John Lorimer Worden Papers
Scope and Contents
The papers of John Lorimer Worden (1818-1897) span the years 1835-1891, with the bulk of the material covering the years 1861 to 1868.
The collection consists of correspondence and official papers relating to Rear Admiral John Lorimer Worden's service in the U.S. Navy, a personal scrapbook, and various handwritten manuscripts authored by Worden. These papers have great historical
value because of the epic naval engagement between the U.S.S. "Monitor" and the C.S.S. "Virginia" (generally known as the Merrimac, although the actual battle ship that was seized and remodeled was the Merrimack).
This collection was acquired by Lincoln Memorial University in April, 1931 from Thomas F. Madigan, a well known autograph dealer of New York City, who had previously purchased the majority of the items from Commodore Worden's daughter. Mr. Madigan then added several Worden items from his own stock which made up sixty-six original documents.
In addition to the papers, a large scrapbook containing photostats of the original documents, the speaking trumpet used by Admiral Worden, and a model of the "Monitor" also supplement the manuscript items. Another exhibit feature, on display in the museum, is a large bronze plaque of Rear Admiral Worden, mounted on a wooden base and bearing the following identification marks: "John L. Worden, Rear Admiral, U.S.N., Aug. 27, 1892, Olivia W. Busbee from J.E. Kelley, Sc., 1892, Quaker Hill, N.Y."
Dates
- 1835 - 1891
- Majority of material found within 1861 - 1868
Biographical / Historical
Sketch of John Lorimer Worden and a View of the Epic Sea Battle between the Original Ironclads
Background about the most famous naval battle of the American Civil War
In the public mind, John L. Worden is chiefly associated with the naval engagement of the "Monitor" and the "Merrimac[k]." The Merrimack, a scuttled Union frigate, was converted by Confederate engineers with the latest ironclad shielding in their attempt to reduce the North's great naval advantage. It was rechristened the C.S.S. "Virginia."
On the day before the engagement between the two ironclads, the C.S.S. "Virginia" arrived at Hampton Roads, Virginia, where they opened an intense volley of fire from their threatening turrets (March 8, 1862), sinking two of the wooden warships belonging to the Union fleet. The commander of the "Virginia," Franklin Buchanan, was poised to do further damage to the remaining vessels, but during the course of battle was wounded and replaced by a perhaps over-cautious naval officer, Catesby ap Roger Jones, who had aided in the construction of the ironclad vessel. Although the fleet of wooden ships of the U.S. Navy would have been easy targets, because they were without the protection of ironplating, unlike the C.S.S. "Virginia," further engagements were not to
take place that evening. The Confederate vessel was lead away from any further naval action, it being determined by Jones that enough engagement had taken place during the first day of combat.
While the first day's battle activity consisted predominantly of successes for the "Virginia," the next day the tables were turned when the newly constructed ironclad, the U.S.S. "Monitor," contended for victory. The momentous battle on the seas was fought on March 9, 1862, beginning with the first volley of fire, and lasted for more than three
hours.
The appearance of the "Monitor," commanded by Lieutenant John L. Worden, has become the most famous naval battle of the Civil War. It was a strategic battle for the side of the Union because it prevented the destruction of the fleet of wooden ships in the harbor. It saved the "Minnesota" and the other federal vessels from what would have been a devastating attack by the Confederate ironclad warship. Another result of this momentous battle at sea was that it placed the Union in an advantageous position, and therefore served as a strong warning to keep England from legitimizing an alliance with the Confederacy.
