U.S.S. Althea, Converted Tug Gunboat, cover franked with a target-canceled 3¢ rose (65) postmarked Philadelphia, Sep 18, 1864, with a straightline "U.S. SHIP"; addressed to "Mrs. John G. Douglas, Peterboro, N.Y."; opened somewhat roughly at the right, Fine to Very Fine,
John G Douglass enlisted in the Union Navy at New York on April 1, 1864. His records indicate he was a "colored" landsman assigned to the yet-to-be-commissioned Althea as a cook. Althea muster records show him present in September of 1864. The U.S. SHIP (fewer than 100 known - Milgram) was applied in Philadelphia where the letter arrived on the 20th aboard the U.S.S. Bermuda, a captured blockade-runner used as a supply ship operating between the Gulf and Philadelphia. At the time, Althea was operating on the west coast of Florida. Peterboro, N.Y., was an abolitionist town and a stop on the Underground Railroad, a safe place for the wife of a black sailor.
Althea was a screw steamer used by the Navy as an armed tugboat. She briefly assisted with the C.S.S. Albemarle threat before reaching Mobile Bay the day of Farragut's victory. A mine sank her six months later, resulting in the loss of most of her records. She was subsequently salvaged. Suggested Bid $50-75 (Image)
Suggested Bid $50-75
Opening US$ 80.00
Sold...US$ 80.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 80
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3037
Symbol: Cat No: 65
U.S.S. Brandywine, Frigate, cover addressed to "Paymaster Thos. H. Looker U.S.N., U.S. Frigate 'Brandywine', Off Fortress Monroe, Old Point, Va." franked with a 3¢ rose (65) tied by a target cancel and a Nov 11 (1861) New York c.d.s.; includes the original three-page letter from Looker's wife, datelined Hoboken, N.J., Nov 10; very roughly opened at the top with part of top flap missing, Fine,
Originally built in 1825 as the 44-gun frigate Susquehanna , her first task was to transport the Marquis de Lafayette back to France. She was renamed Brandywine in honor of the battle in which Lafayette was wounded while fighting with American forces. She was later recommissioned a number of times for service in various theaters, finally in October 1861, when she joined the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, most of the time stationed off of Fortress Monroe. Suggested Bid $50-75 (Image)
Suggested Bid $50-75
Opening US$ 40.00
Sold...US$ 40.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 40
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3038
Symbol: Cat No: 65
U.S.S. Colorado, Screw Frigate, cover with manuscript endorsement "From U.S. Ship 'Colorado'", franked with a pair of cork-canceled 3¢ rose (65) and postmarked with a partial 1863 New York c.d.s., to Winchester, Mass.; reduced slightly at the left; stamps extend just beyond edge at the top, Fine to Very Fine,
Colorado joined the Gulf Blockading Squadron in June 1861 taking blockade-runners and conducting raids. She was reassigned to the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron in October 1864 and participated in the bombardment and capture of Fort Fisher at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, Wilmington, N.C., in January 1865. Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
Suggested Bid $100-150
Opening US$ 70.00
Sold...US$ 70.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 70
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3039
Symbol: Cat No: 65
U.S.S. Colorado, Screw Frigate, cover addressed to "Dr. Robert Willard, Assist. Surg U.S.N., U.S. Frigate Colorado, Fortress Monroe, Hampton Roads, Va.", franked with a neatly cork-canceled 3¢ rose (65) and postmarked with a red May 25 (1861?) Boston c.d.s., Very Fine,
Colorado joined the Gulf Blockading Squadron in June 1861 taking blockade-runners and conducting raids. She was reassigned to the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron in October 1864 and participated in the bombardment and capture of Fort Fisher at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, Wilmington, N.C., in January 1865. Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
Suggested Bid $100-150
Opening US$ 100.00
Sold...US$ 100.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 100
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3040
Symbol: Cat No: U35
U.S.S. Colorado, Screw Frigate, 3¢ entire (U35) with manuscript endorsement "From U.S. Frigate Colorado", cork-canceled and postmarked with a mostly clear Jan 8 Old Point Comfort, Va. c.d.s., to Freetown, Maine; edge flaws, Fine,
Colorado joined the Gulf Blockading Squadron in June 1861 taking blockade-runners and conducting raids. She was reassigned to the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron in October 1864 and participated in the bombardment and capture of Fort Fisher at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, Wilmington, N.C., in January 1865. Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
Suggested Bid $100-150
Opening US$ 60.00
Sold...US$ 60.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 60
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3041
Symbol: Cat No: 65
U.S.S. Commodore McDonough, Side-Wheel Gunboat, cover addressed to "Joseph W. Goodwin, U.S. Steamer Comor. McDonough, Port Royal or Eslewhere, S.C.", franked with a target-canceled 3¢ rose (65) and postmarked with mostly clear Feb 15 South Berwick Junction, Me. c.d.s.; reduced slightly at the left, otherwise Very Fine,
