Back to the DANFS and Silverton's entry on the destruction of the PONCHARTRAIN for a moment.

1921 publication, Naval OR's Ser.II, Vol 1, Statistical Data of Union and Confederate Ships; Muster Roles of Confederate Government Vessels; Letters of Marque and Reprisals; Confederate Department Investigations, page 263, The disposition of the PONCHARTRAIN is stated as;

"burn by the Confederates, 1863 on the Arkansas River to avoid Capture."

Clearly DANFS and Silverton's information are in contridiction to this Official Records entry, and historical events, which are supported by comtemporary accounts.