The invention of the ironclad design belongs to the misunderstood genius, John Ericsson, an immigrant twice-removed from Sweden. Before landing in the United States, he lived among the English for over 10 years (ca. 1827-1839). The British Admiralty was
not interested in one of his inventions, and their lack of interest contributed to the ruin of Ericsson's personal finances and landed him in debtor's prison. He appeared in Washington, D.C., during the later months of 1839, where the government made good use of him. Ericsson designed the U.S. Navy's first steam-powered vessel, the U.S.S. "Princeton." It was not entirely smooth-sailing for him though, especially when he was blamed for an explosion aboard ship when a 12-inch gun exploded, an explosion that killed two high-ranking officials in the Tyler Administration and a naval officer. Ericsson re-entered the governmental scene during the American Civil War, submitting his design for an ironclad to the Department of the Navy. Though many doubted that the vessel would stay afloat or ever be rewarding, the plan was finally accepted. The battle with the C.S.S. "Virginia" proved that the vessel was indeed very serviceable to the Navy, because the ironclad technology ultimately gave the leading advantage to the Union. The innovative method of ironclad shipbuilding that utilized metal, instead of wood, produced
vessels that could withstand heavy attacks. In effect, the ironclad vessels became "armored" warships
Rear Admiral John Lorimer Worden
Rear Admiral John Lorimer Worden led a long and successful career in the U.S. Navy, and certainly the battle between the innovative ironclad vessels was a pivotal event during the Civil War that has received much well deserved attention. In contrast, it is nearly impossible to discover a full-length biography of Worden. Of notable mention, among biographical imprints, is a 1988 government publication: the Historical report series; [v.l, no. 2], published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It contains biographies of the ship captains of the U.S.S. "Monitor." It is entitled:
Ironclad captains: the commanding officers of the USS Monitor, authored by William N. Still, Jr.; with Dina B. Hill, editor.
A summary of key events in Worden's distinguished life and career include the
following:
John Lorimer Worden was born in the town of Mount Pleasant, Westchester County, New York on March 12, 1818. At five years of age, his parents moved to the town of Fishkill, New York, where he received a co=on school education. The desire to be afloat was continuously in his dreams, so he therefore attended, and later graduated from the Naval School at the Naval Asylum at Philadelphia.
He received a commission as Midshipman on June 1, 1835, the appointment effective from January 10, 1834, it being just a few months before his 16th birthday. He was ordered to the Sloop of War "Erie," under Captain Percival, on May 5, 1834.
Worden's service aboard the vessel, which was engaged in service at her South American "station," lasted until September 20, 1837, at which point he was detached on leave at Boston. He was on leave of absence for less than a year, when he was ordered to the Boston Navy Yard. He was detached from the Navy Yard of Boston and ordered to the Sloop of War "Cyane" on May 3rd, 1838. There he served aboard the vessel at her Mediterranean "station" until Dec. 9, 1839. He was detached during the same month, while at Malta, and ordered home to prepare for an examination. The examination would, and did, lead to a promotion at the Naval School at the Naval Asylum (Philadelphia). He graduated and was promoted to Passed Midshipman on July 16, 1840. Dating from Nov. 30, 1846, his rank was that of Lieutenant.
Worden participated in routine peace-time naval assignments prior to the Civil War. On April 6, 1861, he reported to Admiral S.H. Stringham, and he was assigned to the North Atlantic Squadron with special land duty. However, he received an urgent
message from Gideon Welles, the Secretary of the Navy, on April 8, 1861, wanting Worden to leave immediately for Pensacola, Florida. His mission was to personally direct Capt. Henry A. Adams ( co=anding the naval force off that harbor) to reinforce Fort Pickens.
Travelling southward to Fort Pickens, Worden was granted a pass at Gen. Braxton Bragg's check point, due to an agreement of not hindering military co=unications, and he reached the undecided Capt. Adams, giving him the secret orders to not surrender to the secessionists. It was enroute back North by train, that Worden was seized and held at Montgomery, Alabama, for several months until he was released by the Confederates several months later. As one of the first Union prisoners to be captured by the Confederacy, he was shown considerable kindness, even given permission to take walks beyond his place of confinement based on a promise given by Worden not to attempt an escape. His wife, of course, :frantically wrote letters to the Navy Department to secure a release for her husband. Soon after his return to the North, he was appointed the command of the "Monitor."
Worden commanded the ironclad vessel "Monitor" in the naval battle with the C.S.S. "Virginia, i.e. the "Merrimac[k]. During the battle, Worden was blinded by an explosion, whereupon the co=and was taken up by Lt. Greene, the second-incommand. The battle between the two ironclads was actually a draw, with the withdrawal of the "Virginia," however, the deterrence provided by the "Monitor" effectively protected the U.S. Navy fleet, keeping the remaining fleet safe from destruction.
