Four-fifths of the Eastport originally belonged to a man from Pulaski Co., IL--Hugh Worthington. The other 1/5 belonged to his partner in Paducah, KY. The partner had southern sympathies and let the boat be taken to be turned into a gunboat for the Confederacy. Mr. Worthington reported it stolen. It was then captured from the Confederates by the Union.

The original 4/5's owner who had purchased it, spent the remainder of his life trying to get back compensation for his loss. His widow spent her life doing the same thing. It was determined by Congress that he should receive compensation, but a "flaw" in the law regarding such cases prevented him from ever receiving anything. Congress couldn't determine which Department should pay for this.

So does the Navy still own it?
Ann