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Goff, Albert H. (b. 1842) [Description of the Battle of Mobile Bay]

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC08431 Author/Creator: Goff, Albert H. (b. 1842) Place Written: Louisville, Kentucky Type: Autograph manuscript signed Date: circa 1911 Pagination: 1 p. ; 22.8 x 16.2 cm. Order a Copy

Goff served as a 3rd Assistant Engineer aboard the USS "Chickasaw" during the Battle of Mobile Bay. Looking back at age 69, Goff provides an account of the battle. Relates that the "Chickasaw," an ironclad monitor, was ordered to take a position between Fort Morgan and the wooden vessels to protect them the fort's batteries. Says that "Then the fight was on & How vicously [sic] that water batter fired at us! I could feel their 10 ince shot and shell strike our turrets and side armor. I could hear the whir of the balls as they passed over our decks. Realizing there were torpedoes underneath, and being only 22 years old, and this being my first 'babtism [sic] of fire,' I prayed to God that he would give us the victory. And He did!" Says Admiral Farragut came aboard the "Chickasaw" after the battle and he was able to shake his hand. Goff says he fought in the battle 47 years before, making the date of writing around 1911. He lived in Louisville, Kentucky in 1911.

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