Commodore McDonough, with a complement of 75, started life as a New York City ferry. Converted to a gunboat, she served blockade operations and in the rivers of South Caroloina covering troop landings, conducting reconnaissance and bombarding shore installations. Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
Suggested Bid $100-150
Opening US$ 75.00
Sold...US$ 75.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 75
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3042
Symbol: Cat No: 65
U.S.S. Commodore McDonough, Side-Wheel Gunboat, cover addressed to "Mr. Joseph W. Goodwin, U.S.Sh. Commodore Mcdonough, Port Royal or Elsewhere, S.C.", franked with a 3¢ rose (65) tied by one of two strikes Oct 7 North Berwick, R.I. c.d.s.'s, Fine to Very Fine,
Commodore McDonough was a sidewheel ferryboat acquired by the Navy and refitted as a gunboat. She was commissioned in November 1862 and in December of that year joined the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, where she remained, primarily off Charleston, for the duration of the war. Due to her shallow draft, as a former ferry, she often cruised up the many rivers of the region, bombarding shore installations and supporting troop operations. Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
Suggested Bid $100-150
Opening US$ 55.00
Sold...US$ 55.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 55
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3043
Symbol: Cat No: 65
U.S.S. Contoocook, Screw Sloop of War, cover with a red Adams Express Co. illustrated corner card featuring Mercury/Hermes addressed to "Lt Comd W.R. Bridgeman, U. S. S. Contoocook, Norfolk Navy Yard, Va.", franked with a 3¢ rose (65) tied by an elaborate cork cancel and postmarked with a light Aug 12 Old Point Comfort, Va. c.d.s.; two small repairs at the top where it is reduced slightly (no top flap), perforation damage due to stamps' edge-placement, Very Fine appearance. A handsome cover with a very rare Adams Express corner card,
Contoocook was launched December 3, 1864, at Portsmouth Navy Yard and commissioned March 14, 1868, commanded by Captain George Balch. Her first cruise, as flagship of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, took her to the West Indies, where she patrolled extensively for the protection of American interests during 1868 and 1869. Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
Suggested Bid $100-150
Opening US$ 160.00
Sold...US$ 160.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 160
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3044
Symbol: Cat No: 65
U.S.S. Daylight, Screw Steamer, small cover addressed to "Henry A. Phelan Comd'g., U. S. Str. Daylight, James River, Va.", franked with a 3¢ rose (65) with a neat circle-of-Vs cancel and a light Norwich, Con. c.d.s., Nov 24, 1864; reduced just a tad at the left, Very Fine,
Daylight, with a complement of 57, was assigned to the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. She spent most of her time on guard and picket duty on the James River. Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
Suggested Bid $100-150
Opening US$ 65.00
Sold...US$ 65.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 65
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3045
Symbol: Cat No: 65
U.S.S. Emma, Steel Hull Screw Steamer, small lady's envelope addressed to "Mr. William H. Manning, U S Steamer Emma, North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Beaufort, N.C.", franked with a grid-canceled 3¢ rose (65) and postmarked with a light Deerfield, N.J. c.d.s., Mar 4 (1864); reduced slightly at the right, Fine to Very Fine, Ex-Walske,
Emma was a captured Southern blockade-runner that was purchased by the Navy from the New York Prize Court in September 1863 and commissioned in November 1863, joining the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. She took part in both Battles of Fort Fisher in December 1864 and January 1865. On April 26, 1865, Emma sailed from Fort Caswell, N.C., with an urgent message from General Sherman to Rear Admiral Dahlgren, commander of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, warning the Admiral that Jefferson Davis and his cabinet, not yet located, might attempt to escape to Cuba by way of Florida. Suggested Bid $75-100 (Image)
Suggested Bid $75-100
Opening US$ 60.00
Sold...US$ 60.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 60
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3046
Symbol:
U.S.S. Emma, Steel Hull Screw Steamer, small lady's envelope addressed to "Mr. William H. Manning, Beaufort, North Carolina at (…), U S Steamer Emma, North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, N.C.", franked with a grid-canceled 3¢ rose (65) and postmarked with a light Deerfield, N.J. c.d.s., Jan 14 (1865), reduced slightly at the right, Fine,
Emma was a captured Southern blockade-runner that was purchased by the Navy from the New York Prize Court in September 1863 and commissioned in November 1863, joining the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. She took part in both Battles of Fort Fisher in December 1864 and January 1865. On April 26, 1865, Emma sailed from Fort Caswell, N.C., with an urgent message from General Sherman to Rear Admiral Dahlgren, commander of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, warning the Admiral that Jefferson Davis and his cabinet, not yet located, might attempt to escape to Cuba by way of Florida. Suggested Bid $50-75 (Image)
