CHARLES W. ZIMMERMAN, LT, USN

Charles Zimmerman '62

Date of birth: 1842

Age: ~20

Naval Academy Register

Charles William Zimmerman was admitted to the Naval Academy from Maryland on September 20, 1858 at age 15 years 10 months.

Loss

Charles was killed in action on January 1, 1863 when USS Westfield (1861) prematurely exploded when he was attempting to destroy the vessel. Several others of his party were also killed. The vessel was aground in Galveston Harbor.

Biography

From researcher Kathy Franz:

From Baltimore, Charles was assigned to the sloop Savanah when his class was sent into active duty in May 1861. On February 7, 1862, he sent a letter requesting appointment as acting master. At the bottom, Commander John Missroon wrote a note with his “assurance of his entire fitness for the position in every respect.” Charles’ letter of October 18 acknowledged his promotion to Lieutenant. It was sent from the Westfield moored at Charleston Harbor. When the Confederates recaptured Galveston, Texas, on January 1, 1863, Commander William Renshaw, Charles, and others died while blowing up the Westfield.
Charles’ parents were George Jacob and Mary E. (Megahey.) They married on April 6, 1840, and had four children: George, Charles, Joseph and Mary. While in the Navy, his brother Joseph died of yellow fever on October 19, 1866, at Port au Prince, Haiti. One month earlier, Charles’ grandfather, Christian Zimmerman, died on September 22 at the age of 81.
Charles’ father George, a master carpenter and builder (and reverend) in Baltimore, built a two-story, white marble bank building and a restaurant in 1858. As a reverend of the Methodist Episcopalian Church, he later held services at the Friendsbury Methodist Chapel with “open-air services on the lawn at 5 p.m.” He was typically called Colonel when, as a Republican, he ran for the 12th Ward council. Active in the Seaman’s Union Bethel (with Relief of Seaman’s Widows,) he also served with organizations which helped the poor, orphans, and colored children. The inscription on his headstone is from a hymn: “We shall meet our loved ones gone … some sweet day.”
Charles' mother Mary received an approved pension of $12/month in 1890 until her death in 1897.
Charles' siblings were Mary L. (Mrs. Buttram,) George, a dairyman; Joseph; Jennie (Mrs. Brown;) Mary; Emma; Harry, a store clerk; Fanny (Mrs. Frank Hellen;) Clara; and William. Joseph was attached to the Bienville when he died of yellow fever on October 19, 1866. His name is on Charles' monument.
Sister Fanny had an unusual wedding in December 1883. All weekend, she was visited by two suitors, Mr. Hammond and Mr. Frank Hellen. Frank had Fanny in his carriage when the former showed up in his. After several hours going around town, Frank preferred charges at the western police station that Hammond tried to kill him. Hammond was arrested, and Fanny and Frank immediately got married in the parsonage of the Chatsworth Street Independent Methodist Church.

He is buried in Maryland and is listed on the killed in action panel in the front of Memorial Hall. Charles was survived by his parents and younger brother.

Letters

From researcher Kathy Franz:

