Wet plate, albumen photograph, mounted to 4 x 2 3/8 card. View of an unidentified screw steamer probably on the Mersey. Imprint on front mount, Robinson & Thompson, Liverpool & Birkenhead. Backmark: Robinson & Thompson Photographers, 57 Church St., Liverpool, and 32 Hamilton Square, Birkenhead. Light age toning and wear.

During the War Between The States, Liverpool was known as the unofficial home of the Confederate fleet. Liverpool not only built ships, but also provided crews, armaments and provisions for the Confederacy. Many ships destined to be used by the Confederacy came from Liverpool, including the famous Confederate raider, the C.S.S. Alabama, commanded by Captain Raphael Semmes.