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Autographs/T: Rare Thomas Truxton Naval Document

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Autographs/T: Rare Thomas Truxton Naval Document
THOMAS TRUXTUN, American Revolutionary Naval Hero, One of the First Six Captains in the United States Navy. Autograph Letter Signed, "Thos: Truxtun" July 18, 1788, Batavia, 9" x 7.5", Very Fine. Written to "Mr. John Pringle / Merchant / Philadelphia" and sent by means of Captain Skinner:. In part: "by Mr. Bowling in the Resolution Brig, I wrote you several days ago...the ship is fill'd with rice for Canton, where I trust we shall find a good mrkt for it. I sail tomorrow, consequently am much hurried at present, you will therefore excuse the shortness of this letter...." Light toning; one minor archival repair on verso. Truxton's signature is huge, with a couple of contemporary ink smudges. The docket on the integral address leaf notes that the letter was received on May 6, 1789, almost ten months after it was written. A rare naval document. In 1776, Truxtun served as lieutenant on board the "Congress," which was the first private armed ship fitted out by the colonies. During the War, he commanded the "Independence," the "Mars," "the Commerce," and the "St. James," among others. He had an amazing war record; Appleton's notes that "He was uniformly successful in all engagements with British vessels." When the U.S. Navy was organized, Truxtun was chosen as one of the first six captains on June 4, 1798. Commanding the frigate "Constellation," he was sent to the West Indies with a squadron under his command to protect commerce there. Again, many successes ensued. For his victory against the French frigate "L'Insurgente" in 1799, Lloyd's of London sent him a present of plate worth 600 guineas. For gallantry against the French frigate "La Vengéance" in 1800, Congress gave him a gold medal and a vote of thanks, and in 1802, he was appointed commander of the squadron which was to be sent to Tripoli. Truxtun is remembered as one of the Navy's most distinguished officers. The brig "Truxtun" was named after him.