2008-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2008
GOLDSBOROUGH, JOHN RODGERS (1809-1877) Union naval commodore who commanded the ships USS Union, Florida, Colorado, Shenandoah during the war as part of the Potomac Flotilla, Southern Atlantic and Gulf and Southern Blockading Squadron. He also commanded the USS Hartford as part of the Asiatic fleet in 1868 and was the brother of famed Union naval hero Rear Admiral Louis Goldsborough. War-date Autograph Letter Signed by Naval Commander John Goldsborough, 6p. octavo, 'Florida' off the Battery, New York Harbor, October 11, 1861, and reads in part: "…My ship is now already for sea with the exception of getting on board my powder and that I expect on board by twelve o'clock tomorrow…There are eight or ten of us lying off the battery and I doubt if any are wiser than I am. My ship now begins to look something like a Man of War and I hope ere long to feel proud of her. I want you to see here now after I have had here not a week. I doubt if you would recognize the same vessel you were on board alongside the wharf. I am pleased with my officers and men, and Mr. Scott has been quite active and busy since he joined and relieved me of the onerous duties of playing the part of all hands…[10/12]…early this morning, I left the ship and went immediately up to Brady's Gallery, he took 12 carte de visite of me…they will be done on Monday, he then requested me to sit for him full length which I did and am very much pleased with them all. On Monday Dupont and all the Capts. are to assemble at Brady's at 11 o'clock and be taken in a group…". Much more interesting content. VG.
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