Lot 955

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Description:

THE KEARSARGE PURSUES THE C.S.S. FLORIDA IN THE ENGLISH CHANNEL
Fine content sailor's letter written aboard the U.S.S. Kearsarge, the vessel which would sink the Confederate commerce raider CSS Alabama on June 19, 1864.The letter is written by crewman Jim Shep[?], 4pp. 8vo. (the last page partially cross-written), "Kearsarge off Brest", Oct. 12, 1863. In small part: "...the Kearsarge has finally 'hived' the Steamer Florida in this place...We heard of her being upon our cruising ground while we made at Madeira and left immediately...we were fifteen hundred miles from her...we found her in this port...We have to watch her continually...we have also to contend against the covert hostility of the French...who seem disposed to favor Mrs. Reb's escape hedging us around with neutrality restrictions while they gave the F. the hospitality of the port...when the F goes to sea, they will surround the K...and prevent her from following until 24 hours have elapsed...we may lose her again...we have no stores but we manage to get a little comfort in bed...we only hear from the States...through the telegrams...". Very good. The Florida finally left Brest on Feb. 12, 1864. Command passed to Lt. Charles Manigault Morris who made two trans-Atlantic voyages before the vessel was taken off Brazil in an illegal night attack by Commander Napoleon Collins of USS Wachusett.

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

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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