The Smith Briggs at the Battle of Suffolk, Virginia

From Wikipedia.

The Smith Briggs was under the command of Captain Lee (I now know his initials were J.C. and that he was in Co. I of the 99th New York Infantry) at the Battle of Suffolk, Virgina, April 13-15, 1863. It was part of the Upper Nansemond Flotilla under the command of Lt. Roswell Lamson, USN, along with one other Army gunboat and five Navy ships.

The two Army gunboats: SMITH BRIGGS under Capt. J.C. Lee of Co. I, 99th NY.

WEST END, under Capt. F.A. Rowe (I believe he commanded the Smith Briggs at the Battle of Smithfield where he was wounded and captured), of Co. E, 99th NY. So both men were from the 99th New York Infantry (so that will be another story).

Of interest also is that the Lower Nansemond Flotilla at the battle, which consisted of four U.S. Navy ships, was commanded by Lt. William B. Cushing, who later went on to great exploits against the Confederates and the sinking of the CSS Albemarle.

The Battle of Suffolk, Virginia, was in cooperation with Confederate General D.H. Hill's advance on Washington, North Carolina.

Amazing How Much I'm Finding On This Ship. --Old Secesh