After the battle, the Captain, Officers, and Crew were given a vote of thanks by Congress, and Worden received promotions to Commander and Captain. Occurring close in time to that event, President Lincoln made a personal visit to the bedside of Worden, who was then recuperating at the home of a fellow officer in Washington, D.C.
Following his recuperation, Worden co=anded the U.S.S. "Montauk" in the South Atlantic blockade squadron near Port Royal, S.C. Under Worden's command, the ironclad destroyed the rebel steamer "Nashville" in the Ogeechee River in Georgia. Soon afterwards, he left the "Montauk" and returned to New York to help supervise the construction of advanced models of ironclad warships, which he did until the end of the war.
Worden continued in the Navy during peacetime, receiving a promotion to Commodore during the Johnson Administration and was commissioned Rear Admiral in 1872. He retired in 1886 as Rear Admiral of the U.S. Navy. During these years before his retirement, he was in command of the "Pensacola" in the Pacific squadron, and he assumed special duties for the Navy Department. For a brief span from 1870-1874, he served as superintendent of the Naval Academy. He also served as commander-in-chief of the European squadron and served on the Naval Retirement Board (of which he became the chairman).
The distinguished career of Rear Admiral Worden was one of dedication, loyalty, and detern:rination. His lengthy career was very productive, and his fame is known to schoolchildren across the nation who read of the historic sea battle between the two opposing ironclads.
Extent
.5 Cubic Feet
Language of Materials
English
ARRANGEMENT AND DESCRIPTION
The papers are arranged in the original order of the boxed set, which does not follow a sequence of chronological order. The guide, consisting of a summary calendar, does list the papers in chronological order, so that the timeline of events may be highlighted more effectively. The two series are: 1) Personal and Official Papers; and 2) Scrapbook. Material that is not dated (n.d.) has been described in the guide at the end of the first series listing.
The large scrapbook containing photostats of the Worden Papers 1s not in chronological order.
General
A=autograph (written by hand) L=letter D=document E=endorsed S=signed
Content Index
80-1364.2 (sheet 2) J[ames] K. Paulding. Navy Department. To John L. Worden. U.S. Navy. July 23, 1840. DS, 1 p. Appointment as Past Midshipman in the U.S. Navy. signed by James K. Paulding, Secretary of the Navy.
80-1364.3 (sheet 3) J.Y. Mason. Navy Department. To Lieutenant John L. Worden. U.S. Navy. Quaker Hill, Duchess Co., N.Y. Jan. 18, 1847. DS, 1 p. Appointment as Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. Signed by J.Y. Mason, Secretary of the Navy
80-1364.57 (sheet 57) Captain H.A. Adams. U.S. Frigate "Sabine," [near Pensacola]. To Gideon Welles. Washington, D.C. Apr. 1, 1861. Typewritten, 2 pp. Letter (copy) to Welles stating that Adams had received instructions from General Scott that "may have been given without a full knowledge of the condition of affairs here ... ," and requests to receive further orders. With a long endorsement by Com. Worden.
80-1364.4 (sheet 4) Gideon Welles. Navy Department. To Lieutenant John L. Worden. U.S. Navy. Quaker Hill, N.Y. Apr. 2, 1861. DS, 1 p. Official Orders to Lieutenant Worden to report for duty at the outbreak of the Civil War. Signed by Gideon Welles, Secy. of the Navy, and also signed by Captain S.H. Stringham. Includes an endorsement by Com. Worden giving an account of his services
80-1364.5 (sheet 5) J.L. Worden. Montgomery. To Mrs. Worden. New York. Apr. 5, 1861. Original telegram, 1 p. Original telegram from J.L. Worden to Mrs. Worden informing her of his being held prisoner by Confederate authorities at Montgomery, Alabama.
80-1364.59-60 (sheets 59 & 60) Typescript copy of letters written by various Union and Confederate Officers in 1861. Typewritten, AE, 2 pp. Includes copies of letters from: H.A. Adams (Apr. 14); Braxton Bragg (Apr. 5); S. Cooper (Apr. 6); L.P. Walker (Apr. 12); Braxton Bragg (Apr. 12); L.P. Walker (Apr. 13); et al. Copies of letters written by various Union and Confederate Officers in 1861. With autograph endorsement by Worden.
