2021-10 Raynors HCA Live
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/16/2021
Autograph Letter Signed "C.B. Oliver" gunner, datelined U.S.S. Mississippi, to Commander Alex. Slidell Mackenzie, April 8th, 1848, 2pp., VG. In small part, "In compliance with your order I state the condition of the Guns & Gun Gear etc., of this ship: Guns in good order, except gun #27, fired 148 times in the bombardment of Vera Cruise & requiring examination." He then continues listing 21 line items and their condition. After several years of service in the Home Squadron, during which she performed experiments crucial to development of the steam Navy, Mississippi joined the West Indian Squadron in 1845 as flagship for Commodore Perry. During the Mexican-American War, she took part in expeditions against Alvarado, Tampico, Pánuco, and Laguna de Términos, all successful in tightening American control of the Mexican coastline and interrupting coastwise commerce and military supply operations.She returned to Norfolk for repairs on 1 January 1847, then arrived at Veracruz on 21 March 1847, carrying Perry to take command of the American fleet. At once she and her men plunged into amphibious operations against Veracruz, supplying guns and their crews to be taken ashore for the battery which fought the city to surrender in four days. Through the remainder of the war, Mississippi contributed guns, men, and boats to a series of coastal raids on Mexico's east coast, taking part in the capture of Tabasco in June 1847.
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