Caption:
USS Essex was a 1000 ton ironclad river gunboat of the Union Army and later, October 1862, transferred to the Union Navy during the American Civil War. She was involved in the bombardment of Port Hudson, Louisiana and assisted during the occupation of Baton Rouge. In May-July 1863 under the command of Robert Townsend she participated in the siege and capture of Port Hudson. USS Essex took part in the Red River Campaign of March-May 1864. McPherson & Oliver, 1862 (cropped and cleaned).