80-1364.58 (sheet 58) Gideon Welles. Navy Department. To Captain Henry A. Adams. Apr. 6, 1861. Typewritten, AE, 1 p. Typescript of the original communication, as given to Worden by the Secretary of the Navy, for delivery to Captain Adams, the officer in charge of the Naval forces off Pensacola. With a long autograph endorsement of Worden.
80-1364.6 (sheet 6) J.L. Worden. Montgomery, Alabama. To "My dear wife." Apr. 15, 1861. ALS, 1 p. Autograph letter from J.L. Worden to Mrs. Worden informing her that he is "under arrest here as a prisoner of war."
80-1364.8 (sheet 8) Gideon Welles. Navy Department. To Mrs. Olivia Worden. Quaker Hill, N.Y. May 2, 1861. Handwritten copy, signed, 1 p. Original letter of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy. He writes to Mrs. Worden stating that he has received no news of her husband.
80-1364.9 (sheet 9) Gideon Welles. Navy Department. To Mrs. Olivia Worden. Quaker Hill, N.Y. May 7, 1861. Handwritten copy, signed, 2 pp. Original letter of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy, to Mrs. Worden regarding the imprisonment of her husband by the Confederates.
80-1364.10 (sheet 10) H.A. Wise. Washington, D.C. To Mrs. Worden. May 8, 1861. ALS, 4 pp. The letter is written by a U.S. Naval Officer, to Mrs. Worden relative to her husband's imprisonment by the Confederates. He writes of his belief that Worden will soon be released.
80-1364.11 (sheet 11) Jos[eph] Smith. To Mrs. J.L. Worden. Quaker Hill, N.Y. June 5, 1861. ALS, 3 pp. The letter of Rear Admiral Joseph Smith, to Mrs. Worden, is relative to the imprisonment of her husband by the Confederates.
80-1364.12 (sheet 12) L[ouis] M. Goldsborough. U.S. Flag Ship, Minnesota. Hampton Roads. To Mrs. Worden. Oct. 19, 1861. ALS, 1 p. The letter of Rear Admiral Louis M. Goldsborough, to Mrs. Worden, is regarding his efforts to secure the release of her husband.
80-1364.13 (sheet 13) L[ouis] M. Goldsborough. U.S. Flag Ship. Minnesota. Hampton Roads. To Mrs. Olivier Worden. Quaker Hill, N.Y. Nov. 8, 1861. ALS, 1 p. Rear Admiral Louis M. Goldsborough writes to Mrs. Worden to telling her "don't despair," and that he is ''working hard to accomplish the release of your worthy husband."
80-1364.15 (sheet 15) Document authorizing the release of Lieut. John L. Worden. Quartermaster's Department. Montgomery, Ala. Nov. 13, 1861. ADS, 1 p. The document authorizes the release of Lieut. John L. Worden, signed by Major J. L. Calhoun, C.S.A., November 13, 1861. With autograph endorsement by Worden regarding his parole and activities.
80-1364.14 (sheet 14) Agreement of parole (copy) for Lieut. J.L Worden. Quartermaster Department. Montgomery, Ala. Nov. 13, 1861. Handwritten, 2 pp. Agreement of parole under which Lieut. JL Worden was released by the Confederates.
80-1364.16 (sheet 16) Jos. Smith. To Lt. J.L Worden. Navy Headquarters, N. York. Jan. 11, 1862. ALS, 1 p. Rear Admiral Joseph Smith informs Worden that he had placed him in command of the "Monitor," then under construction in New York.
80-1364.18 (sheet 18) Gideon Welles. Navy Department. To John L Worden. New York. Jan. 13, 1862. DS, 1 p. Welles informs Worden that he has been placed in command of the "Monitor." Endorsed by Commodore Paulding, to the effect that Worden had reported on Jan. 16, for the command. The dates on which the ironclad was launched and put in commission are noted.
80-1364.17 (sheet 17) Lieut. John L Worden. New York. To Commodore Jos. Smith. Navy Dept. Washington, D.C. Jan. 13, 1862. ALS, 1 p. Worden acknowledges his receipt of Admiral Smith's letter informing him that he would be placed in command of the "Monitor."
