USS Grand Gulf | Spared & Shared 23

The following letter was written by James F. Smith while serving in the US Navy aboard the USS Grand Gulf assigned to the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. I could not find anything more on Smith except that his wife filed a widow’s pension after his death and that his rank was “Captain after Guard” while aboard the USS Grand Gulf. This vessel was a wooden-hulled, propeller-driven steamer dubbed the Onward that was purchased by the Navy in September 1863 and renamed the USS Grand Gulf. Her first duty was to join the blockading squadron off Wilmington, North Carolina. She remained there until October 1864.

Smith wrote the letter to his friend, Allan McDougall Campbell (1835-1874), the son of Allan McDougall Campbell and Martha Matternley (1802-18xx) of Nova Scotia. At the time of the 1850 US Census, Allan was living under his mother’s roof in Westchester county, New York, his mother an apparent widow. At the time of the 1860 US Census, Allan was living in a New York City boarding house with his younger brother Donald working as a postal carrier. His brother Donald was working as a sign painter. It appears that Allan received his naturalization papers in August 1857. Allan enlisted in the US Navy in August 1863 and served aboard the USS Montauk, a single-turreted Passaic-class monitor launched in 1862 and part of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

*This is the vessel the author was on when he wrote the letter in November 1863. She was renamed the “General Grant” after she was returned to the merchant service after the Civil War.*

Transcription

*Addressed to Allan M. Campbell, care of Alexander Campbell, Morrisiana, Westchester, New York*

USS Grand Gulf
N. Atlantic Blockade Squadron
November 20, 1863

Dear Friend,

We are now at anchor off Wilmington watching very closely the movements of the rebels and sometimes giving chase to strange vessels. There is three other vessels here—the Montgomery, Florida, and Connecticut. We expect to go to Beaufort in a few days to coal up.

The Keystone State, one of this squadron, captured a large steamer a short time ago, We also gave chase but finally lost sight of her and gave it up as a bad job.

The weather here is delightful and we have as comfortable a time as can be expected on ship board considering the place we are stationed at.

I have been sick for a few days but now my health is very good hoping this will find you enjoying the same blessing. I remain, dear Mack, your sincere friend, — J. S. Smith

N. B. Please write by return and address as you see on top pf letter. — J. F. S.