Item No. 6658288

A CDV photograph of two United States Navy officers, identified in a contemporary handwriting on the reverse as “W. Ferguson, Master U.S. Navy” and “Paymaster Peak, Gunboat ‘Rattler,’ 1863.” The image bears no photographer’s imprint. It was removed from the family album of Bernard J. D. Irwin, the noted army surgeon, naturalist, and Medal of Honor recipient. Measures about 2 1/2” x 4” with slightly trimmed corners.

The USS Rattler was a stern-wheel steamer acquired by the Union Navy in late 1862 and assigned to the Mississippi Squadron for service on the western rivers. She participated in the expedition against Arkansas Post in January 1863, where she advanced to close range under heavy fire and helped support the successful assault that resulted in the capture of the fort and thousands of Confederate troops. Rattler later served as part of the Yazoo Pass expedition and, following the fall of Vicksburg, took part in expeditions along the Red, Black, Tensas, and Ouachita Rivers, capturing Confederate vessels and helping secure Union control of the Mississippi. In the late summer of 1863, a notable incident occurred near Rodney, Mississippi, she was stationed near Rodney, Mississippi,when much of the crew, including their commanding officer, were captured ashore by Confederate cavalry. In the captain’s absence, William Ferguson, serving as ensign and the vessel’s executive officer, took command of the gunboat, brought her into action, and shelled the town in response.