March 4, 2010

Augustus Kilty was the commander of the 510-ton Union ironclad USS Mound City when it was involved in what has been called the “most deadly shot” of the Civil War. While participating in the Engagement at St. Charles on the White River on June 17, 1862, the vessel took a single shot to the steam drum. Escaping steam scalded many of the crew, ultimately resulting in 105 deaths and forty-four injuries. Kilty ordered the disabled vessel abandoned and then towed to safety. The ship was repaired, and it served until war’s end, when it was sold at auction and salvaged.

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