DuPont, Samuel Francis (1803-1865) Abstract of the cruise of U.S. Steam Frigate Wabash bearing the flag of Rear Admiral S.F. DuPont 1861-62-63
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03527 Author/Creator: DuPont, Samuel Francis (1803-1865) Place Written: various places Type: Manuscript document Date: 1861-1863 Pagination: 1 v. : 38 p. ; 32.4 x 19.7 cm. Order a Copy
Cover has a hand-drawn picture of the Wabash in a drawn circle of laurels. The "Wabash" was commissioned 16 May 1861. First page is a list of the ship's officers. Provides a log of events for the ship, which contains several entries for each month from 1861-1863. The "Wabash" was stationed on the Atlantic coast from the Carolinas to Florida (although the ship did go to the North for repairs and provisions in July 1862). Provides an account of the Battle of Port Royal in November 1861 as well as a list of ships involved in the battle (p. 12-18). Reports steaming into St. Augustine after the Confederates abandoned it 3 March 1862 (p. 24-25). Makes reference to Robert Smalls stealing the "Planter" 14 May 1862 (p. 29). Says "Last Evening a steam came in which proved to be the "Planter" from Charleston brought in by Fort Sumpter, making the usual salute, and flying the Rebel Flag, when out of range, they pulled down the Flag, hoisted a white one and ran for the Blockading Fleet." Corrections made in pencil throughout. Cover is detached from the manuscript.
Excerpts: November 7, 1861: "... The Battle was spoken of by Men, who had been under fire more than once during their life time as terrible and described the 'Wabash' a destroying angel, as she hugged the shore, men stationed in the chains, calling soundings with cool indifference, slowing the Engine, as to only give her stearage [sic] way, signalizing to the vessels their various evolutions, at the same time raining shells, with the precision and calmness of target practice
March 2, 1862: "The fleet came to anchor off Cumberland Sound, all the light draft Gun Boats, with our armed Launches, several companies of small armed Men, and Marines under command of Major Doughty, from this ship went down through the Sound; Upon entering the Harbor of Fernandina we found Fort Clinch deserted by the Rebels, our ensign was immediately hoisted on the Ramparts ...".
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