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 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, 7p. octavo, 'Florida' Port Royal, South Carolina, January 5, 1862, and reads in part: '"…The navy have adopted Bay Point side as their anchorage, and the Army transports and steamers all anchor on the Hilton Head side…The impression on our side of the Bay is, that Genl. Sherman sent the Vanderbilt north the other day without saying one word to anybody, with the view that the Government may have the Army report first, and without the Naval report of the late battle, that what people say. The Wabash fired two blank guns to bring her too, but she disregarded them and continued to steam like all the world out of the Harbor. I suppose the army wants a little glory down here and let them have it, they have done nothing as yet. Our gunboats shelled those Rebels off at Port Royal Ferry and started them a running. We have news today that Tattnal has resigned and sunk his steamers in the Savannah River. Orders have been issued should Fort Pulaski be taken to fire the City of Savannah. [Henry J.] Harstene succeeds [Josiah] Tattnall as Commander in Chief - A brother of Vallingdams M_C was killed in the recent battle. I have just understood that I am to be sent on secret special duty south and where they all say I will make a fortune - deserters are coming in constantly from Tattnal's Flotilla…I am going on board of the Wabash presently to report my ship ready for sea…I have just returned from the Flag ship and the Comm. informed me that he had been instructed by the Navy Dept. as soon as he could detach a ship to examine and ascertain what Light Houses & Beacons are standing in his district to do so, that he intended to confide that duty to me and in order to accomplish my instructions I would have to go the utmost limit of his station which would be Key West. After that I am to go and get some information relative to the terminus of a rail road at Cedar Keys where we learn they are violating the blockade daily…". Much more interesting content. VG.
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