships of the major naval powers. A year earlier, the Water Witch's commanding officer, Lieutenant Thomas Jefferson Page, had been involved in a dispute between Paraguayan president Carlos Antonio López and a U.S. business concern. As a result, Paraguay closed its waterways to foreign warships, but the United States considered the Paraná River an international waterway. In 1858 the United States dispatched a squadron of warships, which included the Water Witch, to resolve the issue. While the majority of the squadron remained downriver at Corrientes, Argentina, the Water Witch and the Fulton proceeded to Asunción, arriving in January 1859. The U.S. commissioner, James B. Rowlin, negotiated an apology, a $10,000 indemnity for the family of the slain helmsman, and a new commercial treaty between Paraguay and the United States. See alsoParaná River .
However, during the war, it faced significant challenges due to Confederate efforts to disrupt Union naval operations. One notable event involving the Water Witch occurred in 1853 when it was captured by Paraguay. At the time, the vessel was on a survey mission along the Paraguay River. The Paraguayan government claimed that the Water Witch had violated its territorial waters, leading to a diplomatic dispute between the United States and Paraguay. The vessel was eventually released after negotiations. Following the Civil War, the Water Witch returned to conducting surveys and scientific expeditions, serving in various locations around the Americas. However, by the late 19th century, as naval technology advanced and the United States Navy transitioned to more modern and advanced vessels, the Water Witch became outdated. It was decommissioned and ultimately sold for scrap in 1875, marking the end of its service with the US Navy. Overall, the USS Water Witch played a significant role in supporting US Navy operations in various rivers and coastal waters during the mid-19th century. Its shallow draft, combined with its tactical capabilities, allowed it to navigate challenging environments and fulfill its mission effectively..
Reviews for "Forgotten Battles: Reliving the History of the USS Water Witch"
1. John - 2/5 - "I was really disappointed with Uss Water Witch. The plot was confusing and hard to follow, with too many subplots that didn't contribute much to the overall story. The characters were also underdeveloped and lacked depth, making it hard to connect with them. Additionally, the pacing was incredibly slow, and I found myself struggling to stay engaged. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to others."
2. Emily - 1/5 - "I couldn't finish Uss Water Witch. The writing style was dry and monotonous, making it a chore to read. The dialogue felt forced and unrealistic, and the descriptions were overly detailed and unnecessary, slowing down the already sluggish pace even further. The lack of a clear direction in the plot was also a major drawback for me. It seemed like the story was going nowhere, and I couldn't muster any interest to keep reading. Sadly, this book wasn't for me."
3. Sarah - 2/5 - "Uss Water Witch had potential, but it fell short for me. The story started off promising, but as I continued reading, I found myself losing interest. The historical elements felt poorly researched and lacked authenticity, and I couldn't suspend my disbelief. The ending also left me unsatisfied, as it felt rushed and unresolved. Overall, I found this book mediocre at best and wouldn't recommend it to others."
4. Michael - 2/5 - "Uss Water Witch had an intriguing concept, but the execution was lacking. The writing was verbose and overly descriptive, which made it hard to stay engaged. The characters felt shallow and one-dimensional, and I didn't care about their fates. The numerous flashbacks and time jumps added to the confusion, and I found it hard to keep track of what was happening. Unfortunately, this book didn't live up to my expectations."