80-1364.19 (sheet 19) Gideon Welles. Navy Department. To Lieutenant John L Worden. New York. Feb. 20, 1862. LS, 1 p. Directs him to proceed with the U.S. Steamer "Monitor" under his command to Hampton Roads, Virginia. With autograph endorsement by Worden giving the dates on which he sailed from New York and arrived at Hampton Roads.
80-1364.20 (sheet 20) H[iram] Paulding. Navy Yard. New York. To John L Worden. Mar. 4, 1862. Handwritten, signed, 1 p. Letter of Rear Admiral Hiram Paulding giving Worden detailed orders to proceed with the "Monitor" to Hampton Roads.
80-1364.21 (sheet 21) [John L] Worden. Monitor. Hampton Roads. To "My darling wife." Mar. 8, 1862. ALS, 1 p. Worden writes to his wife upon his arrival at Hampton Roads, Virginia, on the night of March 8, 1862. He writes that he is "going immediatedly to the assistance of the Minnesota near Newport News - she is aground."
80-1364.22 (sheet 22) List of officers on board the "Monitor," during her engagement with the "Merrimac." Ca. Mar. 9, 1862. Handwritten, 2 pp. Lists the officers on board the "Monitor" during her engagement with the "Merrimac," on March 9, 1862.
80-1364.66 (auxiliary container box) G.J. Van Brunt. U.S.S. Minnesota. To Gideon Welles. Washington, D.C. Mar. 10, 1862. Photocopy, 6 pp. The report of Capt. G.J. Van Brunt, to Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy, on the battle of the "Monitor'' and "Merrimac."
80-1364.65 (auxiliary container box) Capt. G.J. Van Brunt. U.S.S. Minnesota. To "Gentlemen." Mar. 12, 1862. Photocopy, 1 p. Writes to the Fleet Surgeon and the Asst. Surgeon to inquire about a seaman named Bryon Wilcox, and to have them report "whether there is any evidence of mental imbecility or aberation about him."
80-1364.23 (sheet 23) Report of S.D. Green. To Hon. Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy. LS, 2 pp. Mar. 12, 1862. Report of S.D. Green, Executive Officer and Second in Command of the "Monitor," under Worden, being his official report of the historic engagement with the "Merrimac" to Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy.
80-1364.24 (sheet 24) Gideon Welles. Navy Department. To Lieut. John L. Worden. Washington, D.C. Mar. 15, 1862. LS, 2 pp. Writes to congratulate Worden and the crew of the "Monitor" for their naval action against the "Merrimac," which "has excited general admiration and received the applause of the whole country."
80-1364.26 (sheet 26) H.A. Wise. Bureau of Ordinance. Washington. Mar. 15, 1862. ALS, 2 pp. Letter of H.A. Wise, U.S. Naval Officer, written at the request of Lieutenant Worden to the officers at Fortress Monroe, expressing his regret that his injuries make it impossible for him to be present at a dinner tendered him. 80-1364.27a-b (sheet 27a & b) H.A. Wise. Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography. Navy Department. Washington City. To "Sir." Mar. 29, 1862. 6 pp. Includes the resolutions of the Chamber of Commerce of the State of New York, complimenting Worden and the officers and crew of the "Monitor" on the battle with the "Merrimac." With a letter of H.A. Wise, written at Worden's request.
80-1364.28 (sheet 28) Original resolution of the Assembly of the State of New York. Albany. Apr. 23, 1862. Handwritten, signed, 1 p. The resolution directs that a sword be made and presented to Lieut. John L. Worden "as a slight testimonial to his bravery in the late naval engagement at Hampton Roads."
80-1364.25a (sheet 25a) "The Monitor Boys." Hampton Roads. U.S. Monitor. To "Our dear and honored Captain." [Washington, D.C.]. Apr. 24, 1862. ALS, 1 p., AE, 1 p. Original letter from the crew of the "Monitor." The crew of the famous ironclad express their attachment for their commander and hope for his speedy recovery and return to his vessel. With an autograph endorsement by Worden.
80-1364.29 (sheet 29) Gideon Welles. Navy Department. To John L. Worden. Washington, D.C. May 8, 1862. DS, 1 p. Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy, to Worden, relieving him of the command of the "Monitor" and placing him in command of the U.S. Iron-clad Steamer, "New Ironsides."
