I am involved with doing research for the group that found the CSS Appomattox, scuttled by Simms after the battle of Elizabeth City. Simms returned about 8-9 days later and salvaged her. I have been trying to locate any Simms papers that might relate to his service aboard the Appomattox, especially a list he had of the CSS Virginia sailors that were sent to serve in the "mosquito fleet" prior to the battle of Roanoke Island. I suspect they made up his crew during the battles at Roanoke Island and Elizabeth City. Two lists were made. One remained in the hands of the receiving ship commander; the other went with the officer in charge of the men being sent to Roanoke Island. One spoon was found in the Appomattox wreckage with the name of a CSS Virginia crewman scratched on it, reinforcing my belief that the Virginia sailors were her crew. Thus far I only have the names of Simms and two petty officers that were assigned to the crew.

I have posted the names of the crews of all of the NC Squadron ships except the Appomattox on my website at http://ncsquadron.home.coastalnet.com/