Clear albumen photograph of the U.S.S. Great Western docked along between a barge used as a floating barracks for Marines and the U.S.S. Siren. Oval image is 7” wide x 5” tall in original 10” x 8” mat. Image is clean and clear with good contrast. Period ink on back identifies the scene, “U.S.S. Great Western / Receiving ship Cairo, Ills / Marine Barracks along side -  / U.S. Gun Boat Siren formerly Recg. Ship. /  1864”.

Photo is filled with interesting details. The SIREN shows an open bow gun port and laundry hanging from lines on the deck. The GREAT WESTERN shows two deck guns. The barge marked “NAVY” is noted as a Marine barracks and a companion to this image showed a line of uniformed Marines standing along the bow. There are rows of cannon barrels on the shore line, and much more.

USS Siren (1862) was the 214-ton wooden-hulled, stern-wheel steamer WHITE ROSE launched in 1862 that the Union Navy purchased in 1864. The Navy outfitted Siren with two 24-pounder howitzers for use in bombardment and assigned her to operations on the Mississippi River. The Navy sold her in 1865 and new owners returned her name to WHITE ROSE. They abandoned her in 1867.

The U.S.S. Great Western (1857), a sidewheel steamer, was built at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1857 and was purchased by the U.S. War Department 10 February 1862. She was transferred to the Union Navy 30 September 1862, but had been used since her purchase by the Western Flotilla. Used as an ordnance boat for the Navy on the western waters, and in that capacity operated from Cairo, Illinois, to various points on the Mississippi River and its tributaries. She supplied ships at the mouths of the White and Arkansas Rivers with ammunition and ordnance. She provided support for the joint attacks of December 1862 above Vicksburg, and remained in the area until the Confederate stronghold fell in July 1863. In July 1864 she was sent back to Cairo, Illinois, to act as a receiving ship (as seen in this photo). Great Western was transferred as receiving ship, Mound City, Illinois, in March 1865, and was subsequently sold at auction there to John Riley 29 November 1865.  [jet] [ph:L]

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