I am researching the Confederate "mosquito fleet" destroyed at the battle of Elizabeth City on 10 February 1862. I have been unable to find any kind of crew list for either the CSS Forrest (formerly the CSS Weldon Edwards) or the CSS Appomattox (formerly the chartered Empire from Norfolk, VA). Does anyone have any information on these ships or their crews?

The Appomattox was pressed into service sometime after early December 1861, most likely in response to Burnside's Expedition. The CS Navy had rejected purchasing her a couple of months earlier after pulling her out of the water and completing a thorough examination. The CSS Virginia's Lt. Charles C. Simms commanded her in the battles of Roanoke Island and Elizabeth City. I suspect but cannot yet prove that she was crewed by volunteers from the Virginia. 20 Virginia crew members were sent to Flag Officer Lynch at Roanoke Island in early 1862, before the Virginia was commissioned. They were on the receiving ship CSS United States at the time, awaiting the completion of the Virginia.

The Forrest was renamed sometime in late December 1861 or early January 1862. Lt. James Hoole commanded her. Disabled in the battle of Roanoke Island, she was towed to Elizabeth City for repairs. She was destroyed on the marine railway to prevent her capture during the battle of Elizabeth City. Along with Hoole, the only names of crew members I have seen are Midshipman Robert Camm and William O'Mara.