'Caleb Cushing' fragment, 1863

Contributed by Maine Historical Society

Description

The revenue cutter Caleb Cushing, with only a small crew on board, sat at dock in Portland on June 26, 1863. A Confederate raiding party in a fishing vessel they had captured earlier in Southport slipped into Portland Harbor, boarded the Caleb Cushing, and subdued the crew. They sailed out again, taking both the captured fishing boat and the Caleb Cushing, with the crew in handcuffs.

Early in the morning, the raid was discovered and civilians and soldiers aboard the steamers Forest City and Chesapeake set out after the Confederates. A brief battle ensued and the Rebels set fire to the revenue cutter.
The Rebels were soon captured.

Excited Portlanders collected fragments of the destroyed ship, including this small piece of wood.

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About This Item

  • Title: 'Caleb Cushing' fragment, 1863
  • Creation Date: circa 1860
  • Subject Date: circa 1860
  • Location: Portland, Cumberland County, ME
  • Media: Wood
  • Local Code: FR36
  • Object Type: Physical Object

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For more information about this item, contact:

Maine Historical Society
485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website

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