September 5-7, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/7/2023
July 24, 1864, letter datelined "Flag Ship Hartford / off Mobile" barely 10 days before the famous Battle of Mobile Bay that closed the last important Confederate port on the Gulf of Mexico east of the Mississippi. Farragut directs the Acting Master of the USS Antona at New Orleans to have his paymaster reduce Acting Master's Mate Levi T. Butler to his previously held rating. We can only presume Butler did not live up to Farragut's exacting standards. Farragut, 1801-1870, was the first rear admiral, vice admiral, and admiral in the navy, had served since age 11 in the War of 1812. Although of southern background, he opposed secession and remained loyal to the Union. Farragut commanded the gulf blockading squadron and was active in opening up the Mississippi. At Mobile Bay, he became famous for posting himself in the rigging of his flagship so that he could see above the smoke of battle and commanding ordering the flagship full speed ahead despite the presence of Confederate mines, called torpedoes at the time, first exclaiming "Damn the torpedoes!" Signed "D.E. Farragut" lower right. CONDITION: Good. Minor foxing and soiling. A scarce signature by an important figure in the history of the US Navy.