Bell, Richard
1877

Cruise of the U.S. Flagship Richmond

Cruise of the U.S. Flagship Richmond [Cruise souvenir poster]

DESCRIPTION: Large antique lithographed naval poster, a memento from the Atlantic and Pacific cruise of the U.S. wooden steam-sloop Richmond during 1872 to 1877. This poster-sized lithograph documents the crew and ports of call for the Richmond from the time it was put on commission at the Philadelphia Navy Yard on November 18, 1872 until it was decommissioned at the Boston Navy Yard in September 1877.

The Richmond had a long history of heroic service from the time it was launched in 1860. The sloop saw much action during the Civil War as part of the Gulf Blockading Squadron at the head of passes in the Mississippi River. The sloop was damaged during several engagements including an attack by David Farragut's squadron against Mobile bay, and an attack on Port Hudson. The valor of the crew on that vessel resulted in awards of the Medal of Honor to 32 marine guard and crew members, more than any other Union vessel in the Civil War.

Lists the crew, officers, and marine guard by name and rate. The print also contains a description of the ship's armaments and statistics: 259 feet length overall, draft 17.6 feet, engine, and much more.

We have been unable to locate another copy anywhere of this print that was apparently designed as a souvenir for the ship's crew. Probably very few copies were printed as the officers, marine guard and crew totaled only about 300.

Bottom section lists the numerous ports visited during the entire cruise of 60,583 1/4 miles with both arrival and departure dates. The cruise included a transit of the Strait of Magellan and visits to San Francisco and many other Pacific ports of call on the west coast of South and Central America. Compiled by Richard Bell, Yeoman. Printed by Rand, Avery and Company. Boston.

CREATOR: Bell, Richard

PUBLICATION DATE: 1877

GEOGRAPHIC AREA: United States

BODY OF WATER: All

CONDITION: Fair Shows very well despite a few condition issues. Red color is a bit faded and the print is missing a very small section outside the bottom border at right. Several repaired tears, mostly invisible except under strong light. Laid down on board.

COLORING: Three-color lithograph (black, red, blue) with half-tone image of the ship.

ENGRAVER:

SIZE: 20 " x 27 "

ITEM PHYSICAL LOCATION: 0

PRICE: $2400

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