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Matthew C. Perry ALS 1823 Navy

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:500.00 USD Estimated At:0.00 USD
Matthew C. Perry ALS 1823 Navy
"WINNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED AFTER THE AUCTION ENDS BY THE AUCTIONEER ONCE ALL BIDS HAVE BEEN PROCESSED TO DETERMINE THE WINNER FOR EACH LOT."
Autograph letter signed by the ''Father of the Steam Navy,'' Matthew C. Perry. 4pp. quarto datelined 20 August 1823, Saratoga, New York to Smith Thompson, Secretary of the Navy. In part: “...The facts in regard to the Schooner Jane are as follows. I had sailed from Vera Cruz for Tampico, in great haste, understanding...Capt. Porter was anxiously awaiting my arrival at Thompson’s Island...I consequently...adapted my usual practice of offering protection to all vessels bound in the direction of my route, which was through the Straits of Florida. The only application for convoy was by Capt. Carson of the Schooner Jane bound to New Orleans whose request I at first refused to comply with as it would have taken me in a directly contrary direction from my prescribed route...Upon reflection however I came to the determination of waiting 24 hours for the Jane...At the end of the prescribed time, I got underway, stood in towards the Bar, fired a gun, and made the usual signal which the Jane did not answer...it is impossible to meet the views and wishes of the contending interests of so many merchant Captains who seem to think that U.S. vessels ought to be placed at their entire disposal to await their convenience and to submit to their directions...At the period Capt. Carson accused me of neglecting to protect American shipping, I had in a gale of wind supplied an American Schooner laying off Tampico Bay with a cable and anchor by which she was probably saved from shipwreck...M. C. Perry.” An important letter from an under-documented time in Perry’s naval career. Light toning to folds, short splits along horizontal fold; otherwise, in fine condition. Holographic text is legible, signature is dark and prominent.