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Webb, William A. (fl. 1863) [An agreement signed by Confederate officers and sailors]

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01007.01 Author/Creator: Webb, William A. (fl. 1863) Place Written: Port Royal Harbor, South Carolina Type: Manuscript document signed Date: 20 March 1863 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 31.5 x 20.4 cm. Order a Copy

Document guarantees the Union Navy that there will be no hostilities or political intrigue while the Confederates are confined to the Union ship. Has 18 signatures, including the Commander William A. Webb, William McBlair, etc. The "Atlanta," captured in June of 1863, was the first Confederate ironclad to surrender to the Union. Webb was roundly criticized for waging action against orders. He later commanded the CSS "Richmond."

The CSS "Atlanta" was an ironclad ram stationed at Savannah, Georgia until 16 June 1863 when the Commander William Webb steamed downriver to attack Union monitors in the blockade. It was run aground and forced to surrender. Webb remained a prisoner until he was exchanged on 18 October 1864. The capture was widely publicized in Northern newspapers.

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