Civil War
1864 Union Admiral John A. Dahlgren's Orders Regarding Confederate Rebel Attacks on Union Blockade Vessels
October 1, 1864-Dated Civil War Period, Printed Field Order No. 83, from Rear Admiral John A. Dahlgren, Commanding South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Flag Steamer "Philadelphia", Port Royal, S.C.", mentions defending with a Bowie Knife!, Very Fine.
Rare Field Order No. 83 by Admiral Dahlgren warns of an impending attack on Union Blockade vessels by Confederate flat boats and Cotton Clads, and advises precautions to take to defend against the attacks, and particularly boarding by the enemy, including: "to have grape in the cannon and buck shot in the muskets, with a bowie knife at the belt". Printed Order measures 4-7/8" x 5-3/8", 1 page. on period wove paper, with small paper clip stains at top. ORDER No. 83 reads, in part:
"Information has reached me that the Rebels are engaged in building five large Flat Boats on the Savannah Railroad, to be transported to the Altamaha and used to attack our vessels on Blockade, in connection with two small Cotton Clads... Boats on picket will give notice, - torpedo fenders will delay, if not prevent boats getting alongside, - and both, assisted by boarding nettings will give such advantage to the defence, that it should be impracticable to carry one of our vessels by boarding. Remember to have grape in the cannon and buck shot in the muskets, with a bowie knife at the belt. If a Commander thinks his vessel deficient in any respect, he should take post outside at night. --- (Signed in Type) JOHN A. DAHLGREN."