Captured by Raphael Semmes and the Crew of the Confederate Raider Alabama

Edward Sylvester Matthews and his shipmates on the iron-hulled, side-wheel steamer USS Hatteras were captured by Capt. Raphael Semmes and the crew of the Confederate raider Alabama off the Texas coast in January 1863. Matthews, the surgeon of the Hatteras, was concerned for the health of wounded and sick sailors under his care. He asked Semmes to show mercy to the men. Here's what Semmes did, and what happened to Matthews.
"Life on the Civil War Research Trail" is hosted by Ronald S. Coddington, Editor and Publisher of Military Images magazine. Learn more about our mission to showcase, interpret and preserve Civil War portrait photography at militaryimagesmagazine.com and shopmilitaryimages.com.
This episode is brought to you in part by Medhurst & Company, offering fine images and documents to collectors. Visit mikemedhurst.com for the most up-to-date selection.
Image: Ronald S. Coddington Collection
This channel is a member of the KZbin Partner Program. Your interest, support, and engagement is key, and I'm grateful for it. Thank you!

[@KevinCave-rj8eq]

Hey Ron another great story this is something you've hardly ever hear about a lot of men came home addicted I remember when I was little I saw an old Sears and roebuck catalog you could buy a morphine rig for a $1.40 you got the plunger two needles and it also came with a bottle of morphine but it's something we hardly ever hear about happened in every war I guess?

[@oldgeezerproductions]

Another poignant story of the gallant lives of a dramatic time. Thanks again Ron.

[@tomjones2202]

Another great video Ron! Thanks for sharing the forgotten of the Civil War :)

[@Mark-ji8wc]

Very moving, the suffering of war knows no bounds.

[@conradnelson5283]

I have neuralgia and at times it drives me crazy. Fortunately there is medicine for it now I feel sorry for him because relief was so limited and deadly.

[@ThePrader]

Even in war there can be honor.

[@dalemoss4684]

I recall reading a book many years ago about the huge problem opiate addiction played amongst civil war veterans, but I can't recall the name and can't seem to find it.