I watched a show on tv today about this.Great thread but i can't help wondering why tere was no attempt for escape.I understand what you said in your post but i cant help but wonder why each man was in his exact position when it was uncovered and why only 2 of the crew were confederate soldiers the rest were union or foreign.I can never know what i would in their place but it seems to me now that i would try to escape.It seems that at least one of these men would have abandoned their post unless givin to death instantly or held at gunpoint.Maybe the hatch would not open or maybe they were put in a position of permanent silence and this was a false flag to perpetuate the war.I'm no history buff but if the first crew that was killed were mostly confederate soldiers and this sub played a role in helping the south along then there is motive.A very old conspiracy possibly.