Suggested Bid $50-75
Opening US$ 90.00
Sold...US$ 90.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 90
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3047
Symbol: Cat No: 65
U.S.S. Flag, Screw Steamer, cover addressed to "Mr. Henry S. Robinson, Asst Engineer on, Steamer Flag, Hampton Roads", franked with a grid-canceled 3¢ rose (65) and postmarked with a bold Worcester, Mass. c.d.s., Nov 1 (1861); reduced slightly at the left, Fine to Very Fine. Henry Robinson's commission was revoked in March 1862, meaning this letter would have been 1861.,
Flag, as part of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, captured or shared in the capture/destruction of many blockade-runners. Along with Seneca and Pocahontas, she took possession of Tybee Island, from where the Union Army was able to bombard and capture Fort Pulaski. She participated in the capture of Fernandina, Fla., in March 1862, and in the general engagement of the fleet with the forts in Charleston Harbor in April 1863 . Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
Suggested Bid $100-150
Opening US$ 65.00
Sold...US$ 65.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 65
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3048
Symbol: Cat No: Du
U.S.S. Flag, Screw Steamer, cover with manuscript endorsement "Ship Letter, From U.S. Steamer, Flag", handstamped with a partial "(Du)e 3" and marked with a red crayon "3" for good measure, to Philadelphia; reduced irregularly at the right,
Flag, as part of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, captured or shared in the capture/destruction of many blockade-runners. Along with Seneca and Pocahontas, she took possession of Tybee Island, from where the Union Army was able to bombard and capture Fort Pulaski. She participated in the capture of Fernandina, Fla., in March 1862, and in the general engagement of the fleet with the forts in Charleston Harbor in April 1863 . Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
Suggested Bid $100-150
Opening US$ 60.00
Sold...US$ 60.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 60
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3049
Symbol: Cat No: 65
U.S.S. Flag, Screw Steamer, cover with manuscript endorsement "from U.S. gunboat flag" franked with a 3¢ rose (65) tied by a Jun 14 Old Point Comfort, Va. c.d.s., to Wenham, Mass.; expertly repaired, Very Fine appearance,
Flag, as part of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, captured or shared in the capture/destruction of many blockade-runners. Along with Seneca and Pocahontas, she took possession of Tybee Island, from where the Union Army was able to bombard and capture Fort Pulaski. She participated in the capture of Fernandina, Fla., in March 1862, and in the general engagement of the fleet with the forts in Charleston Harbor in April 1863 . Suggested Bid $75-100 (Image)
Suggested Bid $75-100
Opening US$ 45.00
Sold...US$ 45.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 45
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3050
Symbol: Cat No: 65
U.S.S. Flambeau, Screw Steamer, cover to Georgetown, Del. with three-page letter datelined "U S Stmr Flambeau, off Murrells Inlet, June 18/63"; cover franked with a 3¢ rose (65) tied by a straightline "U. S. SHIP" with a Philadelphia c.d.s., Jun 20, 1863; the letter, from a Joseph Layton to his father, mentions an acquaintance of his father's, one Capt. Upshaw, and that "Gen Lee is an uncle to his wife" and that he is "inclined to be of the Peace Party now starting up in the north", and is "awfully opposed to what he terms the abolitionists."; cover reduced just a bit at the left, Fine to Very Fine,
Flambeau was built for coastal China Trade. With a complement of 92 she was acquired in November of 1861. She operated with the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron for her entire career, taking four prizes. She was decommissioned in June 1865 and later stranded and lost off the coast of North Carolina in 1867. Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
Suggested Bid $100-150
Opening US$ 120.00
Sold...US$ 120.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 120
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3051
Symbol:
U.S.S. Florida, Side-Wheel Steamer, cover with manuscript endorsement "Naval letter, R W Scott, Lt. & Ex[ecutive] Officer", postmarked with a blue Apr 3 Baltimore, Md. c.d.s. and a matching boxed "6"; slight edge wear, Fine to Very Fine,
Florida was acquired by the Navy in October 1861 and converted to a cruiser. She was assigned to the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron and participated in the operations that took Port Royal and positions in northern Florida and Georgia. She was later assigned to the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, where she was successful in the capture or destruction of several blockade-runners. Suggested Bid $75-100 (Image)
Suggested Bid $75-100
Opening US$ 130.00
Sold...US$ 130.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 130
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3052
Symbol: Cat No: ?
