LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 June Marketplace Auction #87061  / 

91631

Original Orders for Sabine Pass Blockade Runners

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:50.00 USD Estimated At:200.00 - 300.00 USD
Original Orders for Sabine Pass Blockade Runners
<B>Commander M. B. Woolsey's Orders for the Defense Against A Confederate Breakout at Sabine Pass.</B></I> Two pages, 8 x 12.5, manuscript signed <I>M. B. Woolsey</B></I>, in ink, dated March 16, 1864, in near fine condition. Commander Woolsey writes: <I>From observations made during the past week, I have reason to believe that the enemy in Sabine, despairing of running the blockade with their cotton, are now arming the Clifton and the Cotton clad; the Sachen and the gunboat J. H. Bell being already armed and that it is their intention to come out in force, and attempt to raise the blockade.</B></I> Woolsey then proceeds to list a ten point plan for thwarting the rebel attempt to break the blockade. Of note is the seventh point which reads: <I>Cease firing upon any vessel of the enemy which may haul down her colors, but be on the guard against treachery.</B></I> And, <I>Fire at the most vital part, aim low a little to the left with the parrots the Parrot rifle , to allow for drift; and allow no random firing.</B></I> The boat referred to as the Clifton was sunk five days later while attempting to run Woolsey's blockade. <BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Flat Material, Small (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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