Rebel Spy Belle Boyd Is Captured By The USS Connecticut

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/27/2012

A good group of eight (8) Union naval letters, totaling 15 pp. 8vo., written by Sailor Henry S. Gray, USS Cambridge of Bradley, Maine concerning his naval career on board a North Atlantic Squadron blockader, in part: "… [Camp Coburn, N. H., Aug. 21, 63]…we are getting ready to start…we was down to Augusta…on a dress parade and met the Bangor Company. The Bangor Brass Band is going out in the 14th Me. and they are hear now…we marched through the State House and had a pretty good time…[Cambridge, Newport, R. I., Aug. 23]…I am…[on] the ship Constitution. It is a pleasant place here…[U. S. Steamer, Cambridge, March 15, 64]…we are in the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, S. P. Lee Act Rear Admiral…[Beaufort, N. C., Mar. 17, 64]…we on the 5th of Feb. discovered a light up to Mason Burrough Inlet. We run up to there and it was a steamer on fire. She run against and then the crew set her on fire. She was loaded with coffee and bacon and lickers. She was a Blockaderunner. Our boat's crew went a shore and took 7 prisoners. This steamer's name was the Dee from Bermuda. On the 11th Feb. there was two steamers run ashore. One on one side and one on the other side of the steamer…I forgot the manner [the blockade runners capture]…we sent one boat crew ashore and some Rebels come out of the woods and fired a volley of musketry and wounded one of our men in the right side. You must not worry about me…[Norfolk, Va., May 17]…we are at Norfolk again for repairs. The boilers are out of order…the Steamer Connecticut caught a Blockade runner by the name of Gray Hound with the Rebel spy Belle Boyd…[Gosport Navy Yard, Va., June 1]…you said that Daniel webster was wounded. I do not hear anything about it. We don't hear anything about the war without I Bg [Bangor] paper…[U. S. S. Cambridge, July 17]…I am almost 30 days over my time and cant get my discharge. It is enough to make a minister swear…the longer I stay in the Navy. The more money I shall bring off…[Feb. 28, 65]…I am in camp as recruit. They did not find any fault with us…we are in good spirits and I don't want you to worry about us because I have [g]nawed hard tack before…". Two stamped transmittal covers are also included. Overall VG

Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).