Reconnaissance up James River - Attack on the U.S.S. Commodore Barney

Reconnaissance up James River - Attack on the U.S.S. Commodore Barney

Naval battle scene.

August 9, 1863

Recto: "make only one man (officer) on hurricane deck) // flag shot away - no awnings up // iron shutters to protect against sharpshooters aft and forward - awning overhead // long line of [?] firing // woods // artillery firing under cover of leaves // Turn over // Boats windows closed with iron shutters // Act. Vol. Lt. Samuel-Huse Commdg - Com. Barney - Lt. Col. Whipple 19th Wisconsin comdg - Gen. Jessup // Lt. Willard, Executive Officer // Capt. Cox comdg Cohasset", Capt. Nicholson comdg - Monitor."

Verso: "Reconnaissance up James River // Attack on U.S.S. Commodore Barney - Gen. Jessup, Cohasset & Sangamon (Monitor) at Turkey Island, Wednesday August 4th 1863 // The Barney was in tow behind, while the Cohasset was hitched to the port side of the Monitor (and exposed to the worst fire) was fastened. The Cohasset is a steam tug with iron shutters forward aft to protect against sharpshooters. The Jessup has the same, and is a black boat with while line (see sketch) around her. Fenders hang outside. The Monitor was built at Chester, Pa and is exactly like the Lehigh. The enemy were posted on a bluff, the artillery & sharpshooters in the edge of the woods- // For particulars see De Myser's letter to the Herald. // The Barney was struck by 30 solid shot and shell and riddled with bullets. It was terrible. These are important sketches you will find after seeing the Herald- // [signed] C.E.H. Bonwill // Fort Monroe, Va Aug 9th 63."

Vertical and horizontal folds; ripping along left and bottom margins; dog ears and loss of paper at all corners; staining on image.

Graphite on wove paper

9.75 x 13.5 in.

Graphite drawings--American--1860-1870

Marine drawings--American--1860-1870

37.3826009, -78.1549845

Original drawing location: CW-CB-VA-8/9/63 (Box 7.)

http://hdl.handle.net/2345/4640

(Becker)CW-CB-VA-8/9/63