U.S.S. Forest Rose, Stern-Wheel Gunboat, cover addressed to "Symmes(?) E. Browne Esq, Ensign U.S. Navy Missi. Squadn. Gun Boat 'Forest Rose', Via Cairo, Ills.", franked with a 3¢ rose (65) tied by a blue Cincinnati grid duplex, Dec 30 (1863), Very Fine,
Forest Rose, also known as Tinclad No. 9, was commissioned in December 1862 and assigned to the Mississippi River Squadron. She participated in the capture of Fort Hindman and was active on the Yazoo River and in the Red River Expedition. Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
Suggested Bid $100-150
Opening US$ 60.00
Sold...US$ 60.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 60
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3053
Symbol: Cat No: 65
U.S.S. Galatea, Screw Steamer, cover addressed to "Wm. Baas U.S. Steamer Galatea, Cape Haytien, West Indies, in care of D.B. Allen Esq., No 5 Bowling Green, New York City", franked with a 3¢ rose (65) tied by a Feb 27 (1864 or '65) Erie, Pa. c.d.s.; there is no indication of how the letter would have gotten from New York to Cap-Haitien—perhaps it was hand-carried; also included is an earlier letter written by Baas to his wife in Erie, datelined "Detroit, Septr 11th 1863", while he served, judging from the content, aboard a Lake Erie steamer; front and back of the cover are separated, otherwise Fine to Very Fine,
Galatea was a large screw combatant with a complement of 164. She entered service in January 1864 and served her whole career with the West Indies Squadron. She served escort duty in the Caribbean for California Steamers and ships carrying gold and mail between Colon, Panama, and New York. Suggested Bid $75-100 (Image)
Suggested Bid $75-100
Opening US$ 130.00
Sold...US$ 130.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 130
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3054
Symbol: Cat No: 65
U.S.S. Geranium, Converted Tug Gunboat, cover addressed to "Mr. George E. Norris, Act. 3rd Asst. Engineer, U.S. Str. Geranium, Port Royal, S.C.", franked with a 3¢ rose (65) tied by a fancy radial cancel with a May 15 Wenham, Mass. c.d.s., Very Fine,
Geranium (ex John A. Dix), with a complement of 39 to 45, was commissioned in 1863 and joined the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. She served as a picket, dispatch and light supply ship. She participated in operations on Bull's Bay and diversionary amphibious operations that hastened the evacuation of Charleston. Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
Suggested Bid $100-150
Opening US$ 70.00
Sold...US$ 65.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 65
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3055
Symbol: Cat No: II
U.S.S. Glide (II), Tinclad (No. 43) Gunboat, cover addressed to "Capt. Steamer Glide, Present" and endorsed "Official", unfranked and presumably hand-delivered; reduced somewhat at the right, otherwise Very Fine. Penciled notations, perhaps docketing, read, "Written on board the Flag Ship 'Sunnyside, Oct 17, 1862. Jno. A. Duble Commanding Gun Boat Flotilla." The date is consistent with both the service of Glide and the availability of Duble, but there is no record of a Sunnyside as either a Union or a Confederate ship,
Glide operated in Louisiana blockading Berwick Bay. She was in service for less than two years. Suggested Bid $75-100 (Image)
Suggested Bid $75-100
Opening US$ 45.00
Sold...US$ 45.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 45
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3056
Symbol:
U.S.S. Huntsville, Screw Steamer, cover to New York with manuscript endorsement "U.S.S. Huntsville" and "C.O.D. 4 cts", anticipating a drop letter charge of 3¢ + 1¢; however it entered the mails with a "Due 3" handstamp and was then corrected in pencil to "Paid 4 cts"; docketed as received "July 7/62"; reduced a bit at the left, Very Fine,
Huntsville participated in the assault on Tampa Bay, landing troops and providing support. While at Tampa Bay, Yellow Fever struck her crew and more than half died. Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
Suggested Bid $100-150
Opening US$ 60.00
Sold...US$ 60.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 60
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3057
Symbol: Cat No: U35
U.S.S. Huntsville, Screw Steamer, 3¢ pink entire (U35) postmarked Key West, Fla, Aug 20 (1863) to Philadelphia with original three-page letter datelined "U S Steamer Huntsville, Tampa Bay Florida, August 13th 1863", from Huntsville engineer, Joseph L. Parry, to his wife, noting that he is "blockading here and do not know when we will be relieved" and that they are expecting overdue prize money to arrive "in every mail."; cover reduced a bit at the right, Fine to Very Fine,
Huntsville participated in the assault on Tampa Bay, landing troops and providing support. While there, Yellow Fever struck her crew and more than half died. Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
Suggested Bid $100-150
Opening US$ 150.00
Sold...US$ 150.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 150
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3058
Symbol:
U.S.S. Huntsville, Screw Steamer, cover with manuscript endorsement "Naval Letter, Thos. R. Harril, 1st Lieut., U.S.S. Huntsville" and redundant endorsement "from U.S.S. Huntsville" with handstamped "U.S. SHIP/3cts." in circle, to New York City and docketed in pencil "Dec 7/62"; small tear at the left, Fine,
Huntsville participated in the assault on Tampa Bay, landing troops and providing support. While there, Yellow Fever struck her crew and more than half died. Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
Suggested Bid $100-150
Opening US$ 50.00
