Hunley Update, March 13, 1996
From the Hunley Commission of the S.C. State Government, Senator
Glen McConnel, Chairman
Contents:
Coordinates and Site Protection
Since our last update there have been some important happenings
in the Hunley Commission's efforts regarding the H.L. Hunley. First,
the Navy has forwarded the Hunley coordinates to the Hunley
Commission. Those coordinates, known only to the Chairman and
myself, are being secured in a bank vault. The safety and integrity of
the Hunley are the Commission's paramount concern, and no action will
be allowed that might endanger the Hunley. The members of the
Commission have been made aware that bounties exist on the black
market for the propeller and hatch covers of the Hunley. To that end,
the Hunley commission has amended S. 1014 to exempt the Hunley
coordinates from Freedom of Information Act disclosure. The Hunley
Commission has also offered whatever assistance the State of South
Carolina can provide to the Navy and Coast Guard's protection of the
Hunley site.
Negotiations with U.S. Navy
Negotiations with the Navy on a programmatic agreement have
been proceeding nicely. The Hunley Commission has been pleased with
the Navy's new attitude toward our negotiations, and we look forward
to working as partners with the Navy in this important venture. The
Hunley Commission is hopeful that an agreement with the Navy may be
signed in the near future. The Hunley Commission wishes to thank
South Carolina's congressional delegation for their help in the continuing
negotiations. Senators Thurmond and Hollings and Congressman Spence
have been steadfast in their support of the Hunley Commission's efforts
to ensure that South Carolina retain this important piece of her heritage
and history.
Expedition Planned, Contributions Requested
Finally, the Hunley Commission is pleased to announce that a joint
expedition between the Navy and the Hunley commission to assess the
Hunley is being planned. The expedition has a tentative commencement
date of April 29, 1996, and will be led by the National Park Service.
The Hunley Commission hopes that those individuals who have shown
an interest in this project in the past consider donating money for this
important expedition. It is hoped that private contributions can be used
to offset the costs incurred during the expedition. If any individual,
company, or organization desires to make a contribution for this project,
checks should be made payable to "Fund to Save the Hunley" and
mailed to Fund to Save the Hunley, P.O. Box 12444, Columbia, SC
29211. Any contribution would be greatly appreciated.
Questions or Comments
The Hunley Commission also wishes to thank Mr. (William J.) Hamilton for
making this forum available so that the Commission can keep the public
updated on this project. If there are any questions or comments, you
can contact us at (803) 212-6340 or write the Hunley Commission at
Post Office Box 142, Columbia, South Carolina 29202 (U.S.A.).
John P. Hazzard, V
Attorney for the Hunley Commission
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