In Charles' pension file, it was stated that he had sent $50 to his mother and intended to give his parents half his pay from then on. Also, he sent her $90 just before his death.
Attorney John M. Carter wrote a deposition that told of the dire straits of his parents in Baltimore in 1862. He was of the same age as Charles and wrote that Charles' “rapid promotion was due to unusually gallant services and his death was due to the fact that he remained last on board the ship to fire the train which exploded the magazine, to prevent the vessel (which was aground) from falling into the hands of the enemy. He was a dutiful and affectionate son and manifested the strongest attachment for his parents during my whole acquaintance with him.”
Charles' pension file also included letters that he wrote his parents.
U. S. Sloop of War Savannah
Off Cape Hatteras, July 29th, 1861
Dear Father:
Having a few spare moments I set me down to pen you a few lines, but I have not the least idea when I will be able to send them, however it will be better to send a stale letter than none at all, so I will have one ready in case I get a chance, and will keep adding on to it every day. I have been and am now well, and hope this may find all the family well. I have had a great deal to do since I came aboard, as our crew is composed mostly of merchant men, sailors, and landsmen, and are consequently very green. They do not understand Man of War life and consequently we have to learn them everything. I get along very well with the officers aboard here, and my watch officer, who is a Marylander and a fine officer and gentleman, does everything he can to help me, and to learn me things about a ship which I do not understand. But I suppose you want to hear about my cruize so far. Well I will commence from the first. After sailing from New York we started for Hampton Roads, where we arrived safe and sound and anchored off Fortress Monroe. Here we lay for several days when Flag Office Stringham in command of the Squadron ordered us off to the Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Our station is from Cape Henry to Cape Hatteras where we have been cruising ever since. We have chased several full vessels, and overhauled others. We have not been lucky enough to catch any privateers, but we caught one of the prizes captured by his privateers. He did not exactly capture it but something just as good.
On the 24th early in the morning, we discovered two sails about 5 miles off, one being a Brig and the other a Schooner.
We immediately gave chase when the Brig left the Schooner and started off under all sail. We gave up the Schooner knowing that the Brig would make the best prize. After running all the morning off shore, at noon both the Brig and our ship stood for shore. At 1 p.m. the Brig stood on sand on purpose ran high and lnj(?) on the beach, out of range of our guns, and where our ship could not get on account of shallow water to do of any harm.
Fortunately the “Union” one of the steamers lately purchased by the government, ran close by us this morning and we informed her Captain of the circumstance and she being of light draft we sent her in close to the Brig. She sent off a boat and set the Brig on fire and by sundown she was burnt to the water's edge. She was loaded with machinery from Boston. It was a pity that we could not secure either the men or her cargo. The men escaping in boats the day she grounded and the Brig being aground we could not get off her cargo. Well they did not make much that time, but in fact lost as they were obliged to leave everything on board.
The Roanoke one of our steam frigates passed to day about 9 o'clock. We fired a salute in honor of the flag officer who is aboard her. I want you to excuse the letter as the ship is rolling and I am writing with a candle. There is a Battery not far from here and there is some talk that we will attack it in a few days. Well I am ready and so are the crew. They are dying for a fight. I have command of 4 guns manned by 6 men and I am certain that they will fight. We heard to day of the victory quoted by the Southern Confederates. It has caused a great deal of excitement both among the officers and sailors.
The great fault was that the Northerners underrated the Southerners both in regard to number and valor. That is where they made a mistake but they must live and learn.
There is a great deal of talk about putting Merchant Captains in the Navy and put them above Lieutenants. If they do I will not submit and I heard our Lieutenants say they would resign first as soon as they do so. It will be the breaking up of our Navy for officers who have served faithfully for 20/25 years in the Navy will not be thus imposed upon and I do not blame them the least.
July 31st, 1861.
Since I last wrote, one thing of importance has occurred, we have been running up and down the coast of North Carolina, and have not had the good luck of falling in with a single vessel. I begin to get tired of Blockading, as we see the same thing over and over again, nothing new to attract the attention, nobody to see and besides we are in sight of land nearly all the time and then cannot get ashore. I would give anything if we could leave for a foreign station or else have an engagement, something to kill time. I would like to get home for awhile if I could only get off, but I will have to wait for two long years before I can get home, and will be quite a man by the time you see me again. I hope you will enjoy good health while I am gone and when I return I hope I will find you all as when I left, and I hope you will find me the same. We have had a calm for the last two days and the ship has hardly moved an inch.
There has been a little breeze to day and I hope it will continue as nothing is so disagreeable at sea as a calm.
August 1st 1861
Well I have a few more spare moments and I will occupy them in the pleasant manner of writing to you. Well I will tell you a little more news about my cruize. Last night a steamer came toward us and we hoisted our night signal which she did not answer. All hands were called to quarters at 11:30 P.M. The guns cast loose and the battle lanterns lit and every preparation for fighting was made.
She came nearer and nearer till the crew and officers were excited to the highest pitch, and at the very moment when we were about firing she hauled and told us that it was the U. S. gunboat Penquin. She did not act right at all for she should have answered our signal and besides she ought to have kept her lights going all the time and if she had continued five minutes more we would have blown her out of water. So after all the excitement we were compelled to turn on again disappointed. Well I have some more news. A small boat carrying a flag of truce came alongside from the coast of North Carolina and it contains the crew of the Brig which we ran ashore and burned the other day. I have told you in this previous part of this letter.
The Captain told us that she was captured by one of Jeff Davis's privateers, and that the prize master ran her ashore and he saw that we were in pursuit of her. We and our Captain then retired to the Cabin where they had a long and a private conversation of which we know nothing; anyhow he left the ship and we found out that he was then off for Hampton Roads.
I would like to know what his business was but then it belongs only to the Captain to know, so I must remain contented without knowing. Nothing besides this has occurred to day so I will close for to day.
I am very anxious that we should meet some vessel that will carry our letters for I know that you feel very anxious about me. I will come out all right in the end so be of good heart.
I want to hear from home very much for I have not heard a word from your or any one in Baltimore for over a month although I have written several letters since we left Brooklyn Navy Yard.
As there is a steamer coming alongside I will again close by sending my love to all.
Your loving son
Charles W. Zimmerman
Midshipman U. S. Navy
USS Savannah
August 4th
Unfortunately the steamer could not take our letters so I open it again. I have no more news to tell you, but that I am still well and hope this will find you the same. As there is another steamer in sight I will again close by sending my love. Your son, C. W. Z.

