THE FINAL VOYAGE

The Sidewheel Steamer, SS Republic left New York on October 18, 1865 bound for New Orleans with a reported $400,000 (1865 face value) in Gold and Silver on board.  On the fifth day, a gale blew in and by nightfall the Republic was stalled without power in a fierce hurricane.  Passengers labored for hours to bail out the ship's hold, but it was a futile effort.  Her crew worked feverishly to prepare the lifeboats and patch together a makeshift raft.

At 4pm on October 25, 1865, the Republic disappeared into the sea.  Published accounts of the survivors harrowing tales were accompanied by newspaper reports that "some $400,000 in treasure had gone down with the ship."

Includes: Certificate of Authenticity