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USA Naval Letter from Paymaster's Steward Rodney Chipp on the Capture and Destruction of the Blockade Runner Hanover...
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Description
USA Naval Letter from Paymaster's Steward Rodney Chipp on the Capture and Destruction of the Blockade Runner Hanover. Two pages, with cross-hatching on both pages, 7.75" x 12.5", "US Gun Boat Katahdin" [Galveston Island, Texas]; May 10 to 17, 1863. In a lengthy crossed letter to his brother, Joseph "Deyo" Chipp, Rodney discusses the capture and burning of the blockade runner Hanover by the Katahdin and the Owaseo. The chase lasted for twenty miles before she was finally run ashore on Galveston Island, where she was then set ablaze by boarding parties from the two Union vessels. At the letter's close, he briefly mentions his dissatisfaction with the "Emancipation Bill" but reaffirms his commitment to serve in the Union until peace is declared. It is written diary-style with entries spanning several days. It reads in part:"...The Flag Officer said there was a sail in sight to the Southand and the Owaseo and us must go out and meet it, but he ordered us not to go out far, run slow he says till she comes in nearer; and run slow we did till after 12 Oclock when it became very evident that she was doing her best to elude us, so we put on all sails and cracked ahead, we gained on her very fast and about half past 1 we opened fire on her with our Rifles, but she kept on, we continued firing but the distance was so great that there was but a small chance of sticking her...at last a shot from our Rifle struck her right under her Bows, and she was immediately headed for the beach. We done our best to head her off but it was of no use, they run her hard aground the crew going ashore in a small boat...as we could not save her the Owaseo & us each sent a Boats crew to board her and set her on fire, the boats succeeded in reaching her but at great risk, while our men were on board of her a number of Horsemen were seen galloping towards them, we sent an 11 inch shell among them, which caused them to 'Dig Out.'
The Horsemen afterwards made several attempts to get near enough to fire into the boats, but the shell from both of us dropped so thick among them that they had to retire, soon after our boats could be seen returning and a black smoke arising from the Schooner, the men arrive back safely and we staid there until the vessel was consumed she was loaded with Gunny Bags, Rope, Flour, & Whiskey and evidently was bound for St. Louis Pass [San Luis Pass] which she came very near reaching...I consider it my duty to be in the Country's service until peace is declared...I was opposed to the manner in which this war was being carried on. That I do not deny as far as the Emancipation Bill goes, but 'Our Country when Right but Right or Wrong our Country...'"
Condition: Eight small pinholes at the intersection of vertical and horizontal 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: 2
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