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Battle of Mobile Bay: Richard D. Dunphy (MOH) Archive....
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Description
Battle of Mobile Bay: Richard D. Dunphy (MOH) Archive. Group of four items related to Richard D. Dunphy (1842-1904), an Irish immigrant who served as coal heaver aboard Admiral Farragut's flagship, the U.S.S. Hartford. During the Battle of Mobile Bay, he was severely injured by an exploding shell which forced the amputation of both arms four hours later. The Wisconsin native moved to Vallejo, California after the war, found work at Mare Island shipyards, married and raised a family. He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, but when he did not receive it, he wrote to Farragut on February 6, 1866, seeking his assistance. At the time, Dunphy was the only U.S. sailor still living who had lost both arms in the war. We include Farragut's letter to Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles, dated February 15, 1866. It reads, in full: "I presume that the reason why Richard D. Dunphy was not recommended by Captain Drayton for a medal, was that he was not expected to live, at the time the report was made out but I have inquired particularly of the Officer who was stationed in his Division & speaks highly of Dunphy's conduct during the whole engagement, & I therefore recommend him to the Department for a medal. He lost both arms, while doing his duty in the most gallant manner." The handwriting is somewhat light, but clear. Faint tape bleed-through from repair to bottom horizontal fold.Dunphy's citation reads: "On board the flagship U.S.S. Hartford during successful attacks against Fort Morgan, rebel gunboats and the rebel ram Tennessee, Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. With his ship under terrific enemy shellfire, Dunphy performed his duties with skill and courage throughout this fierce engagement which resulted in the capture of the rebel ram Tennessee."
The CDVs include one of Dunphy in his uniform (S. Masury of Boston back mark), another of him in civilian clothing with i.d. and revenue stamp on verso, and a McPherson & Oliver of New York studio portrait of Drayton and Farragut. It is inscribed on the verso: "The 'Old Salamander' D.F.G. and his Fleet Captain Percival Drayton Commd'g. U. S. Flag Ship 'Hartford' As fine a man as ever walked a plank." A fine group.
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