[CIVIL WAR]. Collection of 12 documents and photographs associated with the paddle steamer USS Michigan.

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American Historical Ephemera & Photography

By Cowan's Auctions

Jun 25, 2021

Set Reminder 2021-06-25 10:00:00 2021-06-25 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : American Historical Ephemera & Photography https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/cowans/american-historical-ephemera-photography-7043
The June 25 American Historical Ephemera and Photography Auction features an exciting assemblage of 18th-early 20th century material, including Civil War archives, Early Photography, Western Americana, Autographs and Manuscripts, and more. Cowan's Auctions dawnie@cowans.com

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• Lot Description
  The U.S. Steamer Michigan was launched on the Great Lakes by President Tyler in 1844. Even though she was built in Pittsburgh and assembled in Erie (her home port), the President named her for the newest state, which also happened to be bordered by the lakes. She would be the third longest serving commissioned vessel in the Navy (after the Constitution and Constellation) and the first steamer to be built with an iron hull (two decades before the Monitor and Merrimac). She was built to counter Canadian intrusions into the upper Great Lakes, and during the Civil War she would be the only steamer on the lakes. She performed many duties including rescue work, settling riots (mostly by her very presence) and labor disputes (especially copper miners), buoy-tending, charting, and guarding the Federal prison camp on Johnson's Island. There were at least three attempt to capture her by Confederate raiders, all unsuccessful. She would go on to frustrate the Fenian invasion of Canada and contribute to two more wars, including being a useful recruiting tool.
  
  Stereoview of the USS Michigan anchored at Putt-in-Bay. Harmon Benedict, Publ. as part of his Put-in-Bay scenery series. He titled the card "The Willow Tree" for the tree in the foreground, and wrote: "Planted by Com. Perry and other survivors of the Battle of Lake Erie, to mark the burial place of the slain."
  
  Stereoview of the USS Michigan anchored off Gibraltar Island at Put-in-Bay, also part of Benedict's Put-in-Bay Scenery series. On the ship one sees deck awnings spread on the foredeck, sailor's laundry drying on the aftermast rigging and sails drying on the deck. In the foreground are the packets Clinton and Evening Star. In the background, high on the hills is "The Castle," built in 1864 by Civil War financier Jay Cooke.
  
  Stereoview of the USS Wolverine, formerly named the USS Michigan, moored at a dock in her home port of Erie, PA. After she was decommissioned by the US Navy, she served over a decade more as a training vessel by the Pennsylvania Naval Militia.
  
  CDV of the USS Michigan at anchor off Gibraltar Island at Put-in-Bay. Again, she has her deck awnings and sails spread out to dry in the sun. Jay Cooke's "Castle" is visible on the hills above the lake. The packets Clinton and Evening Star are moored at the dock and a horse-drawn carriage awaits its passenger who is descending the walkway. A festively decorated arch just across from the walkway welcomes passengers to the island.
  
  Albumen photo, 10 x 14 in. of the Michigan State Naval Brigade crew on the USS Yosemite. The sailors have "Michigan" on their caps,  where men on the ship "Michigan" would have had a cap tally with that name. This was a Spanish-American War recruiting photo.
  
  Albumen print photo, 4 x 5 in. on 4.75 x 7 in. card mount, manuscript "U.S.S. Michigan" on mount lower right. The ship was painted white in 1894 and re-rigged in 1897, removing the crow's next from the foremast. This photo by an unidentified photographer must date between these two. Note the guard at the gangway door beneath a life launch. The large carved wooden eagle is mounted on the starboard paddlebox.
  
  Albumen print photo, 9 x 13.5 in. with "Wolverine" in negative. This was formerly the USS Michigan. 
  
  Cabinet card of unidentified sailor. Photographer's identification on verso F.J. Weber, Erie, PA. The sailor has a cap tally with "USS Michigan" on his cap brim. A boatswains pipe on a cord is tucked into his waistband. Weber operated a studio in Erie from 1874 to 1905. He was at the 18th street address from 1889 to 1905, dating this photograph to that period.
  
  Albumen photo of the USS Michigan, 5.5 x 8 in. on 8 x 10 in. card mount. Ca 1886-1894 when she was repainted white. (mount with some darkening and scuffing, photo is fine)
  
  Three documents signed by naval officers who served as commanders of the USS Michigan. (a) Discharge certificate signed by Commander Lanman. Joseph Lanman commanded the vessel from Dec. 1857 to Mar. 1861. Approx. 4.5 x 8 in., non-professional repairs on verso. Nice graphics of a ship under full sail and a spread-winged eagle. (b) Receipt for Pay Chit signed by Commander John Carter. Partially printed form,  2.25 x 8 in., dated Feb. 1, 1850; for $101.71. John Champe Carter (1805-1870) served as commander of the Michigan from March 1861 to Nov. 1864. He was in charge when Confederates attempted to capture the ship to free the POWs on Johnson's Island. Through his long career he served on at least 14 ships and had executive responsibilities at Norfolk and the New York Navy Yard, where this was issued. (c) Discharge for John Collins, USS Michigan Fireman Signed by Commander F.A. Roe. John Collins enlisted in the Navy in 1853 and earned his 1st class Fireman's rating in Feb. 1862. This is when he joined the crew of the Michigan where he served until being discharged at Buffalo, NY on 15 Sept. 1865. For some unknown reason, this discharge and summary of service was copied on a railroad form, 8.25 x 14 in. (folded at 11 in.). It is signed by F.A. (Francis Asbury) Roe (1823-1901) and Tracy Coit, Acting Asst. Paymaster. Roe commanded the Michigan from Nov. 1864 to Apr. 1866. He worked his way through the ranks from midshipman in 1841 to Rear Admiral in 1884, and retired in 1885. He was wounded as commander of the Sassacus in the battle with the Confederate ironclad Albemarle.
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