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Re: Seeking investigation of collision on Potomac River
Jason Atkinson
May 21, 2020 9:49 AM
Dear Ms. Stone,
Thank you for posting your request on History Hub!
We searched the National Archives Catalog and located Statistics and Reports Concerning Casualties, 1934 - 1942 (documenting 1832 - 1942) and Index to Casualties Described in the Annual Reports, 1852 - 1911 in the Records of the Bureau of Marine Inspection and Navigation (Record Group 41) that may include information concerning the collision. However, Record Group 41 does not have the investigation files for this incident. There may be additional information in the Records of the Office of the Quartermaster General (Record Group 92). For more information about these records, please contact the National Archives at Washington, DC - Textual Reference (RDT1) via email at archives1reference@nara.gov.Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and pursuant to guidance received from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), NARA has adjusted its normal operations to balance the need of completing its mission-critical work while also adhering to the recommended social distancing for the safety of NARA staff. As a result of this re-prioritization of activities, you may experience a delay in receiving an initial acknowledgement as well as a substantive response to your reference request from RDT1. We apologize for this inconvenience and appreciate your understanding and patience.
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Re: Seeking investigation of collision on Potomac River
Karen,
My name is Catherine Weinraub and I work at the Friendship Firehouse Museum. I have been researching the U.S. Fire Steam Engine House and am also writing a paper on the Black Diamond Event. I have read your Peril on the Potomac, but was wondering if in your research, came across who was in the Engine House specifically during April 1865? Do you have an exact number or names?
Thank you,
Catherine Weinraub
Office of Historic Alexandria
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Re: Seeking investigation of collision on Potomac River
Catherine,
Information about the members of the Fire Station is very difficult to find. I had some leads on it just before COVID shut everything down but have been stopped dead in my tracks. I know the names - as I'm sure you do - of the men buried in Alexandria who were serving on Black Diamond. I have been working on the bigger picture of the event and am still identifying men lost in the collision, so have not gone into their specific biographies yet. I have read the online information which is sketchy and questionable, but have not searched their war records specifically to find out how they got into the service of the fire department in the first place.
I would love to put our masked heads together and share information if you are willing.
Karen
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Re: Seeking investigation of collision on Potomac River
Hi Karen
Welcome to History Hub
Found this while browsing the internet.
Hope it helps
Peril on the Potomac: The Sinking of Black Diamond (historynet.com)
also
Alice Lane
Research Volunteer
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Re: Seeking investigation of collision on Potomac River
Alice,
I am flattered - you sent me my own article!! I am glad it comes up as a resource...
The other blog site is also known to me. It is a good starting place if you don't know anything, but there are some issues with its information, which is not all accurate.
Thanks for at least attempting to help.
Karen
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