Scope and Content Note
The papers of Francis Asbury Roe (1823-1901) span the years 1842-1901, with the bulk of the material from the period 1846-1869. The papers consist of journals, letterbooks, correspondence, and miscellaneous material.
Nearly all of Roe's cruises are documented in the collection, from his first cruise as a midshipman on the John Adams (frigate) in 1842 until his last as fleet captain in a cruise to Brazil in 1874. There is also an account of the fight between the Sassacus (side-wheel steamer) and the CSS Albemarle (ironclad ram) in 1864. For his role in that action Roe received a letter of commendation from Gideon Welles, secretary of the navy. The collection also contains proof sheets of his book, Naval Duties and Discipline.