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1862 Civil War Union Navy Hero William B. Cushing Autograph Letter Signed With Superb Naval Battle Content with the Confederate Fleet at Elizabeth City, North Carolina

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WILLIAM B. CUSHING (1842-1874). United States Navy Officer best known for sinking the Ironclad Ram CSS Albemarle in a daring nighttime raid on October 27, 1864 at Plymouth, NC, for which he received the thanks of Congress and became a national hero; in January 1865, Cushing helped lead the Union Navy landing force in the assault on Fort Fisher.

September 15, 1862-Dated Civil War Period, Autograph Letter Signed, "Lt. William B. Cushing", having 8 pages, measuring 5" x 8", U.S.S. Commodore Perry, Off Plymouth, N.C., Choice Very Fine. Well written and easily readable on very clean light blue lined wove period paper and nicely signed, light ink smear on final page. With extensive excellent content, including a thrilling detailed account of the bravery of his Captain during the battle with the Confederate fleet at Elizabeth City, NC.. This Letter reads, in part:

"U.S.S. 'Commodore Perry' / Off Plymouth N.C. / Sept. 15, 1862 ---

My Dear Cousin, --- Yours shall be the first letter that I answer out of five that have found me out ni the land (or on the water) of North Carolina... --- It is now more than a month since I left Norfolk behind me; and since then I have been traveling around so fast that even 'Will Cushing' has had no time to become restless. Isn't it a luxury - this perpetual motion - to one of my nature! I haven't got tamed down yet, and I shall decline to become so till you get me that wife that you promised me, and then she can secure the services of 'Ravey', if, indeed, she be not a man tamer of the 'woman's rights' persuasion. No! No! Delia, don't be so hard hearted as to make a woman miserable by helping to make her my wife. If you have a bitter enemy, punish her in some other way.

But as I remarked before, I have been far from quiet during the past month. Leaving Norfolk, I went to Roanoke Island, famous for the victory gained by us over the combined land and naval forces of the 'Old North State'. From that point I proceeded to Newbern, a place where the chivalry again failed to find 'the last ditch'. At this point I remained for more than two weeks, waiting for the return of Commodore Davenport, who commands the vessels in the sounds of North Carolina. I met many old friends there, and was strongly reminded of Salem by seeing Mr. Driver, who spent an evening with me in my room at the 'Union Hotel'. And here let me waste ink and paper enough to say, that of all the public houses that a simple public encourages in meanness in this Country, the 'Union House' is the lowest in the scale. If you are ever enticed into taking a trip to this land of fevers and musquitos, don't go near that vile tavern. I left it, and went onboard the Gunboat 'Ellis' as the guest of an old Academy friend of mine - one of the heroic family who bear the name of Porter. I went on an expedition up the Neuse River, in which we only succeeded in killing one rebel; but captured numerous sheep, chickens, sheep and pigs...

When Captain Davenport returned, I found that I had my choice between the command of one gunboat or the second in command of a much better one, with the prospect of soon commanding her. I chose the latter, and here I am on the deck of a vessel where my word is the supreme law for over a hundred officers and men. There are six vessels in the squadron, and I am next in rank to the commander of the fleet, so if he is detached or sick, I shall command not only one, but six vessels. For the greater part of the time since I have been here he has had the fever, and he is trying to get ordered North. I hope that he won't go, for he is a brave fellow and as cool under fire as ever was Lord Nelson.

In the attack on Elizabeth City, his boat led the squadron. The enemy's fleet was drawn up in line, and the rebel guns were raining shot and shell, most of which were directed at the Perry. In the midst of the excitement and din of the battle, Captain Flusser walked the deck in the most exposed position, giving his orders as calmly as if at inspection. As they passed within twenty yards of the rebel boat 'Fannie', they saw them training their great gun right on him. Out came our Captain's revolver, and it was held by an arm as firm as marble. Down went the captain of the rebel gun, shot through the breast, and the second captain shared his fate when he tried to perform his duty. The revolver was then returned to its belt with but two barrels discharged. Captain Flusser had singled out the 'Sea Bird', the flag ship of the rebel squadron for his prey. As he neared her he hailed, as follows - Sea Bird Ahoy! Is Commodore Lynch on board?' Tell him to get his fenders out! I'm coming on board!' In a moment after, he struck her with a crash, and Commo. Lynch's ship flagship went down. You can't wonder that I like him. He is going to give us a fight here in a few days, with a seven gun battery up this (the Roanoke) river. We should have been at them before, if it were not for the sickness that has taken the strength from so many of my men. I am the only officer in the fleet who is in perfect health. Those who have had it (the fever) are not yet strong, and most of the others are worn down with it. It would astonish you to see how general the disease is, and how 'as a matter of course' everyone takes it.

Friday we got underway and ran up the Chowan River to protect a company of soldiers - enlisted North Carolinians - who were threatened by a rebel force. The Confederates wouldn't divert us by joining us in a row, so, as we didn't care what became of the so called Union solders, we returned to Plymouth. I say that we don't care what becomes of them, and I will explain my words. These are men who call themselves Unionists only to cover their rascalities, who rob, burn and murder; who are horse thieves and negro stealer, and who have no respect for anyone but the Devil. If the country around there had been strong for the Union, it can be nothing but a bitter secession in its feelings hereafter. We therefore declined to protect them, and trust that they are, now, gracing the limbs of the trees in that neighborhood. Do you call that Christian talk? Well I can't help it..."

Cushing's most famous exploit occurred during the Civil War when he led a daring and successful raid against the Confederate ironclad CSS Albemarle in October 1864. At the time, the Albemarle posed a significant threat to Union naval operations in North Carolina's inland waters. In a daring nighttime mission, Cushing and a small crew navigated the Roanoke River and approached the anchored Albemarle. Under heavy fire, Cushing managed to attach a spar torpedo to the Confederate vessel, causing a massive explosion that sank the ironclad. This audacious and successful mission earned Cushing national acclaim and established him as a hero. A rare, superb content historic Letter from this daring Naval Officer whose career was cut short by his death at age 32.


William Barker Cushing (1842-1874) was a daring and skilled naval officer in the United States Navy during the American Civil War. Born on November 4, 1842, in Delafield, Wisconsin, Cushing hailed from a family with a strong naval tradition. His father, Milton B. Cushing, was a naval officer, and this influence likely played a role in William's decision to pursue a career in the navy.

Cushing's most famous exploit occurred during the Civil War when he led a daring and successful raid against the Confederate ironclad CSS Albemarle in October 1864. At the time, the Albemarle posed a significant threat to Union naval operations in North Carolina's inland waters. In a daring nighttime mission, Cushing and a small crew navigated the Roanoke River and approached the anchored Albemarle. Under heavy fire, Cushing managed to attach a spar torpedo to the Confederate vessel, causing a massive explosion that sank the ironclad. This audacious and successful mission earned Cushing national acclaim and established him as a hero.

Cushing's bravery came at a cost, as he was seriously wounded during the daring raid. Despite his injuries, he managed to evade capture and return to Union lines. His exploits brought him fame and earned him promotion to the rank of lieutenant commander.

After the Civil War, Cushing continued his naval career and served in various capacities. Tragically, his life was cut short when he died by drowning on December 17, 1874, at the young age of 32. The circumstances surrounding his death remain somewhat unclear, but it is believed that it may have been related to heavy drinking and depression.

William B. Cushing's legacy lives on through his daring raid on the CSS Albemarle, which is often cited as one of the most audacious exploits of the Civil War. His courage and determination in the face of adversity have solidified his place in naval history.
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