Naval Report on Rebel Attack

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/10/2013

A good war-date retained Union naval action report Naval written by Acting Master Samuel B. Gregory, USS Western World, 2pp. folio, Mud River, [South Carolina], March 13, 1862, addressed to Flag Officer Napoleon Collins, USS Unadilla, in part: "...between 2 and 3 o'clock a Steamer made her appearance in Savannah River near Hog Marsh Island avoiding the batteries as much as possible, with a view apparently of attacking the Gun Boats, E.B. Hale and Western World. I would have allowed her to have approached from 1/4 to 1/2 of a mile nearer before opening fire upon her, but the Fort opened first and the Hale followed, finding that she began to stop, I opened fire from our Parrot Rifle and threw 17 shells, two or three of which were reported from the lookout from the mast head as taking effect upon the steamer…being aground…[we] could not bring either of our broadside guns to bear upon him…the steamer retreated after an engagement of about one hour…in a crippled condition…the steamer had side wheels painted black, she fired from 6 to 8 times all at the Gun boats. She had a scow towing on her starboard side…she may not have left…the margin of Hog Marsh Island. I passed all round the circuit which she made in my gig…and found…the coast all clear…". Plus; a good war-date letter,1pp. quarto, written by Acting Master William J. Foster, USS E.B. Hale, Mud River, South Carolina, March 17, 1862, addressed to Acting Master Gregory of the U.S.S. Western World, and reads in part: "It is Capt. Collins request that you send a large boat and crew to assist me in replacing the boom across the River. I would like to have them ready this tide, say 7 AM..." Fine. (2 pieces).

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