Raynors HCA 2017-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/7/2017
War-date Union soldier's letter, 3pp. 8vo., written by Pvt. Daniel D. Barrows, Co. E, 9th Maine Vols., [later Signal Corps], Hilton Head, S. C., June 19, 1863. The CSS Atlanta commanded by able Capt. William A. Webb was steamed down the Savannah river with the intensions of attacking the Union fleet guarding Charleston Harbor. She was met by the Union monitor USS Weehawken in Wassaw Sound, Georgia on the early morning hours of June 17th, 1863. The Atlanta fired the first shot, but the Weehawken's superior gunnery skills soon put the Atlanta out of action; four of her five shots fired found their mark, but not after wounding nearly half her crew. By 5:15 in the morning she surrendered leaving the Confederacy in shock, in part: "…I shall visit the Rebel Ironclad Monster Fingal [CSS Atlanta] which our little Monitor Weehawken captured in Wassaw Sound a few days ago. It was one of the greatest feats of the war…since Genl. Gillmore has taken command things have assumed a lively appearance…another Charleston expedition preparing and…the greatest part of the troops will leave…a number have left already building batteries and preparing for a regular siege…I applied to the chief quartermaster…to be returned to my Regt on account of the intense heat in the shop. His answer was you cant be spared. Take it fair and easy…I see Lieut. Brook quite often. He looks tip top…I am afraid Yellow Jacket will pay us a visit after visiting the Fingal and finding out what is to be done in the direction of Charleston…Brother Dan". VG
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