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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER
805 KIDDER BREESE SE -- WASHINGTON NAVY YARD
WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060
Online Library of Selected Images:
-- PEOPLE -- UNITED STATES --
First Lieutenant Richard F. Armstrong, Confederate States
Navy, (18??-1904)
Richard Fielder Armstrong was born in Eatonton, Georgia. Apppointed
to the U.S. Naval Academy in 1857, he resigned in January 1861
when Georgia withdrew from the Union and briefly served as a Midshipman
in that state's navy. He became a Midshipman in the Confederate
States Navy in April 1861 and served under Commander Raphael
Semmes in CSS Sumter during her cruise against Federal
shipping in 1861-62.
In mid-1862, Armstrong was assigned as Second Lieutenant of
the cruiser CSS Alabama,
also under Semmes' command. He served in that ship during her
entire career as the Civil War's most successful commerce raider
and was slightly wounded in the 19
June 1864 action with USS Kearsarge that ended with
Alabama's sinking. Rescued by a French pilot boat and taken
to Cherbourg, First Lieutenant Armstrong returned to the Confederacy
later in the year. He was present during the bombardment of Fort
Fisher, North Carolina, in December 1864, and served in several
positions during the Civil War's final months. After the conflict,
he lived in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he was involved in railroad
work. Richard F. Armstrong died in Halifax on 6 May 1904.
This page features all our pictures of First Lieutenant Richard
F. Armstrong, CSN.
Click on the small photograph to prompt
a larger view of the same image.
Photo #: NH 56046
First Lieutenant Richard F. Armstrong, CSN
Halftone reproduction of a photograph, published in "Two
Years on the Alabama", by Arthur Sinclair (2nd Edition,
1896).
U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.
Online Image: 75KB; 550 x 765 pixels |
![](../../images/h56000/h56046t.jpg) |
Photo #: NH 43097
U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland
Eight members of the Class of 1861, including Midshipman George
M. Bache (3rd from left). Among the others present are (based
on other photos) are:
Midshipman William F. Stewart (bearded, 2nd from left);
Midshipman John F. McGlensey (4th from right); and
Midshipman Richard F. Armstrong (2nd from right).
Collection of Commander George M. Bache.
U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.
Online Image: 136KB; 740 x 605 pixels |
![](../../images/h43000/h43097t.jpg) |
Photo #: NH 57255
CSS Alabama (1862-1864)
Two of the ship's officers on deck, during her visit to Capetown
in August 1863.
They are Lieutenant Arthur Sinclair IV, (left) and Lieutenant
Richard F. Armstrong. The gun beside them is a 32-pounder of
Lt. Sinclair's Division.
Halftoned image, copied from Sinclair's book, "Two Years
on the Alabama".
U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.
Online Image: 131KB; 595 x 765 pixels |
![](../../images/h57000/h57255t.jpg) |
Photo #: NH 66640
Confederate States Navy Officers,
who served with Raphael Semmes
Line engraving by H.B. Hall, Jr., New York, featuring portraits
of seven officers who served with Semmes in CSS Alabama
and were present during her engagement with USS Kearsarge.
In center is Lieutenant Richard F. Armstrong.
The others are (clockwise from top):
Lieutenant Arthur Sinclair, IV (or Jr.);
Midshipman Eugene A. Maffitt;
Midshipman Edwin M. Anderson;
Master's Mate George T. Fulham;
First Lieutenant (later Captain) Becket K. Howell, Marine Corps;
and
Acting Master Irvine S. Bulloch.
Howell and Armstrong also served with Semmes in CSS Sumter.
U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.
Online Image: 151KB; 545 x 765 pixels |
![](../../images/h66000/h66640t.jpg) |
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Page made 20 July 2000
Link added 11 February 2001