Sold...US$ 50.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 50
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3059
Symbol: Cat No: 65
U.S.S. Huntsville, Screw Steamer, cover addressed to "H.H. Whitehead, on Board U.S. Gunboat Huntsville, Florida Keywest or Any Place Else", franked with a 3¢ rose (65) tied by a fancy circular geometric with a New York c.d.s., Nov 14, 1862, alongside; slightly damaged at the right in opening, Fine,
Huntsville participated in the assault on Tampa Bay, landing troops and providing support. While at Tampa Bay, Yellow Fever struck her crew and more than half died. Suggested Bid $75-100 (Image)
Suggested Bid $75-100
Opening US$ 75.00
Sold...US$ 75.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 75
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3060
Symbol:
U.S.S. Huntsville, Screw Steamer, cover with manuscript endorsement "Naval Letter" and "from U.S.S. Huntsville" with handstamped "U.S. SHIP/3cts." in circle, to New York City and docketed in pencil "Jany 12/63"; edge damage, mainly at the left, otherwise Fine,
Huntsville participated in the assault on Tampa Bay, landing troops and providing support. While there, Yellow Fever struck her crew and more than half died. Suggested Bid $50-75 (Image)
Suggested Bid $50-75
Opening US$ 30.00
Sold...US$ 30.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 30
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3061
Symbol:
U.S.S. Huntsville, Screw Steamer, cover to New York with manuscript endorsement from "U.S.S. Huntsville" with a very clear "U.S. SHIP/3cts." in circle handstamp and docketed as received "Jan 2d/63"; reduced a bit at the left, small repair at the right and somewhat soiled, otherwise Fine,
Huntsville participated in the assault on Tampa Bay, landing troops and providing support. While at Tampa Bay, Yellow Fever struck her crew and more than half died. Suggested Bid $50-75 (Image)
Suggested Bid $50-75
Opening US$ 50.00
Sold...US$ 50.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 50
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3062
Symbol: Cat No: 1864
U.S.S. Huron, Unadilla-Class Gunboat, cover postmarked Old Point Comfort, Va., Nov 17 (1864) to Bath, Me. with original three-page letter datelined "U S S. Huron, Hampton Roads, Nov. 15th/64", from a "W.H.H. Curtis, U.S.N." giving details of everyday life including hunting wild game on shore; cover opening faults at the top, letter Very Fine,
Huron was initially assigned to the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron with a complement of 114. In 1864 she was re-assigned to the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, participating in both assaults on Fort Fisher, and then moved south to search for Jefferson Davis. Suggested Bid $75-100 (Image)
Suggested Bid $75-100
Opening US$ 65.00
Sold...US$ 65.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 65
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3063
Symbol: Cat No: 65
U.S.S. Jacob Bell, Side-Wheel Steamer, cover addressed to "George G. Lydston, U.S. Gunboat Jacob Bell, Washington Naval Yard, D.C." franked with a 3¢ rose (65) tied by a neat grid with a clear Nashua, N.H. c.d.s., Jun 27, 1862; reduced a bit at the left with a small back repair, Very Fine,
Jacob Bell, with a complement of 49, served primarily with the Potomac River Flotilla enforcing the blockade. She also supported McClellan's withdrawal after the Seven Days Battles concluded at Malvern Hill ending the Peninsula Campaign. Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
Suggested Bid $100-150
Opening US$ 60.00
Sold...US$ 60.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 60
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3064
Symbol: Cat No: 65
U.S.S. James L. Davis, Bark, cover addressed to "Dr. J.F. Alleyne Adams, Acting Asst. Surgeon U.S.N., Bark 'Jas. L. Davis', East Gulf Squadron, Key West, Fla." franked with a straight-edged 3¢ rose (65) tied by a segmented cork cancel and a red Boston c.d.s., docketed on the reverse "June 17th 64"; stamp missing perforations along right edge, Fine to Very Fine,
James L. Davis was a bark-rigged, wooden sailing vessel used by the Navy to patrol navigable waterways of the south. She arrived in Cedar Keys, Florida, in March 1862. During her time with the East Gulf Blockading Squadron she served as a blockader, supply ship, troop-landing vessel and conducted raids on salt works. Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
Suggested Bid $100-150
Opening US$ 55.00
Sold...US$ 55.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 55
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3065
Symbol: Cat No: 65
U.S.S. James L. Davis, Bark, neat lady's envelope addressed to "Surgeon J.F. Alleyne Adams, U.S. Bark 'Jas. L. Davis', East Gulf Squadron, Key West, Florida" franked with a 3¢ rose (65) tied by a clear Portland, Me. target duplex, Jun 3, 1864; stamp missing perforations along right edge, Very Fine,
James L. Davis was a bark-rigged, wooden sailing vessel used by the Navy to patrol navigable waterways of the south. She arrived in Cedar Keys, Florida, in March 1862. During her time with the East Gulf Blockading Squadron she served as a blockader, supply ship, troop-landing vessel and conducted raids on salt works. Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
Suggested Bid $100-150
Opening US$ 55.00
Sold...US$ 55.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 55
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3066
Symbol: Cat No: 63
U.S.S. Jamestown, Sloop, cover addressed to "C. Powell, On Board the Receiving[crossed out] Ship Jamestown, Philadelphia, Pen.", franked with a 1¢ blue (63) tied by one of two strikes of a Philadelphia "U.S. PENNY MAIL" octagonal datestamp, Aug 28, 1862; reduced at left with edge wear and soiling,
