[CIVIL WAR]. A group of 3 CDVs of Brown Water Navy officers, incl. John W. Moore, Martin Duane, and Howard P. Gray.

Standing view of subject sporting massive handlebar mustache identified in period ink on verso as "John W. Moore / Chief Engineer / USN." New Orleans, LA: E. Jacobs, n.d. (moderate wear around the margins with toning on verso). A career sailor with 41 years of service, John White Moore (1832-1913) became Third Assistant Engineer 5/21/1853, Second Assistant Engineer 6/25/1855, First Assistant Engineer 7/21/1858, Chief Engineer 8/5/1861, retired list 5/24/1894. During the war, John Moore took part in the engagement against the Confederacy's first ironclad warship, the CSS Manassas, at New Orleans, and later the capture of Forts Jackson and St. Philip guarding the Crescent City. Moore was also present during Rear Admiral Porter's dramatic passage of the Vicksburg batteries, the June 1862 fight with the ram CSS Arkansas, and the capture of Port Hudson. This officer originated the idea of using chain cables to protect the sides of vulnerable wooden vessels. Although he retired in 1894 with the honorary rank of Commodore, White returned to duty during the Spanish American War and served as an inspector at the New York Navy Yard. He was awarded the rank of Rear Admiral for his Civil War service in 1906.

[With:] A standing view of an officer with sword and cap tentatively identified in period pencil as "Paymaster Duane / USN." Cairo, IL: David Ford (an uncommon imprint), n.d. (sepia toned, with rounded corners, displays minor wear). This officer may be Martin Duane who became Acting Assistant Paymaster 8/1/1861, discharged 11/14/1865. Nothing is known of this officer's wartime service.

[Also with:] CDV of subject pencil identified as "Howard Gray" on verso. N.p.: Pollock, n.d. (mount with irregularly trimmed borders and soft corners). Lower right margin includes a blind stamp for the photographer. The subject is presumed to be Howard P. Gray who became Acting Third Assistant Engineer 9/29/1863, discharged 10/16/1865. Gray's service is unknown.

The Richard B. Cohen Civil War Collection