385

Lot 385: War of 1812 Handwritten Poem

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Lot  385: War of 1812 Handwritten Poem
<b>War of 1812</b><hr><b>Important Contemporary Poem of Support for Commodore Bainbridge, 'THE AMERICAN EAGLE'</b>

<b>(WILLIAM BAINBRIDGE), (1774-1833) noted American Naval Commodore, who sunk the British Frigate H.M.S. Java as Commander of U.S.S. Constitution, during the War of 1812.</b>
Handwritten Poem Signed, 'Sarah W. Perry' of Newport, RI, 1 page, undated, 10' x 8,' Fine. Boldly penned in brown ink and easily legible. Some scattered tone where the paper was exposed after having been folded. Entitled 'To the American Eagle,' this wonderful poem reads, in part:

'Fly back to thine eyry, and gaze on the sky, From the shame on thy flag, in scorn turn thine eye - Fly back to thine eyry, and dwell with the sun, For dastards would tarnish what valour hath won. Go! forget when thy country, in dangerÕs dread night, First saw thee emerging to glory and light - When high oÕer the wild rage of battle and Sea, Thou waved thy bold pinion unblenching and free...'

On May 21, 1803, Bainbridge was given command of the ship 'Philadelphia' and given orders to join the Mediterranean squadron of Commodore Preble, operating against Tripoli. On October 31, while chasing a Moorish craft into the harbor at Tripoli, the 'Philadelphia' ran aground on an uncharted reef, resulting in the capture and detention of Bainbridge and his crew of 315 until a peace was negotiated in June 1805. A naval court of inquiry exonerated Bainbridge from all blame in connection with the loss of the 'Philadelphia.' We believe that this highly complimentary poem was written after the announcement of the court of inquiry was made and before Commodore Bainbridge was exonerated. This unique manuscript item is of great historical significance.