U. S. Sloop of War Savannah
Off Savannah River Oct 27, 1861.
We have been making preparations aboard ship for the bad weather which will soon set in, and the ship will look quite different when we get through. I suppose you would like to know what I think of our newCommander.
From a week's experience I like him very much. He is a fine man. Perhaps it may surprise you when I tell you that the Captain, 2nd & 3rd Lieutenants, Purser, and Lieut of Marines, are Southerners, which with myself makes 5 on board. The Cap't is from S. Carolina, the 2nd Lieut from Kentucky, but a resident of Maryland, and the other three are native born Marylanders. Maryland is certainly well represented on board the Savannah. There is only one black sheep on the ship.
He is one of my mess, and the Captains clerk. He is from Boston, and a blacker Abolitionist never lived. He thinks all Southerners are traitors, but he is mistaken. I have not spoken to him for three months, and none of the officers have anything to do with him. He knows one thing and that is of all the Southerners on board, none have proved themselves cowards as he has done in both of the engagements that we had. I am glad that everybody does not think as he does for some know that the four Southerners who remain in the service are true.
This is very forcibly shown by the officers of this station.
The Commodore of the Northern, and the Commodore of the Southern portion of this squadron are both Southerners. The Captain of the Cumberland is a Southerner, as is also the Captain of the Wabash, Potomac and Savannah and I believe the Minnesota. The Vandalia is also commanded by a Southern officer. On the other stations, the Saratoga, Keystone State, Alabama, St Lawrence, Sabine, Huntsville, Union, Heanne Jeannie(?), Pocahontas, Alleghany, Thos. Freeborn, and the Monticello are commanded by Southerners besides some few others officers who are now in command of vessels on their way from foreign stations.
This certainly shows that the government has still confidence in Southerners. I am very much pleased to see this for I was afraid that as so many Southern officers had resigned they would be predjudiced [sic] against those who remained. I heard that the Maryland Regiment which had enlisted on the Confederate side had thrown down their arms, and refused to fight against Maryland. Whether this is true or not I do not know but I think they were foolish in the first place to leave their state and property and go against that state which had raised them, and which had given them a living. You must excuse all mistakes and blots in this letter and also repetitions for I have been so long in writing it, that I have some things written over once or twice. You cannot write a letter well aboard ship anyhow as you are constantly called away and perhaps will not get a chance of writing again for a whole day. You must also recollect in reading this letter that I have been carrying it forward for nearly a month. I suppose I will have to close for if I write much more I shall tire you out with it for I do not suppose you are used to reading such long letters. Now I do not expect an answer quite as lengthy as this, but I want you to tell me all that has been going on since I left Hampton Roads.
October 29th, 1861.
Well we are on the lookout for the steamer Rhode Island for this is the day we expect to see her on her return trip. I will close therefore with this sheet hoping to hear from you soon, and to hear that you and the family have all been well. Do not forget that the 21st of next month is my 19th birthday. I suppose I will have to wait till this war is over before I can enjoy my birthdays as I formerly did. George and I will begin to make you feel like growing old. He will soon be a man, and will have to lookout for himself. I hope he will get into some good and profitable business. Poor fellow, he has not been as fortunate as myself, for I have nearly supported myself for the past three years, and have a prospect of doing so for many more. I expect always to leave part of my pay to you and as I do not intend to marry for many years to come, and will be promoted soon I will be able to help you considerably. You will find that I never will forget the trials, troubles, and expense that I have caused for you, but will ever consider it my holy duty to lookout for my parents and family. I will not be like one of my cousins who as soon as he begins to feel manish go off and get married when he ought to have supported his mother, brothers and sister. I refer to Alonzo Cuddy. I think he acted in a very mean manner in acting thus.
He was hardly making money enough to support them without bringing more expense upon himself.
That is the way in which some children return thanks to those who have toiled and wearied to bring them up. I hope none of your children will act thus for I know it would hurt you very much.
Give my love and a kiss to Mary, George, Josey, Ginnie, Emma, Harry and Fannie. To all my relatives and friends, and for yourself accept my best wishes and love. May God bless and protect you all. Good Bye.
Your loving son
Midshipman Charles W. Zimmerman
U. S. Navy
U. S. Sloop of War Savannah
Atlantic Blockading Squadron.
Direct to me. USS Savannah, Atlantic Blockading Squadron, and I will get your letter by the first steamer or vessel that comes this way. Do not put on it, off Savannah, for I may leave here before it arrives.
October 31st 1861.
Well I was disappointed in getting a chance to send you my letter but I have now some important news to tell you.
This afternoon as the Monticello was cruising along the coast [rest not copied.]

