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Federal gun-boat, 1862. Creator: Unknown
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Federal gun-boat, 1862. Creator: Unknown
Federal gun-boat, 1862. American Civil War. We learned that the Southern fleet had preceded us but a few hours, and that their crews had landed and searched every plantation they came to for cotton, which they either burnt or threw into the river, despite the protestations of the owners. One of their transports we overtook and captured while engaged in this vandalism...Two vessels under a full head of steam came from our rear and passed swiftly through our line, each seeking an antagonist in the Confederate fleet. They mounted no guns, and had but a crew of twelve riflemen stationed behind a massive loopholed bulkhead. A few weeks since they were ordinary river steamers, but, having been thoroughly strengthened and protected by massive timbers and a solid iron-topped prow placed on each, it was determined to try them as rams...the Monarch bore down towards the General Lovell, and, striking her amidships, cut her down to the water's edge, and in three minutes afterwards she sunk in one hundred feet of water, taking with her most of her crew...To sum up the whole affair, one Confederate vessel alone escaped...three were destroyed, and four were captured after a running fight of one hour and a half'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862
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Media ID 35123535
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph captures a Federal gun-boat from the American Civil War, dating back to the year 1862. The image is an intriguing glimpse into a pivotal moment during the conflict between the Union and Confederate forces. According to an account published in the Illustrated London News in 1862, the Union fleet had encountered the Confederate fleet in a river, with both sides eager to engage in battle. The Confederates had previously raided plantations, destroying cotton and taking it into the river in protestation from the plantation owners. The photograph shows two Union gun-boats, the Monarch and an unnamed vessel, charging towards the Confederate fleet. The Union boats, initially civilian river steamers, had been transformed into formidable warships, fortified with massive timbers and iron-topped prows, intended to be used as rams. The Monarch, leading the charge, collided with the Confederate vessel General Lovell, resulting in its destruction, and the sinking of the ship, taking most of its crew with it. The Union forces managed to capture three Confederate vessels and destroy another during the ensuing hour and a half-long battle. The photograph is a poignant reminder of the destructive power of war and the transformation of civilian vessels into deadly weapons. The identity of the photographer remains unknown, but their image offers a unique perspective into the events of the American Civil War.
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