-
- File of Incoming Correspondence to “USS Congress
File of Incoming Correspondence to “USS Congress,” April 1870 – June 1871.
Manuscript.
Two scrapbooks, 37 cm. with over 350 pieces of correspondence mounted on tabs.
Price: $2000
USS Congress was a Contoocook-class sloop. She was launched in 1868, but not commissioned until 1870. In her first tour of duty she was flagship for Commodore J. Green of the South Atlantic Squadron, stationed in Key West. The letters in this archive trace the Squadron’s daily activities, organized around “Congress’s” departure from Boston in April 1870, her station in Key West, and her return to Boston in June 1871. In this role she showcased American naval power in the West Indies, looked after American merchant interests, and protected US citizens during this unstable period in Latin America. Most of the letters deal with mundane activities such as coaling, logistics of supplies, transfers, personnel requirements, minor disciplinary matters, and operational conditions and concerns of vessels in the squadron. Of particular interest are letters concerning the murder of Chief Engineer Mortimer Kellog of “USS Terror” by William King, Surgeon aboard “USS Dictator.” There had been disciplinary problems with Kellog, and he was embroiled in a dispute over back pay, but this murder – a shooting – took place during a “fracas onshore” and may have been unrelated to Kellog’s other problems. Also there was the threat of an incursion by Haitian General José María Cabral into St. Domingo in August 1870. The correspondence spells out actions taken in response by Commodore Green and the ships under his command. Civil War gunboat “USS Yantic” was on the scene performing detailed surveys of waters around St. Domingo. These are included the correspondence file as multi-page reports. All the letters are listed alphabetically and with a summary of contents in an index at the back of the first volume. Many are secreterial copies, signed by the author, or originals written entirely in the author’s hand. Over 350 pieces of incoming correspondence, tab mounted, in two large scrapbooks. Covers detached, contents generally in very good condition.
