For the non-specialist, however, the most fascinating items were those that told about the sailors’ everyday lives. Such things as the packets called “housewives” that held their needles, thread, and scissors; hard-rubber combs marked “U.S. NAVY” on one side and “IR GOODYEAR 1851” on the other; toothbrushes very much like modern types; and straight razors made by the same firm of Wade & Butcher who still produces them for barbers today. And there were yet other personal items—Captain Selfridge’s saddle that he used whenever he could get ashore and indulge his fondness for riding, officers’ buttons of gilt brass, enlisted men’s peajacket buttons of hard rubber decorated with an anchor and “U.S.N.” made by the Novelty Rubber Company, both Army and Navy regulation uniform brass buttons, and even bone buttons for shirts and underwear. Insignia from such varied branches of service as artillery, cavalry, and infantry showed that some of the Cairo’s complement had worn their old uniforms on board as they mixed with the Navy personnel. Government-issue pocketknives with square-ended blades proved that these had come into use well before scholars thought. There was a profusion of leather objects (boots, shoes, belts, cartridge-boxes, cap-pouches, book covers, and powder buckets), many still in excellent condition. The list of such valuable discoveries is almost endless, but perhaps the most poignant are the photographs of loved ones that survived their watery burial—and the pencils the men had used to write home to them. Some of the pencils were marked “A. W. FABER NO. 2,” just like those that modern sailors and soldiers sometimes still use for the same purpose.
Almost anyone who looks at these historic objects can find something that makes this ancient ship and its long-dead crew alive and meaningful to him. Even if he is not a student or specialist of the Civil War, the familiar forms and objects, even the common brand names, bring the period vividly to life. They form a national treasure of the greatest importance. The National Park Service, recognizing this, has entered into an agreement with Warren County and the State of Mississippi to care for and preserve them until the Cairo can be restored and exhibited. A selection of the specimens is now on display at Vicksburg National Military Park for all who want to see and experience this significant link with a historic era.
H. L. P.
The Cairo contained a wealth of fascinating artifacts. Among them was this photograph of an unidentified woman and child, probably the wife and daughter of one of the ironclad’s crewmen.
Courtesy, William R. Wilson
Other objects recovered from the sunken gunboat were front and rear sights for a 30-pounder Parrott rifle; comb, watch, pocket-knife, dish, spoon, and cup, each marked with the owner’s name or initials; a brace of Colt .44 Army pistols; and an as yet unidentified item (right) which stands 12 inches high, is tin-plated and hand-soldered, and has a non-removable top. Any guesses as to what it is?
Courtesy, William R. Wilson
A stand of grape shot and a charge of canister, and a firing device for a 42-pounder Army rifle.
Courtesy, William R. Wilson
