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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.


If you want higher resolution reproductions than the "Online Library's" digital images, see: "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."

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

 
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

 
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

 
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

 


If you want higher resolution reproductions than the "Online Library's" digital images, see: "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."


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Page made 20 July 2000
Link added 11 February 2001