Posted by Mabry Tyson on February 12, 2004 at 11:33:09:
In Reply to: "Confederate Phoenix" book review? posted by Jim Forbus on February 12, 2004 at 04:43:47:
I don't consider myself knowledgable about the details of the (re)construction of the Virginia. Alan Flanders has long studied this.
I don't know anything about the question you're looking into. However, I would contact the Mariner's Museum which has some of Porter's drawings (which I know Alan has studied in the past). They may be able to give you the answers you're looking for.
By the way, I have a segment of this bulletin board where I record what I see as problems in books or articles. Others are welcome to add their views.