Description:

(UNION NAVY) MIDSHIPMAN JONATHAN MAYHEW WAINWRIGHT CARTE DE VISITE PHOTOGRAPHS (4)
A very fine lot of four carte de visite photographs, each approx. 2.25 x 4 in. sepia, all depicting U.S. Navy midshipman (later master) JONATHAN MAYHEW WAINWRIGHT III (1849-1870), son of Jonathan M. Wainwright, U.S. Navy commander who was killed in action during the capture of his ship, USS HARRIET LANE, at the Battle of Galveston in 1863. The first image presents an excellent, seldom- encountered view of the younger Wainwright full-length in his midshipman's uniform, almost certainly taken in 1863 upon attaining that rank and being admitted to the U.S. Naval Academy at age 14. His uniform clearly shows appropriate Civil War-era lapel insignia and buttons, while his overcoat and cap, again with insignia, rest on the table beside him. The verso bears the backstamp of photographer J. D. Fowler & Co., located ‘Opposite U. S. Naval Academy' at Newport, Rhode Island. Also shows a pencil identifying inscription, with small pin holes at the top and bottom edges, else very good. Two additional images show Wainwright at a slightly younger age, again full length in what appears to be a cadet's uniform. One example bears the backstamp of photographer Rockwood of New York, while the second bears that of Union Gallery of Danbury, Connecticut. The Rockwood example bears the pencil inscription ‘Mayhew Wainwright' beneath the image, while the Union Gallery example bears the same inscription in the same hand on the verso. The Union Gallery example also bears Wainwright's name in a different hand in black ink beneath the image, and again on the verso; it is probable that at least one of the hands represented here is Wainwright's own, although which is which is unknown. Both of these examples are trimmed at the top edge, else very good. The final image shows a 3/4-length view of Wainwright in a civilian suit, approximately age 21, almost certainly taken shortly before his death. This example bears the backstamp of Bradley & Rulofson of San Francisco, and shows some creases overall, else very good. Wainwright would be killed in action on June 17, 1870 at the Battle of Boca Teacapan in Mexico, while serving as master of the gunboat USS MOHICAN. The Mohican launched boats to find and capture the Mexican pirate vessel FORWARD, which had grounded on a shoal on the Teacapan River. When the Americans boarded the Forward, they were taken under cannon fire by the pirates from both sides of the river. Wainwright, commanding one of the Mohican's boats, was badly wounded in the chest and arm, and died aboard the Mohican the next day.

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March 27, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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