American Historical Ephemera & Photography

8 3/8 x 6 3/8 in. albumen photograph on 10 x 7 1/2 in. original, cardstock mount with manuscript title in lower margin, "Admiral Lessofsky And Captains Of Russian Fleet" (some spotting to print, but rich tone and contrast; mount trimmed along bottom edge, occasional soiling). 

For a short time during the Civil War, Russian warships were positioned to protect New York and San Francisco from possible British or French attack. The US showed its gratitude by inviting the Russian navy to parade along New York City's Broadway Street and by hosting various receptions and dinners in their honor. The most impressive of these tours included a large parade down Broadway with the November 1863 arrival of a Russian cruiser squadron commanded by Rear Admiral Lessofsky, consisting of the frigates Alexander Nevsky (flagship), Peresvet, the corvets Variag and Vitiaz, and the clipper Almaz, which cast anchor in New York Bay.

The photograph offered here was taken at Mathew Brady's Gallery on Broadway before the pageantry and parade that ended with a huge reception: "On November 5th, the much-anticipated ball for the Russians began at 9:00 in the evening, when the first carriages pulled up to the Academy of Music. Two thousand tickets were sold for the Soirée Russe, as this dance was called; the crowd of onlookers standing outside was estimated to be even larger, making the whole affair something of a mob scene. The Russians were astonished to learn that the theater had been converted to a ballroom in less than twenty four hours, the work beginning only after the opera closed at midnight the night before. 'None but Americans could accomplish such a feat!,' they exclaimed when they saw the glittering scene."

This photograph was also reproduced as an engraving for Harper's 7 November 1863 issue, under the title, "Our Russian Visitors," and was accompanied by the following details: "On page 708 we reproduce an admirable photograph by Brady, representing our Russian visitors, Admiral Lessofski [sic] and the Captains of His Fleet. They are all sturdy-looking men, perfect gentlemen, and as accomplished in letters and science as they are skillful in their profession. Private individuals, cities, and public bodies are vying with each other to do them honor. For the noble attitude of Russia in abstaining from interference in our war has touched the heart of every American and filled it with gratitude. Brady's photograph is, as usual, a success."