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USA Naval Letter from 2nd Class Fireman Rodney Chipp with Siege of Vicksburg Content. ...
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$875.00
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Description
USA Naval Letter from 2nd Class Fireman Rodney Chipp with Siege of Vicksburg Content. Eight pages on two bifolia, 7.75" x 9.75", "US Gun Boat Katahdin, Mississippi River" [Louisana and Mississippi]; June 21 to 27, 1862. Following the capture of New Orleans, the Katahdin was responsible for several reconnaissance missions up and down the lower Mississippi to support vessels between that city and Vicksburg. As such, the Katahdin was frequently fired upon by Rebel forces that lined the bank, and Chipp describes several such instances in this detailed letter to his brother, Joseph "Deyo" Chipp, including one such time when a bullet missed his head by mere inches.He corrected false reports in northern newspapers and described a near-collision they had with the Itasca and the maggot infestation that pervaded their food. It is written diary-style with entries spanning several days. The letter is titled "Part 2nd" at the top center of page six. The June 27th entry appears to be partial and ends with Chipp concluding, "See Part 3." It reads in part:
"...Well all I can say is that Vicksburgh is a 'gone goose' and had better 'cave in' or we will be under the disagreeable necessity of taking it one of these fine mornings to give us an appetite for Breakfast. We do all our fighting in the cool of the day and through the hot part of it lay around with awnings sprung. We took New Orleans before Breakfast and Bombarded Grand Gulf after Supper....while we was turning the Gun Boat Itasca was coming up and started to run across our Bows so we had to change our Helm and in doing that it brought us heading right for a Brig laying at Anchor, well there we was, going down on a Brig at 13 miles an hours, and a Gun Boat heading direct for us as would certainly disable us, we Boat shot part our Stern and so close that we almost touched, we then let go Anchor...in the end it amounted to nothing but for a few minutes I thought that the Katahdins days were numbered...
[June 26th] I was sitting on the Forecastle reading when all of a sudden 'Bang,' 'Bang,' came 3 or 4 Rifle shots and 'Whiz,' went a Ball right past my head and so close that I could appreciate the Music. (it was whistling Dixie with variations) but 'couldn't see' the joke, that it was intended for me I have not the least doubt...I can't compliment them very highly on their shooting and they must all look out for the first man we see along there we will shoot and if I can get a chance I think that I will shoot a little truer than 'Secesh' did at me."
The lot also includes a second letter addressed to his sister-in-law, Josephine. [Two pages of a bifolium, 6.75" x 8.25", "USS Katahdin, Mississippi River"; June 24, 1862]. He briefly summarizes the heavy skirmishing to her before expressing fears that the action at Vicksburg will be over before their return. Original transmittal envelope for the two letters accompanying the lot.
Condition: Four small pin holes at intersection of vertical and horizontal folds. Envelope lightly rubbed and soiled with pencil notations. Smoothed folds.
Auction Info
2022 June 4 Historical Manuscripts Signature® Auction #6247 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
June, 2022
4th
Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 1
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
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