CUSHING, William Barker (1842-1874). CDV. New York: E. & H.T. Anthony, [ca.1862].

100 x 62 mm. Portrait on lettered mount.

RARE IMAGE OF THE DESTROYER OF THE CSS ALBEMARLE. Cushing, an officer in the United States Navy, was known for engaging in risky attacks on Rebel installations. The CSS Albemarle, a steam-powered ironclad gunboat ram, dominated the Roanoke River and approaches to Plymouth through the summer of 1864. On the night of 27-28 October 1864, Cushing and 21 men worked their way up the Roanoke River in an attempt to capture the Albemarle, where they were spotted by a sentry and came under heavy fire. Cushing rammed his steam launch into the Albemarle at full speed, and when her spar was against the ironclad's hull, Cushing detonated the torpedo's charge. The raid blew a hole in the Albemarle's hull, and she sank immediately. For his leadership in sinking the CSS Albemarle, Cushing received the Thanks of Congress, and five ships in the U.S. Navy have been named USS Cushing in his honor.

[With:] WELLES, Gideon. Rebel Ram Albemarle. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy, in answer to A resolution of the House of Representatives of the 2d of May, in regard to the rebel ram which recently participated in the rebel attack on Plymouth. [Washington, D. C.: House of Representatives, 1864]. Discussing the CSS Albemarle.

Property from the Collection of Dr. Brant Mittler