Jamestown was assigned to the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron at the opening of the war. She operated off the southern coast and took five prizes before being transferred to the West Coast and the East India Squadron in 1862 to protect commerce. Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
Suggested Bid $100-150
Opening US$ 55.00
Sold...US$ 55.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 55
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3067
Symbol: Cat No: 63, 65
U.S.S. Jamestown, Sloop, three-page letter datelined "U S S. Jamestown, Philada., Sept. 15, 1862", from a Jonathan Ashton noting that the ship has a crew of 135 more men than she was designed to carry and everyone doing "as much as they can to avoid going on the New Ironsides", now here for alterations." and goes on to describe the New Ironsides as a bad sea-boat - steers badly - is a tight, illy ventilated hulk, and now leaks badly"; the cover is franked with a 1¢ blue & 3¢ rose (63, 65) (for Carrier pick-up) tied by a Sep 15 Philadelphia c.d.s., to a doctor at Mill Creek Hospital, Fortress Monroe, Va.; opening tears at the top,
Jamestown was assigned to the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron at the opening of the war. She operated off the southern coast and took five prizes before being transferred to the West Coast and East India Squadron in 1862 to protect commerce. Suggested Bid $75-100 (Image)
Suggested Bid $75-100
Opening US$ 110.00
Sold...US$ 110.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 110
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3068
Symbol: Cat No: 65
U.S.S. John Griffith, Mortar Schooner, cover with manuscript endorsement "From U S Ship, John Griffith, in haste", franked with a target-canceled 3¢ rose (65) and postmarked New Orleans, Mar 30, 1863, to Middletown, Conn.; small piece of front missing at the lower right, otherwise Fine to Very Fine,
John Griffith, with a complement of 39, served with Porter's flotilla at New Orleans and then joined Farragut moving up the Mississippi to Vicksburg. She served with the West Gulf Blockading Squadron until May 1864. After refit she served the remainder of the war with the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
Suggested Bid $100-150
Opening US$ 160.00
Sold...US$ 160.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 160
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3069
Symbol: Cat No: 65
S.S. Kennebec Side-Wheel Steam Transport, cover addressed to "Captain Joseph Garton, U.S.Steam Transport Kennebec, Baltimore, M.D.", franked with a 3¢ rose (65) tied by a neat New Orleans target duplex, Jan 28, 1864; reduced just a tad at the left, exceptionally fresh, Very Fine,
Very little is known about the history of the steamer Kennebec , which is not to be confused with the Unadilla-Class Gunboat of the same name. Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
Suggested Bid $100-150
Opening US$ 55.00
Sold...US$ 55.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 55
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3070
Symbol: Cat No: 65
U.S.S. Kensington, Screw Steamer, cover addressed to "Dr. J.F. Alleyne Adams, Acting Asst. Surgeon U.S.N., U. S. Steamer Kensington, Brooklyn Navy Yard, N.Y.", franked with a cork-canceled 3¢ rose (65) and postmarked with a partial red Boston c.d.s., Mar 10 (1864 - docketed on the reverse); minor opening tear at the lower left, Very Fine,
Kensington served from February 1862 to May 1865 with a crew of 72. She was a water supply ship and resupplied Farragut at New Orleans, as well as to blockaders off Texas and Louisiana. She also served as a bombardment ship and took or participated in the taking of nine blockade-runners. Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
Suggested Bid $100-150
Opening US$ 60.00
Sold...US$ 60.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 60
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3071
Symbol: Cat No: U59
U.S.S. Kineo, Unadilla-Class Gunboat, cover with manuscript endorsement "From U.S. Gun Boat Kineo", the cover, a 3¢ pink entire (U59) is up-rated with a 3¢ rose (65) and canceled circle-of-Vs and a weak New York c.d.s.; reduced slightly at the left with slight edge wear, Fine,
Kineo battled her way past Forts Jackson and Saint Philip. Though hit by cannon fire, she participated in the capture of New Orleans. She operated on the lower Mississippi taking part in engagements at Grand Gulf, Baton Rouge, Donaldsonville and Port Hudson. She led the Hartford at Baton Rouge. Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
Suggested Bid $100-150
Opening US$ 65.00
Sold...US$ 65.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 65
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3072
Symbol:
U.S.S. Lancaster, Screw Sloop, small cover with manuscript endorsement "from the U S. Str Lancaster" and "For the U States" and postmarked with a circular "STEAMSHIP/10" due handstamp, indicating carriage by a contract vessel; some staining, Fine to Very Fine. This 28mm "STEAMSHIP/10" with space between the "S" & "H" was used in New York and dates this cover between 1858 and 1867.,
Lancaster was the flagship of the Pacific Squadron during the war. In November 1864, members of her crew captured Confederates aboard the Salvador planning to seize her to take Union gold shipments. Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
Suggested Bid $100-150
Opening US$ 55.00
Sold...US$ 55.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 55
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3073
Symbol:
