Semmes, Raphael (1809-1877) to John McIntosh Kell
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00684.16 Author/Creator: Semmes, Raphael (1809-1877) Place Written: Mobile, Alabama Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 4 February 1869 Pagination: 1 p. ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Writes that, while in Baltimore, he has inscribed a copy of his book and ordered the publishers to send it to Kell's "little son, my namesake." Fondly inquires after Kell's family. Raphael Semmes, commander of the famous raider CSS Alabama was promoted to admiral in the Confederate Navy in 1865, and briefly served as a brigadier general in the army following the fall of Richmond.
In 1869, Semmes published "Memoirs of Service Afloat, during the War between the States." The book included a detailed retelling of the loss of the C.S.S. Alabama to the U.S.S. Kearsarge, Semmes' most crushing defeat.
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