Lot 998

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Description:

PREPARING FOR THE ATTACK ON FORT FISHER
GUSTAVUS V. FOX (1821-1883) Lincoln's Assistant Secretary of Navy who was critical in the planning of most of the Union's successful naval actions. Fine, important content war-date A.L.S., 4pp. 8vo., Washington, Dec. 9, 1864 to Adm. JOHN A DAHLGREN, then commanding a blockading squadron. The letter, marked "Private", sets forth preparations being undertaken for the Union assault on Fort Fisher one month hence. In part: "...We have pinched all the squadrons, as to vessels, for two months to enable [Adm. David D.] Porter to have every available vessel for his attack. We have been waiting for 12,000 men and now only get 5000 which renders our expedition rather Quixotic...I told Grant that if he considers it necessary we would abandon Wilmington and send the force to you to meet [Gen. William T.] Sherman...The Pres[iden]t feels some anxiety about Sher[man] but the rebs do not pretend too much happiness...if Sherman is to do anything to either of those cities [Savannah and Charleston] let us know early..." Superb historic content, with only mounting traces in one margin on last page. Fort Fisher, at the entrance to Wilmington Harbor, would be attacked twice. On Dec. 24, 1865 forcers under Benjamin Butler attacked, but were thrown back by Robert Hoke's division. Butler was removed, replaced by Alfred Terry, and with Porter again leading naval forces, 10,000 men stormed and took the fort on Jan. 15, 1865.

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December 9, 2015 10:30 AM EST
Chesapeake City, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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