80-1366 Joint Resolution of thanks to John L. Worden and crew of the "Monitor." Washington, D.C. July 11, 1862. Original Resolution expressive of the thanks of Congress to Lieutenant J.l. Worden of the U.S. Navy and to the Officers and Men under his Command on the "Monitor," signed by Schuyler Colfax, Daniel Clarke, and President Abraham Lincoln.
80-1364.30 (sheet 30) Gideon Welles. Navy Department. To Commander John L. Worden. Richfield Springs, N.Y. Aug. 5, 1862. DS,1 p. Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy, to Commander John L. Worden, informing him of his promotion to the rank of Commander in the U.S. Navy.
80-1364.64 (auxiliary container box) J.L. Worden. Brooklyn, N.Y. To [G.V.] Fox. Sept. 21, 1862. Typescript, 1 p. Copied from an original letter owned by Carl Sandburg, pertaining to press reports about an incident that occurred on the night of a reception at Grand Rapids, wherein Worden heatedly exchanged words with a man at the bar of the Hotel.
80-1364.31 (sheet 31) Gideon Welles. Navy Department. To John L. Worden. New York. Oct. 8, 1862. DS, 1 p. Original letter of Gideon Welles, to Commander John L. Worden, placing him in command of the U.S. Iron-clad Steamer "Montauk."
80-1364.32 (sheet 32) Gideon Welles. Navy Department. To Jno. L. Worden. U.S. Steamer Montauk, New York. Dec. 13, 1862. LS, 1 p. Original letter from the Secretary of the Navy, ordering Worden to proceed with the U.S. Steamer "Montauk" to Hampton Roads. with autograph endorsement by Worden giving the dates and other facts of his taking command of the "Montauk."
80-1364.33 (sheet 33) Horatio Ballard. Office of the Secretary of State of the State of New York. Albany, [New York]. To "Lieutenant John L. Worden." LS, 2 pp. Dec. 16, 1862. LS, 2. pp. Letter pertains to their sending Worden the Resolution of the State Assembly together with a sword as "a memorial of your heroism and skill, as Commandant of the 'Monitor,' in the action with the 'Merrimack' in Hampton Roads.
80-1364.35 (sheet 35) John L. Worden. To Hon. Horatio Ballard. New York. Dec. 20, 1862. ALS, 2 pp. Worden thanks them "for the kind manner in which you have presented this testimonial", and writes of his patriotic feelings.
80-1364.61 (sheet 61) John L. Worden. U.S. Steamer "Monta[u]k." Delaware Breakwater. To Hon. Gideon Welles. Washington, D.C. Dec. 26, 1862. Typewritten, AE, 3 pp. Worden's copy of his letter to Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy, dated Dec. 26, 1862, relating to difficulties at sea with the ironclad "Montauk." Autograph endorsement by Worden.
80-1364.34 (sheet 34) S[tephen] P. Lee. To Commander John L. Worden. U.S.S. Montauk. Hampton Roads, Va. Dec. 29, 1862. LS, 1 p. Letter of Rear Admiral Stephen P. Lee, ordering Worden to proceed to Beaufort, North Carolina, with the U.S. Ironclad Steamer "Montauk." Endorsed by Worden.
80-1364.62 (sheet 62) John L. Worden. U.S. Steamer "Montauk." Hampton Roads. To Hon. Gideon Welles. Washington, D.C. Dec. 30, 1862. Typewritten, 3 pp. Worden's copy of his letter to Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy, dated Dec. 30, 1862, giving an account of the passage of the Iron Clad "Montauk" from new York to Hampton Roads. With some handwritten notes of Worden.
80-1364.38 (sheet 38) S[tephen] P. Lee. U.S. Flagship "Minnesota." Hampton Roads, Va. To Commander J.L. Worden. U.S.S. "Montauk," Beaufort, N.C. Jan. 7, 1863. LS, 1 p. Letter of Rear Admiral Stephen P. Lee, to Commander Worden, ordering him to proceed with "Montauk" to Port Royal, where he should "report to Rear Admiral Dupont." Endorsed by Worden regarding the order.
