TIL about the Battle of Cherbourg. The Wikipedia page for the CSS Alabama has a nice write-up of the battle.
The captain of CSS Alabama issued a cocky challenge to the Union ship Kearsarge, which was waiting outside the harbor:
my intention is to fight the Kearsarge as soon as I can make the necessary arrangements. I hope these will not detain me more than until to-morrow or the morrow morning at farthest. I beg she will not depart until I am ready to go out. I have the honor to be Your obedient servant, R. Semmes, Captain.
When the time comes for battle, CSS Alabama proceeded to get shot to pieces in an hour. Then, the cherry on top:
As Alabama sank, the injured Semmes threw his sword into the sea, depriving Kearsarge’s commander, Winslow, of the traditional surrender of the sword (an act which was seen as dishonorable by many at the time).
TIL about the Battle of Cherbourg. The Wikipedia page for the CSS Alabama has a nice write-up of the battle.
The captain of CSS Alabama issued a cocky challenge to the Union ship Kearsarge, which was waiting outside the harbor:
When the time comes for battle, CSS Alabama proceeded to get shot to pieces in an hour. Then, the cherry on top:
Lol, get rekt Semmes, you sore loser.