Joseph Robert's text on Artillery is on the web, sans illustrations. Henry Larcom Abbot's text is out their on Ebay, but not available through web publication.

To be a substantial threat in an engagement of any duration the weapon has to place shot on target. Given the variation in placement of shot many tubes firing in concert would be required for desired effect, my point from near the beginning of this research.

You state that a through penetration of a monitor would not necessarily be fatal. The monitors had a factor of positive bouyancy that was marginal. I wouldn't want to depend on those Worthington pumps keeping the vessel afloat as another assemblage of plunging fire attends.

I don't believe the Montauk actually came in contact with the torpedo that damaged her. It is my belief that the torpedo was detonated from fire coming from Ft. McAllister. Both Drayton and Worden passed over the torpedo field at least twice without desired effect.

To wit: Hollowed out tree trunks banded with iron strap and firing spheres cast out of Dr. Ravenel's concrete with charge detonated by galvanic battery. A bunch of 'em near the water and aimed for an area such as the deck of a monitor. An IED for naval vessels.