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Rare Civil War artifact returns to Hatteras for permanent exhibit at Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum

August 21, 2014 | In the Press

From Beach Carolina Magazine (http://www.beachcarolina.com/2014/08/21/rare-civil-war-artifact-returns-to-hatteras-for-permanent-exhibit-at-graveyard-of-the-atlantic-museum/)

Through the generosity of the Keith Family Foundation, the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum has acquired the silk ensign from the USS Monticello.  It is one of only three silk naval flags from this period known to exist and is the only one with the name of the ship, “Monticello”, and that of her commander, “Lieut. Daniel L. Braine” embroidered along the hoist.

USS Monticello, a 655-ton wooden, screw-steamer, was built at Mystic, Connecticut, in 1859 for commercial use. Chartered by the Navy in May 1861, she was named Star for a few weeks and then resumed her original name, Monticello. She was purchased by the Navy in September 1861. Her Civil War service is impressive, involving active employment in the blockade of the Confederacy’s Atlantic seacoast and the capture of several prizes. She took part in early wartime actions in the blockade of the James River and, in North Carolina, participated in the August 1861 capture of Hatteras Inlet, and the “Chicamacomico Races”.

During these first few months, Lieutenant Commander Braine commanded the USS Monticello which was part of the North Atlantic Blockade Squadron. In one of the first naval engagements of the War, the Monticello exchanged fire with an enemy battery of five guns at Sewall’s Point for one hour and fifteen minutes.   She was also part of the squadron that bombarded and captured Forts Hatteras and Clarke at Hatteras. In October 1861, she was a principal in the “Chicamacomico Races” exchanging shots with enemy gunboats, dispersing two regiments of Confederate infantry, sinking two barges, and rescuing the Twentieth Indiana Regiment. In addition, the Monticello silenced a two-gun battery at Federal Point, North Carolina.

In addition, the U.S.S. Monticello, engaged batteries at New Inlet, captured the blockade running British schooner Revere off Frying Pan Shoals, was part of the expedition to Smithville (Southport), participated in the attacks on Fort Fisher, and accepted the surrender of Fort Casswell.

“The association of the flag with the USS Monticello makes this of primary importance to the history of Hatteras and North Carolina,” stated Joseph K. Schwarzer, Director of the North Carolina Maritime Museums.  “We are thrilled to have been able to preserve this remarkably unique and important piece of history,” he stated.

The flag restoration was done by Sarah Stevens, Textile Conservator at Zephyr Preservation Studio, LLC, New York State Bureau of Historic sites, Pebbles Island Resource Center.

The flag is 8 by 12 feet and was in fragile condition prior to the restoration work.

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