Confederacy, U.S.S. New Ironsides Letter. Datelined "U.S.S. New Ironsides, off Morris Island, S.C. July 25, 1864" to his sister in New York, "Our Captain Rowan has just been promoted to Commodore, but his appointment dates back to July 1863 so that he is only a few numbers from Admiral. I hope that he maybe one before he leaves this ship. If any man in the service deserves promotion he does. We have had a story going around for a few days that this ship is to go home before two months from now for repairs which she very much needs (the ship had been hit by a torpedo) but the news is also getting to good to be true. I hardly think it possible for us to leave until Charleston is taken, but the sooner the work commences the better. We shall all like it. We are only waiting for some new iron clads, which the Admiral has been expecting down here for the last 3 months. We are really getting desperate and don't care much what may happen.", included is matching cover franked with 1861 3¢ rose tied by "Old Point Comfort, Va." double circle postmark, Very Fine& a nice historical letter. Estimate  $200 - 300. Written from one of the most powerful Warships of her era armored with 4" of iron plate over 12" oak planking. The ship operated in support of the blockade of Charleston, S.C. and took part in several attacks on the Confederate fortifications defending that city. Her broadside battery of 8 heavy guns on each side made her a uniquely valuable ship for bombardment purposes. She took more hits from enemy guns than any other federal ship, but did not lose a single man to them. Her endurance was unmatched. She maintained uninterrupted blockade duty for 16 months during the siege of Charleston, S.C. The Confederates offered a $100,000-reward for her sinking. The ship was commanded by Commodore Stephen Clegg Rowan who later became an admiral in the US Navy. $0 (Image)