80-1364.39 (sheet 39) S[tephen] P. Lee. U.S. Flag Ship "Minnesota." Hampton Roads, Va. Jan. 8, 1863. LS, 2 pp. Original letter of Rear Admiral Stephen P. Lee to Commander Worden instructing him to have the paymaster with his books, accounts. funds, etc., take passage on the vessel towing the "Montauk" rather than on the Ironclad Steamer itself. Endorsed by Worden. 80-1364.40 (sheet 40) [Captain] Green. To Commander J.L. Worden. U.S. Steamer "Montauk." Jan. 25, 1863. Handwritten, signed, 2 pp. Letter regarding information obtained from a prisoner concerning the construction of ironclads by the Confederates.
80-1364.41 (sheet 41) Thos. A. Stephen. Engine Department. U.S. Iron clad Steamer "Montauk" {off Fort McAllister, Ga.). To Captain John L. Worden. Jan. 27, 1863. Original letter of Thomas A Stephens. Senior Engineer U.S. Navy, to Captain Worden, being the engineer's report after the attack made by the "Montauk" on Fort McAllister.
80-1364.42 (sheet 42) S.F. DuPont. Flag Ship "Wabash." Port Royal Harbor, S.C. To J.L. Worden. U.S.S. "Montauk." Jan. 28, 1863. LS, 1 p. Original letter of Rear Admiral S.F. DuPont to Commander Worden regarding U.S. Naval operations against the Confederates around Port Royal.
80-1364.44 (sheet 44) S.F. DuPont. 'Wabash." To "My dear Captain." Feb. 5, 1863. LS, 4 pp. Original letter of Rear Admiral S.F. DuPont to Captain [Worden], referring to the operations of the Ironclad "Montauk" while under Worden's command, and other Naval matters.
80-1364.43 (sheet 43) S.F. DuPont. Flag Ship "Wabash." Port Royal Harbor, S.C. To Commander J.L. Worden. U.S.S. "Montauk." Feb. 27, 1863. LS, 1 p. Original letter of Rear Admiral S.F. DuPont to Commander Worden regarding U.S. Naval operations against the Confederates around Port Royal, and instructing him to "act as a reserve."
80-1364.45 (sheet 45) Thos. A. Stephens. U.S. Iron Clad Steamer "Montauk." Ogeechee River, Georgia. To Capt. John L. Worden. "Montauk." Feb. 28, 1863. ALS, 7 pp. Report of the Senior Engineer, to Captain Worden, regarding injuries sustained by the Iron Clad "Montauk" in the operations around Port Royal.
80-1364.47 (sheet 47) S.F. DuPont. 'Wabash." P[ort] Royal. To "Mydear Captain." Mar. 1, [1863]. ALS, 3 pp. Letter of Rear Admiral S.F. DuPont to [Commander Worden] referring to the operations of the Iron Clad "Montauk" in connection with the vessel the "Nashville," and discusses other Naval matters.
80-1364.46 (sheet 46) S.F. DuPont. Flag Ship "Wabash." PortRoyal, So[uth] Ca[rolina.] To Commander J.L. Worden. U.S.S. "Montauk." Feb. 28, 1863. LS, 2 pp. Original letter of Rear Admiral S.F. DuPont to Commander Worden acknowledging the receipt of his Worden's report about the destruction of the "Nashville," and further writes to commend the operations of the "Montauk."
80-1364.48 (sheet 48) Report of Board [of Engineers]. Port Royal, S.C. Mar. 5, 1863. Handwritten, signed, 3 pp. Report of the Board of Engineers on injuries received by U.S. Iron Clad "Montauk" from the explosion of a torpedo under her hull in the Ogeechee River. Endorsed by Worden.
80-1364.49 (sheet 49) S.F. DuPont. Flag Ship "Wabash." Port Royal Harbor, S.C. To Captain Jno. L. Worden. U.S.S. "Montauk." Apr. 1, 1863. LS, 1 p. Original letter of Rear Admiral S.F. DuPont ordering Worden to proceed with the Iron Clad "Montauk" to North Edisto. Writes that "a steamer will be provided to tow you there." 80-1364.50 (sheet 50) S.F. DuPont. Flag Ship "Wabash." Port Royal Harbor, S.C. To Captain J.L. Worden. U.S. Ironclad "Montauk." Port Royal, S.C. Apr. 13, 1863. LS, 1 p. Original letter of Rear Admiral S.F. DuPont, to Captain Worden, detaching him from command of the "Montauk" bacause of his ill health and paying high tribute to his patriotism and abilities. Endorsed by G.V. Fox.
