Crew figures for USS Somers during the Mexican-American War are disputed. A possible complement of roughly 190 is contrasted with accounts of about 80 aboard under Semmes. The United States Navy lacked funding and personnel for its wartime commitments. Blockade duty still involved chasing runners through difficult waters. With fewer sailors available, maintaining the crew and managing its work became especially important.
Chapter · 9:22-10:29
USS Somers's disputed complement and understrength blockade service
Disputed crew figures suggest Somers was operating well below her possible complement while pursuing blockade runners through difficult waters.