101

Manuscript map of a naval expedition to Ochlockonee Bay in Florida.

Florida, circa late March 1863
Manuscript map, 16 x 19½ inches, on tracing paper; moderate ink burn, folds, minor wear.

  • Notes: This map depicts a failed Union naval raid from St. George's Sound into Ochlockonee Bay on the Florida panhandle, which took place from 20 to 27 March 1863. It was led by Acting Master Richard J. Hoffner of the USS Amanda. Two boats were sent into the marshy bay on a hunt for a Confederate blockade runner. The raiders were able to capture the blockade runner, but then ran aground at low tide, and were attacked by dozens of Confederates from the shore. During the ensuing retreat, they were forced to burn the prize, and sailors waded into the shallow water to drag their boats across mud flats while under rifle fire.

    The map shows the original position of the Amanda, in St. George's Bay; the tortuous path of the two boats into the bay through oyster beds and mud flats; the location of the "pine forrest soldiers' attack," site where the prize schooner was burned on the 4th night; and the track of the boats across the mud flat on the retreat.

    The map's caption briefly describes the expedition, and is signed "R.J. Hoffman, com'd'g; Jos. Stoffer, assisting." As Hoffner took a Minie ball in the neck during the retreat, it seems likely that Stoffer drew the map and wrote the report, and we will forgive him for spelling Hoffner's name incorrectly.  

    Provenance: papers of James Cara Williamson (1813-1871), a career naval officer, to whom the map is addressed. During the Civil War, he served on several ships including the USS Penguin serving in the Gulf blockade.
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