80-1364.51 (sheet 51) F.H. Gregory. New York. To Capt. J.L. Worden. May 5, 1863. ALS, 1 p. Original letter of F.H. Gregory, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, to Capt. Worden, transmitting his Commission as Captain in the U.S. Navy.
80-1364.37 (sheet 37) Report (copy) to Hon. Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D.C. Jan. 5, 1868. Typewritten, 9 pp. Report to Hon. Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D.C. Typewritten report submitted by John L. Worden, Capt., U.S.N., about the conduct of the S.D. Greene, the executive officer of the "Monitor," in her conflict with the "Merrimac."
80-1364.53/Map case/W 10 Original commission of John L. Worden as Commodore in the United States Navy. Signed by Andrew Johnson. June 5, 1868. DS, 1 item. Original Commission of John L. Worden as Commodore in the United States Navy. Signed by Andrew Johnson, President of the United States, and Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy; with the seal of the U.S.
80-1364.52 (sheet 52) Geo[rge] M. Robeson. Navy Department. Washington. To Commodore J.L. Worden. U.S. Navy. Washington, D.C. Nov. 26, 1869. Handwritten, signed, 1 p. Letter of the Secretary of the Navy, to Com. Worden, informing him of his appointment as Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis and directing him to report at the Academy for duty as Superintendent. Endorsed by Worden.
80-1364.54/Map case/W 10 Document of promotion to the rank of Rear Admiral. Nov. 20, 1872. DS, 1 item. Original document signed by Geo[rge] M. Robeson, Secretary of the Navy, by which Com. Worden is promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral in the U.S. Navy.
80-1364.55/Map case/W 10 Original document of the Forty-Ninth Congress of the United States of America. Dec. 6, 1886. DS, 1 item. Original document signed by T[homas] F. Bayard, Secretary of State, by which Rear Admiral John L. Worden is placed on the Retired List after forty years active service in the U.S. Navy. With seal of the United States.
80-1364.56/Map case/W 10 Document of the Bunker Hill Memorial Association, dated June 17, 1891. DS, 1 item. Original document, being the notice to Rear Admiral John L. Worden of his election as an Honorable member of the Bunker Hill Monument Association.
80-1364.7 (sheet 7) Autograph manuscript of Com. Worden entitled "Sketch of my trip to Pensacola in 1861 as Special Messenger from the Navy Dep[ar]t[ment] to Capt. Adams ... " n.d., 5 pp. The handwritten account describes the assignment of special duties from the Navy Department, and further writes of his imprisonment in a Montgomery jail.
80-1364.36 (sheet 36) "Notes about the Montauk." n.d. Handwritten, 2 pp. Timetable of events associated with the "Montauk." In Worden's handwriting.
80-1364.70 (auxiliary container box) "Record of Service of Rear Adm[ira]I John Lorimer Worden." Holograph, 7 pp. The handwritten account, given by Rear Admiral John Lorimer Worden, pertains to biographical events and his record of service in the Navy.
80-1364.25 (sheet 25) Autograph manuscript of J.L. Worden. n.d. 1 p. Worden gives an account of President Lincoln visiting him at a hospital in Washington where he was recovering from his wounds received in the battle between the "Monitor" and the "Merrimac."
Scrapbook
80-1364.63 (cabinet) "The 'Monitor' and the 'Merrimac': Capt. John L. Worden's Scrap Book." Ca. 1862-1882. 1 item. The scrapbook contains numerous press clippings with accounts of the fight between the "Monitor" and the "Merrimac," poems occasioned by the battle, and other newspaper items relative to the "Monitor;" also autograph notations by Com. Worden.
- Author
- Leanne Garland
- Date
- 1998
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum Repository
Lincoln Memorial Univesity
Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum
6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway
Harrogate Tennessee 37752 United States
archives@lmunet.edu