Over the past 6 months I have learned a great deal about the CSS Alabama.
However my specific interest lies in the construction of the ship - the period after issue of contract to Lairds (August 1861) to sailing from the Mersey (August 1862),
For example, when, after August 1861, did the various stages of construction take place - Initial design, Model building, keel laid, planked and caulked, decks fitted, superstructure fitted, etc (all on the slipway at the southern end of Lairds) then, after launching and towing to Dock No4 in May 1861, when were the masts and engines fitted.
Any info on this would be most appreciated