“U. S. Steamer “Westfield”, Pensacola Harbor, Sept. 16th, 1862.
Dear Father:
As the mail has not yet closed I thought I would write a few more lines. I have already written two letters to you, but they go by a sailing vessel. This one goes by the Connecticut. The reason I write this is to let you know that I have sent you a box containing a full dress Middie's uniform, several books and fifty dollars in money by the U. S. Barque A. Houghton. As you will get this before she arrives at New York which will be in some 10 or 12 days hence you can be on the lookout for it. I have directed it to your house, S. W. cor McCollough and Dolphin streets, so I guess it will reach you. If it does not make inquiries at the Adams Express Co's office for it.
The Equinoctial gales are now raging in all their fury, but thank goodness we are in a snug harbor. Last year I was off Savannah when it came on and had a very rough time of it.
I do not want to see any more gales in a Ferry-Boat, as the two we had when we were coming down perfectly satisfied me that Ferry Boats were not made to go to sea.
I hear that government is still buying . . . [next part not copied]
left home. I am 5 ft 8 ½ inches in height, a little stouter than I was, and with as huge a pair of whiskers as you ever saw. Tell George I can beat him to pieces on raising whiskers.
I have been thinking that George will have to enlist now. I hope not as he is not used to that sort of living, and since he did not go at first I do not like to see him go now.
Let every family send one representative as you have done and we will have a large army. You need one of your sons at home to help and lookout for you. I am sorry George has no employment as he will learn to be lazy, and that is not a feature of the Zimmerman family. I have not time to write more, so I will bid you good night. Give my love to Ma, Geo and all the children. Kiss them all for me. Remember me kindly to my relatives and friends, and for yourself accept the best wishes of
Your affectionate son, Chas. W. Zimmerman
Executive Officer
U. S. Steamer “Westfield”
Mortar Flotilla
Western Gulf Squadron.

