Attack of the Rebels Upon Our Gun Boats in Galveston Harbor, c.1863 (engraving)

The 2nd battle of Galveston, which this engraving illustrates, was a naval and land battle that occurred on January 1, 1863, when Confederate forces under Maj. Gen. John B. Magruder attacked and expelled occupying Union troops from the city of Galveston, TX.  Union Fleet Commander William B. Renshaw was killed in an attempt to destroy the grounded USS Westfield with explosives rather than let it fall into enemy hands. Union troops on shore were convinced that their own ships were surrendering and, therefore, laid down their arms. The remaining US ships did not surrender and succeeded in retreating to Union-controlled New Orleans. The image is dominated by the effects of a ship exploding sending flames, debris and smoke into the air. In the near foreground a small boat is carrying a group of men to safety. One man is being hauled into it and another can be seen in the water nearby. Ships of different types can be seen in the background. Engraved by John Sartain.