U.S.S. Macedonian, Frigate, cover with manuscript endorsement "Fro. U. S Ship Macedonian" postmarked with a circular "STEAMSHIP/20" due handstamp with additional manuscript "Due 20. cts.", indicating carriage by a contract vessel - either double weight or more than 2,500 miles, to Tewkbury, Mass.; bit of light staining, Fine,
Macedonian, with a complement of 489, operated in the Gulf, West Indies and hunted Raiders during the war. From 1864 to 1870 she was a practice and training ship at the Naval Academy. Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
Suggested Bid $100-150
Opening US$ 50.00
Sold...US$ 50.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 50
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3075
Symbol:
U.S.S. Massasoit, Side-Wheel Gunboat, cover with manuscript endorsement simply "(Massasoit)", franked with a 3¢ rose (65) tied by a New Berne, N.C. target duplex, May 13 (1865); includes original three-page letter headed (but not dated) "USS Massasoit, Newberne N.C."; the letter, however, tells of all the crew being discharged in the upcoming days, indicating that the year would be 1865; reduced slightly at the right, Fine to Very Fine,
Massasoit was commissioned in 1864. She was part of the fleet assembled to engage CSS Ablemarle. After Cushing's raid she resumed picket duty on the James River. Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
Suggested Bid $100-150
Opening US$ 100.00
Sold...US$ 100.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 100
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3076
Symbol: Cat No: 65
U.S.A.T. McClellan, Armed Steam Transport, small lady's envelope with manuscript endorsement "pr U. S. St. 'McClellan'", franked with a smudge-canceled pair of 3¢ rose (65), to "Major G.C. Strong, Genl. Butler's Staff, New Orleans, La."; one stamp wrapped around the end of the cover, small opening tears in the top corners, Fine. General Benjamin Butler was in New Orleans from May to December of 1862,
McClellan transported troops in 1861 and 1862. She landed a battalion of Marines at Fernandina. Off the mouth of the Mississippi River she drove off a Confederate naval force attacking the grounded Vincennes and Richmond. Suggested Bid $75-100 (Image)
Suggested Bid $75-100
Opening US$ 75.00
Sold...US$ 75.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 75
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3077
Symbol: Cat No: 65
U.S.S. Metacomet, Side-Wheel Sloop, cover addressed to "James Atkins, Engineer, United States Steamer Metacomet, New York", franked with a grid-canceled 3¢ rose (65) and postmarked with a clear partial Augusta, Me. c.d.s., Jan 13, 1864; reduced slightly and somewhat irregularly at the left, Very Fine,
Metacomet was commissioned in January 1864. She participated in the blockade of Mobile Bay then in the battle. Six of her crewmembers were awarded the Medal of Honor for their efforts in rescuing Tecumseh's crew. Suggested Bid $75-100 (Image)
Suggested Bid $75-100
Opening US$ 45.00
Sold...US$ 45.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 45
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3078
Symbol:
U.S.S. Midnight, Bark, cover with manuscript endorsement "Ships Letter U.S. Barque Midnight", handstamped "Due 3" with a mostly clear Port Royal, S.C. c.d.s., Feb 2, 1863, to Plattsburgh, N.Y. and docketed in pencil "Jan 21/63"; reduced just a tad at the right, Fine to Very Fine,
Midnight, with a complement of 70, was purchased in 1861 and after a brief period with the Gulf Blockading Squadron, was assigned to the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron in 1862. In February of 1864 she captured British schooner Defy. After repairs she finished the war with the East Gulf Blockading Squadron participating in the Navy's systematic destruction of salt processing facilities. Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
Suggested Bid $100-150
Opening US$ 80.00
Sold...US$ 80.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 80
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3079
Symbol: Cat No: 65
U.S.S. Minnesota, Colorado-Class Steam Frigate, cover from one naval doctor to another with original letter datelined "U S Steam Frigate Minnesota, Off Fortress Monroe, May 17, 1862"; cover franked with a 3¢ rose (65) tied by a May 17 Old Point Comfort, Va. c.d.s. to the Washington D.C. Navy Yard; small stain at the upper left also "ties" the stamp; letter speaks briefly about ships running up the James River "to shell out the Batteries located at Days Point", Fine to Very Fine,
Minnesota replaced Wabash as flagship of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. At the Battle of Hampton Roads she engaged the Jamestown, Patrick Henry, and Virginia. She participated in both Battles of Fort Fisher. Suggested Bid $75-100 (Image)
Suggested Bid $75-100
Opening US$ 75.00
Sold...US$ 75.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 75
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3080
Symbol: Cat No: 65
U.S.S. Minnesota, Colorado-Class Steam Frigate, cover addressed to "Lieut. Comdr. James Parker, U.S. Frigate 'Minnesota', 'Old Point Comfort', Virginia.", franked with a grid-canceled 3¢ rose (65) and postmarked Newark, N.J., Aug 8, 1863; reduced slightly at the left, Fine to Very Fine,
Minnesota replaced Wabash as flagship of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. At the Battle of Hampton Roads she engaged the Jamestown, Patrick Henry, and Virginia. She participated in both Battles of Fort Fisher. Suggested Bid $75-100 (Image)
Suggested Bid $75-100
Opening US$ 70.00
Sold...US$ 70.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 70
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3081
Symbol: Cat No: 65
MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON/Office of Fleet Paymaster, corner card on a cover to Lt. Cmdr. John Charles Phillips de Krafft at the Washington Naval Yard, franked with a 3¢ rose (65) tied by a Cairo, Ill. grid duplex, Sep 4, 1863, Fine to Very Fine. Suggested Bid $75-100 (Image)
Suggested Bid $75-100
Opening US$ 120.00
Sold...US$ 120.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 120
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3082
Symbol:
U.S.S. Montgomery, Screw Steamer, small lady's envelope with manuscript endorsement "From U.S. Ship 'Montgomery'"" and postmarked with "U.S. SHIP/3cts." in circle, to Angelica, N.Y.; upper right & lower right corners repaired, otherwise Fine to Very Fine, Ex-Walske,
Montgomery, with a complement of 143, served with both the West Gulf Blockading Squadron and the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Her many prizes included the Pet and the Bat (later the USS Bat) . Suggested Bid $75-100 (Image)
Suggested Bid $75-100
Opening US$ 45.00
Sold...US$ 45.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 45
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3083
Symbol: Cat No: 65
U.S.S. Monticello, Screw Steamer, cover originally addressed to "Capt. Henry A. Phelan, Ex. Officer U.S. Ironclad Atlanta, off Fort Powhatan, James River, Va." and forwarded to "U.S.S. Monticello, Off Wilmington", franked with a target canceled 3¢ rose (65) and postmarked with two Aug 4 Feeding Hills, Mass. c.d.s.'s; couple small opening tears at the top and reduced just a tad at the left, Fine to Very Fine. An unusual cover, redirected from one Naval Ship to another,
Monticello, briefly named Star, with a complement of 137 participated in blockading the James River, the taking of Hatteras Inlet, the blockade of Wilmington and both Battles of Fort Fisher . Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
Suggested Bid $100-150
Opening US$ 160.00
Sold...US$ 160.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 160
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3084
Symbol: Cat No: 65
U.S.S. Moose, Tinclad Stern-Wheel Gunboat, cover addressed to "A. A. Paymaster James W. Clark, U.S.S. Moose, Mound City, Ill.", franked with a grid-canceled 3¢ rose (65) with a clear Meriden, Con. c.d.s., Aug 15, 1865; reduced just a tad at the right`, Very Fine. When this letter arrived in Mound City, Moose had been decommissioned and Clark was awaiting discharge orders at home in Meriden, Conn.; the letter was forwarded (returned) there.,
Moose, ex Florence Miller No. 2, with a complement of about 60, operated in the mid-Mississippi River region against geurrilla and raiding party activities. She was Fitch's flagship at the Battle of Buffington Island and the rout of CSA General John Hunt Morgan's raiding party. Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
Suggested Bid $100-150
Opening US$ 60.00
Sold...US$ 60.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 60
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3085
Symbol: Cat No: 65
U.S.S. Muscoota, Side-Wheel Steamer, cover to Boston with original eight-page letter datelined "U.S.Str. Muscoota, Key West, Fla., July 23d, 1865", franked with a 3¢ rose (65) tied by an Aug New York grid and c.d.s.; the letter notes that several Confederate prisoners aboard Muscoota "Won't believe that Jeff. was taken in woman's clothes" and "One fiery little South Carolinian in a rage declared that he would not believe it if Jesus Christ should tell him." also noting that "not a single shot has been fired in earnest from this ship since she has been commissioned"; cover reduced slightly at the left with a bit of the left back and lower left corner missing, otherwise Very Fine,
Muscoota, with a complement of 190, wasn't commissioned until January 1865. Posted to Norfolk, she was one of the ships sent to Key West in search of CSA President Jefferson Davis to prevent him from fleeing the country after the fall of Richmond. She was only in service for seven months during the war.
Davis and his wife, Varna, were captured on May 10, 1865, near Irwinville, Ga. When they were cornered by troops from the 4th Michigan Cavalry, Davis was covered in his wife's black shawl. Both Davis, and especially Varna, insisted that he was ill and only wearing the shawl to protect against a chill in the air. Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
Suggested Bid $100-150
Opening US$ 100.00
Sold...US$ 100.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 100
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3086
Symbol: Cat No: 26
U.S.S. Mystic, Steam Screw Gunboat, pre-war cover to Brooklyn, N.Y. with original three-page letter datelined "U.S. Steamer Memphis, Pernambuco, Brazil, Mar 19", manuscript instruction "Per Brig 'Brandywine'" with straightline "SHIP" & "5" handstamps and Philadelphia octagonal datestamp, Jun 5, 1859, then redirected and forwarded to Columbus, Ky. with a 3¢ dull red (26) tied by a Jun 6 Brooklyn c.d.s.; the stamp covers the "5" and the "SHIP" is crossed out; reduced just a tad at the left, Very Fine,
Mystic was launched as the Mount Savage in 1853. She was renamed Memphis in 1857 and then chartered by the Navy in September 1858 to serve as part of President Buchanan's 1858-59 Paraguayan Expedition. She was ultimately purchased by the Navy in May 1859 and renamed Mystic a few weeks later. The letter is written while Memphis was on her return voyage from South America after an "amicable" settlement was reached in the "Paraguay difficulty." After a brief service with the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron she was assigned to the Potomac Flotilla until sold in 1865. Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
