Charles J Lundgren (New York, Connecticut, 1911 - 1988) "U.S.S. Rhode Island" Signed lower right. Original Oil on Masonite painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting appeared on the Fleetwood Commemorative Cover for the U.S.S. Rhode Island. One of the fastest ships of her day, the U.S.S. Rhode Island - a side-wheel steamer - was commissioned by the Union Navy on 29 July 1861 with Commander Stephen D. Trenchard in command. She first served as a supply and paymaster ship, but the U.S.S. Rhode Island's speed enabled her to capture several Confederate schooners while performing these duties. Thus, as one of the few Union cruisers swift enough to overtake the Confederate blockade runners, the U.S.S. Rhode Island was re-assigned to the Gulf Blockading Squadron on 17 April 1862. She chased and forced ashore the British schooner Richard O'Bryan on 4 July 1862. Later, she was called north for her next duties which involved towing the revolutionary ironclad U.S.S. Monitor from Hampton Roads to Beaufort, North Carolina. On 29 December 1862, with the famous U.S.S. Monitor in tow, she departed Hampton Roads. As the ships rounded the treacherous Cape Hatteras on the evening of 30 December 1862, they encountered a typically heavy winter storm. The violent weather and heavy seas were too much for the U.S.S. Monitor's pumps; she began to flood. As the ironclad began to sink the U.S.S. Rhode Island's crew valiantly tried to rescue their fellow seamen from the ironclad. Only four of the U.S.S. Monitor's officers and twelve of her enlisted men were lost. Image Size: 13.5 x 15.75 in. Overall Size: 20.5 x 21.75 in. Unframed. (B09950)