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1812 Autograph Letter: surrounded by British ships with French firing cannon

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:240.00 USD Estimated At:300.00 - 500.00 USD
1812 Autograph Letter: surrounded by British ships with French firing cannon
War of 1812

April 22, 1812-Dated, War of 1812 Period, Letter from P. Wainwright to his son “Junior.” Cadiz, Spain. Fine.
April 22, 1812 Autograph Letter Signed “P Wainwright”, 9.75” x 7.75”, 2 pages, describing the conditions of aboard a U.S. Ship anchored near Cadiz, Spain, surrounded by British ships, with French firing cannon from their forts ashore. Apparently written to “Junior”, Wainwright’s son: “We dropt anchor this afternoon opposite the city. In the middle of the English fleet after a passage of thirty five days & a rough one I assure you we … in rough cloudy weather & we have had five or six days without squalls… Cadiz is a beautiful city as it appears from here the houses have a droll appearance. The French keep firing almost all the while from their forts about we see them very distinctly… PS I have not time to write any more as the vessel sails to morrow morning & we are very busy… this was just to let you know that I was alive & well…” With integral mailing leaf, addressed to “Mr. Peter Wainwright, Merchant, Boston, America”, stamped “Gloucester Jun 15”. Letter has small holes from the original wax seal, but is otherwise fine.