The first submarine to launch an attack
In a war of brother against brother
Once begun there was no turning back
A battle that would be like no other

Beneath the depths of the dark Atlantic
Arms cranked in unified precision
Although similar missions had faced doom
Not one man regretted his decision

The USS Housatonic held firm to the harbor
As the Siege of Charleston wore on
The Hunley crew vowed to take it out
Sinking the sloop of war before dawn

The Yankee sailors first thought it a porpoise
As the Hunley cut water at three knots
But curiosity soon turned to cold fear
On the night that none forgot

The Confederate sub plunged it's spar
Deep into the warship's stern
Seating and detonating a black powder charge
Exploding the target into a three-minute burn

Beneath Southern waters the Housatonic sank
To a grave many say it deserved
Hunley's engagement was valiantly done
The blue light was clearly observed

But lo, tragedy fell upon both sides that night
For the submarine was to war no more
Even though the daring mission was successfully completed
Mysteriously it was unable to return to shore

Resting on the floor of the great Atlantic's mouth
Death draped the CSS Hunley like a pall
Believing without waver in the cause of The South
Eight noble men had sacrificed their all

Computer generated graphic by Dan Dowdy
Courtesy of the artist.

A personal note of which I'm extremely proud...
This poem was sent to South Carolina Senator Glenn F. McConnell - Chairman of The Hunley Commission. Upon his presentation of it to the Commission it was embraced with reception and I have a letter from him requesting permission for the Hunley Commission to use it. Be assured permission was granted expeditiously!

Won't you please help preserve this national treasure for future generations. Contributions can be made online right now by visiting

Your comments are welcomed and treasured.
When e-mailing please use "Hunley" in the subject line.

 

It is with much honor and pleasure that I accept the Southern Historical
Preservation award from the Southern Women Cause Program for this
  page of tribute dedicated to the CSS Horace L. Hunley.
Thank you dear friends,

Rose Abrams 

©Robert Meyers, entitled, Oh Holy Night
 and used WITH his permission.

midi playing "The South (I Love Thee More)"

Gallant South! When the noble, the gifted, the brave
Dash'd onward to battle like wave after wave
Determin'd to die for the land they adore
Tho' vain were their efforts, I love thee the more
Tho' vain were their efforts, I love thee the more