Excellent research Doyle, I thought perhaps that some one could answer the questions I had in my mind. I am surpised that the wrecks weren't removed until the 1950's, and now that you mentioned that I can recall those recovery efforts when I was visiting that part of the country at that time as a youngster. I saw the order to Roane to return to recover the guns but saw nothing as to results. The document trail seems to be still resolved. I have seen most of the letters involving this incident now but have seen very little from the Union side.