U. S. Steamer “Westfield”
December 9th, 1862
Dearest Mother:
I closed rather abruptly the other day as I thought I had a chance to send my letter, but I was mistaken. The vessel I was going to [ ] by was only going to Pensacola and I thought I might as well wait for the Rhode Island. Nothing of importance has occurred since my last writing. We are going to get another nine inch gun to-morrow in place of our rifle. This is a poor change but it is the best we can do at present. We are still looking anxiously for the Rhode Island, as she is overdue. We all want to hear from home. I hope I shall for I must say you have all treated me meanly. The last letter I received from home was September 28th, now nearly three months. I do not know how to account for it, unless the mails have been miscarried for I do not think you would treat me so bad as that. You ought to write so as to be able to send by the Rhode Island or Connecticut. When you write direct in care of Naval Lyceum Brooklyn Navy Yard. Thus, Lieut. C. W. Z. USS Westfield. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron care of Naval Lyceum Brooklyn Navy Yard.
December 10th, 1862.
We have been quite busy to day taking in the nine inch gun which I told you about yesterday. We have it now on board and ready for action. We have also been watering a coal Bark which we have discharged our Captain is going to send to New Orleans with some 25 or 30 refugees who will no doubt enlist in our Army. Some would enlist in the Navy but we are full, and besides we are short of provisions.
We have got so far to the Westward that our Commodore or rather Admiral seems to have forgotten us. If he does not send a coal vessel here soon, we will be in a great way for the Ferry-boats have no sails to help them along.
December 12th, 1862.
It has been blowing a NE gale all day, with rain squalls at intervals. I have no news to tell you to day, as we have been laying still all day.
The Rebels have not captured us yet, nor do I think they ever will.
December 25th 1862.
It has been sometime since I wrote any in my letter, owing to not having anything to write about. There is a Rifle gun outside for us but it has been too rough for us to get it. I do not know what size it is, but it is smaller than our 100 pounder. 250 soldiers arrived here yesterday and are landing to day. It is perfectly absurd to send so few men here, while the Rebels have over a thousand men not three miles from them. It only gives us more to protect than to help defend the city. I believe there is more coming but they ought all to come together not in handfuls. This is a very dreary Christmas. No excitement, no amusement, nothing to pass away the day. It only makes me recollect the happy ones I have spent at home with more pleasure. I hope my brothers and sisters will think of me while they are enjoying themselves at home while I am many many miles from that good old home we all love so well.

Career

From the Naval History and Heritage Command:

Acting Midshipman, 20 September, 1858. Acting Master, 12 February, 1862. Lieutenant, 1 August, 1862. Killed in Battle, 1 January, 1863.

Navy Directories & Officer Registers

The "Register of Commissioned and Warrant Officers of the United States Navy and Marine Corps" was published annually from 1815 through at least the 1970s; it provided rank, command or station, and occasionally billet until the beginning of World War II when command/station was no longer included. Scanned copies were reviewed and data entered from the mid-1840s through 1922, when more-frequent Navy Directories were available.

The Navy Directory was a publication that provided information on the command, billet, and rank of every active and retired naval officer. Single editions have been found online from January 1915 and March 1918, and then from three to six editions per year from 1923 through 1940; the final edition is from April 1941.

The entries in both series of documents are sometimes cryptic and confusing. They are often inconsistent, even within an edition, with the name of commands; this is especially true for aviation squadrons in the 1920s and early 1930s.

Alumni listed at the same command may or may not have had significant interactions; they could have shared a stateroom or workspace, stood many hours of watch together… or, especially at the larger commands, they might not have known each other at all. The information provides the opportunity to draw connections that are otherwise invisible, though, and gives a fuller view of the professional experiences of these alumni in Memorial Hall.