[Battle Of Mobile Bay] Lt. Commander Brown Writes Letter Criticizing Farragut

Description: Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE 4 pp, 5 ¼ x 8 ¼, ALS, marked “Confidential”, Indianapolis, Ind., June 15th, [18]69 George Brown, Lt. Commander of the gunboat USS Itasca, to “My Dear Walker,” who may have been Samuel Walker Davis, a Union Navy sailor and a recipient of the U.S. military’s highest decoration, the Medal of Honor. Davis was awarded the medal for exemplifying extreme courage during the fierce Battle of Mobile Bay. Brown’s letter is centered around the Naval battle, which the Union won in August 1864, enabling the Federals to impose a blockade and assisting President Abraham Lincoln’s re-election. Brown references Admiral David Farragut and fears that discovery of his remarks about the admiral would leave him vulnerable. He also speaks of Lt. Commander W.P. McCann, who commanded the USS Kennebec gunboat during the battle and Lt. Commander Bancroft Gherardi, who commanded the USS Port Royal. “...I wanted to have an old-fashioned chat with you and particularly to talk on a matter in which I am deeply interested. When I marched home, I was delighted to hear that Gherardi had succeeded in getting his old place on the register, as I always felt that great injustice had been done him at the time no one was promoted. There is just one other who cleaves to his old plans and I for one will do all in my power to assist him. I fully understand that anything I may say on this subject might possibly reflect on the late administration and on the judgement of Admiral Farragut and consequently wish to be somewhat guarded. I refer to McCann. I know every act of his during the war and as we were side by side at Mobile I know that he did his whole duty. Farragut thought otherwise. I was the first to urge Mc[Cann] to endeavor to get his proper number and always told him that while I liked rank as much as anyone and did not consider myself selfish than others, I could not for the sake of a number on the register stand in the way of one who had been so unjustly hated. I saw him while in Philadelphia, and am satisfied that he has not only a good case but has good backers and that he will accomplish his desires as soon as Congress convenes. “His only fear is that you are the stumbling block and that your influence with Mrs. Grimes may make his an uphill work if it does not defeat his aims entirely. You and I have talked this question over more than once but I am not certain as to your views on the subject and will for this purpose of asking you tonight...I congratulate you fully on your fine command...I saw Porter and although he received me very kindly I am satisfied that he not...send me to Pensacola or to some other hell on earth. I am the happy owner of a fast horse and I am hard at work on the farm. In fact I have never had so pleasant prospects of enjoying home...” Folds, light toning. An excellent letter of content regarding the sailors who delivered a victory for the Union at this important battle. A beautiful crest of the initial B, top left first page. Everything we sell is guaranteed authentic forever to the original buyer. We also offer a 30-day return policy. If you discover a problem or are dissatisfied with an item, please contact us immediately. Our goal is to please every customer. We are pleased to be members of The Manuscript Society, Universal Autograph Collectors Club, The Ephemera Society, the Southern New England Antiquarian Booksellers and the Preferred Autograph Dealers and Auction Houses. [CW 294]

Price: 350 USD

Location: Boston, Massachusetts

End Time: 2024-08-02T19:47:41.000Z

Shipping Cost: 13 USD