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PRIZE MONEY FOR CREW MEMBERS. Dated U.S. Gunboat Aroostook, Off Galveston, Texas, 14th Sep. 1864, this 2-page order, which is apparently written and signed by then-Lt. Commander Joseph E. Skerrett, assigns Acting Ensign H. L. Ramson, of the Aroostook, to accompany a prize of 38 bales of cotton to the Prize Court in New Orleans and to remain there until a judgment is made; on the back of the order, dated Sep 22, is an order for Ransom to Take passage on the Arkansas to rejoin your vessel, which was signed by Commodore "J[ames] S[hedden] Palmer. This small archive highlights the importance of prize money in motivating ship crews participating in the blockade. Large lot which may necessitate additional shipping cost (inquire). $600.
Second album page with 1864 Aroostook letter with writeup
Page 2 of 1864 letter, fully open
Page 1 of 1865 letter, fully open
Page 2 of 1865 letter, fully open
File docketing on 1864 letter, signed by Commodore Palmer
Ramson apparently died sometime between his delivering the cotton and the Court awarding the prize money, because also included is a letter to Mrs. H. L. Ramson from the Paymaster of Aroostook dated Jul 6, 1865, confirming that she is entitled to her husband's share of the award money, $534.76 less the Internal Revenue Tax of 5%. Also included is a handsome Carte de Visite of Seaman Ransom by G.H. Morand of New York, one of the first professional photographers in New York City.
Joseph E. Skerrett (1833-1897) went on to become a Rear Admiral. In addition to serving in the West Gulf Blockading Squadron, he headed the Department of Seamanship at the U.S. Naval Academy from 1868 to 1872. He later made important surveys of uncharted areas of the northern Pacific Ocean, and served as Governor of the Philadelphia Naval Asylum 1886 to 1888. He was commandant of Portsmouth Navy Yard from 1889 to 1890 as well as the Washington Navy Yard September 1890 to December 1892, followed by more time in the South Pacific.
James Shedden Palmer (1810-1867) was, at this time, in command of the 1st Division of Ironclads in the West Gulf Blockading Squadron in the vicinity of New Orleans, and would attain the rank of Rear Admiral July 1866.
