Raynors 2012-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/27/2012
A great illustrated Massachusetts abolitionist's letter, 3pp. 8vo., written by a certain "L. W. R[ussell]", Fortress Monroe, [Va.], May 29, [1862] concerning touring the local region including sketching a scene of the wreck of the USS Cumberland after she was sunk by the CSS Merrimac, reading, in part: "…we left Washington on Tuesday PM & [?] the Fortress at 7 o'clock yesterday …took the boat for Newport News…on the way we passed the wrecks of the Congress & the Cumberland, the latter with her masts still standing thus…[adds a great drawing of the Cumberland's wreck here]…& looking very mournfully. She sank in rather shoal water. Her flag was still flying only a few weeks ago. We found Gen. Mansfield with only two regiments at Newport News. I saw Ezra Ripley there whose on Gen. Mansfield's staff…today I have been to see the hospitals here & Dr. Coyler chief surgeon & have been also to the contraband quarters had a very interesting talk with Mr. Wilder who superintends them here with full power…". Also included is a, 1 3/4" x 4 3/4", war-date finely illustrated wood cut engraving of the USS monitor, titled: "The Ericsson Floating Battery Monitor." Both overall near fine.
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