Raynors 2020-05 Putnal
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/30/2020
War-date Handbill, one page, octavo, October 18th, 1864, Liverpool, England. Issued by the United States Consulate on light blue paper, this prophetic warning concerns the dangers posed to U.S. shipping by newly christened "Sea King". It reads in part: "...The English Screw Steamer 'Sea King', built in Glasgow in 1863, cleared for Bombay, and sailed from London on the eighth instant...in command of Captain Corbett. Mr. Sisco, United States Consular Agent at Dover, says he has reliable information that Captain Semmes is to have this vessel...The 'Sea King' is a very fast, strong built, and fine looking screw steamer, built of wood with iron frame, and coppered, about one thousand tons burthern, and two hundred and twenty-two feet long, one funnel, three bright masts...No doubt her name will be changed." And, indeed, it was...to the "C.S.S. Shenandoah", however, went to Captain James Waddell rather than to Raphael Semmes. Under Waddell she embarked on a global cruise of historic proportions, seizing numerous Yankee merchantmen and whalers. Best remembered is that the "Shenandoah" did not learn of the war's end until June, 1865 while in the Pacific. She struck her Confederate colors in November, 1865 upon returning to Liverpool and, as such, has the distinction of lowering the last Confederate flag on active duty. Stains along one edge, slight folds. Overall Fine condition.
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