Charles J Lundgren (New York, Connecticut, 1911 - 1988) "U.S.S. Minnesota" Signed lower right. Original Oil painting on Artist Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was published on the Fleetwood Commemorative Cover for the U.S.S. Minnesota. The wooden steam frigate U.S.S. Minnesota served with distinction as the flagship of the Union's Atlantic Blockading Squadron during the Civil War. Originally commissioned on 21 May 1857 with Captain S.F. Dupont in command, the U.S.S. Minnesota began her career as a member of the East India Squadron. She carried U.S. Minister to China William B. Reed to the Treaty Conference in China and returned him home, arriving in Boston Navy Yard 2 June 1859. She was then decommissioned and remained in Boston until the outbreak of the Civil War. The U.S.S. Minnesota was recommissioned 2 May 1861 with Captain G.J. Van Brunt in command. As flagship of the Atlantic Blockading Squadron, U.S.S. Minnesota had achieved lasting fame on 14 May 1861 off Hampton Roads, Virginia. That day, she captured three Confederate Schooners laden with supplies. The Mary Willis, Delaware Farmer and Emily Ann, were all taken. During the next five weeks, the U.S.S. Minnesota went on to capture the barks Winfred and Sally Ann as well as the Mary Warick and the schooner Sally Mears. In August of 1861, she participated in the Army-Navy expedition against the Confederate forts at Hatteras Inlet, North Carolina. Barely six months later, the U.S.S. Minnesota was grounded as she engaged a number of Confederate warships off Newport News. Image Size: 25 x 27 in. Overall Size: 25 x 27 in. Unframed. (B10793)