Report of the Special Committee of the Chamber of Commerce of the State of New York, on Testimonials to the Captain, Officers and Crew of the United States Sloop of War “Kearsarge”
Chamber of Commerce of the State of New York.
John W. Amerman, ( 1865), New-York
14.5 x 22.5 cm. 22 pp.
Price: $150
The “Kearsarge” was a 1570-ton sloop of war was built in Kittery, Maine, and launched in 1861 for the express purpose of hunting Confederate raiders. She caught up with her quarry outside of Cherbourg in 1864, closed on her and, after a mostly one-sided battle (“Alabama’s” powder was old and rotten, and “Kearsarge” had added extra armor in the Azores), “Alabama” was destroyed. She sank shortly after her surrender, but her captain, Semmes, escaped aboard a British vessel. The New York State Chamber of Commerce raised over $25,000, which it distributed to “Kearsarge’s” Captain Winslow and crew. This pamphlet briefly recounts the battle, then lists donors and amount donated. This is followed by a list of Kearsarge’s officers and crew, showing how much each man received, and whether they had been wounded or killed in the battle. Bound as issued in printed wrappers. A scarce piece of Americana in fine condition.