- More
Battle of Mobile Bay: Richard D. Dunphy (MOH) Archive....
Click the image to load the highest resolution version.$4,875 or more
View Recent Offers on Sold Items in this category
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.
Auction Info
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% on the first $100,000 (minimum $14), plus 20% of any amount between $100,000 and $1,000,000, plus 12% of any amount over $1,000,000 per lot.
Calculate Standard Domestic Shipping Sales Tax information
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms
Floor auctions
Open for bidding: (View All)Fine Art
Ends on 03/05/2021
Jewelry & Timepieces
Ends on 03/05/2021
US Coins
Ends on 03/08/2021
Photography
Ends on 03/10/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 03/11/2021
Decorative Art
Ends on 03/11/2021
Fine & Rare Wine
Ends on 03/12/2021
Western & Texas Art
Ends on 03/12/2021
Comics & Comic Art
Ends on 03/13/2021
US Coins
Ends on 03/15/2021
Decorative Art
Ends on 03/16/2021
US Coins
Ends on 03/17/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 03/17/2021
Sports Collectibles
Ends on 03/18/2021
Nature & Science
Ends on 03/19/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Ends on 03/21/2021
US Coins
Ends on 03/22/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 03/24/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Ends on 03/25/2021
Comics & Comic Art
Ends on 03/25/2021
Movie Posters
Ends on 03/27/2021
Luxury Real Estate
Opens about 01/22/2021
Jewelry & Timepieces
Opens about 03/08/2021
Comics & Comic Art
Opens about 03/12/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Opens about 03/07/2021
Currency
Opens about 03/08/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 03/17/2021
Comics & Comic Art
Opens about 03/19/2021
Decorative Art
Opens about 03/18/2021
US Coins
Opens about 03/08/2021
Jewelry & Timepieces
Opens about 02/24/2021
Musical Instruments
Opens about 03/23/2021
Photography
Opens about 03/22/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 03/23/2021
Photography
Opens about 03/24/2021
Currency
Opens about 03/26/2021
Comics & Comic Art
Opens about 03/18/2021
Sports Collectibles
Opens about 04/01/2021
US Coins
Opens about 03/16/2021
Decorative Art
Opens about 03/26/2021
Historical
Opens about 03/29/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Opens about 03/21/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 03/31/2021
US Coins
Opens about 04/02/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 04/01/2021
Currency
Opens about 04/02/2021
US Coins
Opens about 03/22/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Opens about 03/28/2021
Decorative Art
Opens about 04/06/2021
Decorative Art
Opens about 04/08/2021
Illustration Art
Opens about 04/09/2021
Decorative Art
Opens about 04/09/2021
Entertainment
Opens about 04/12/2021
Luxury Accessories
Opens about 04/12/2021
Jewelry & Timepieces
Opens about 04/02/2021
Heritage membership
- Past Auction Values (prices, photos, full descriptions, etc.)
- Bid online
- Free Collector newsletter
- Want List with instant e-mail notifications
- Reduced auction commissions when you resell your
winnings
- Cash Advances
- More Bidders
- Trusted Experts
- Over 200,000 Satisfied Consignors Since 1976
Learn about consigning with us
The resulting auction of my property overwhelmed me. I want to thank Tom Slater and the Heritage team for a very satisfactory experience and profitable result with my historical consignment.View More Testimonials
HA.com receives more traffic than any other auction house website. (Source: Similarweb.com)