Description:

Farragut David 1801 - 1870 David Farragut ALS: "I have the Finest (Ship) in the Navy"

Single page, Autograph Letter Signed to Paul H. Langdon, on lightly lined paper, 7.75" x 9.75". Scripted recto and verso. Dated December 10, 1858, Washington, D.C. Signed by David Farragut as "your friend / D.G. Farragut'. Expected folds with a small piece missing from upper left corner not affecting text. Near Fine.


This American naval hero had a lifelong and distinguished career in the service. In 1866, Farragut became the Navy's first admiral in recognition of his Civil War achievements, especially his capture of New Orleans in April 1862 and of Mobile Bay in August 1864.

Writing to Paul Langdon, a young man who had been his secretary, Farragut tells of his latest orders, declaring, "I am now happy to inform you that I have a fine ship, said to be the finest in the Navy ... The Brooklyn, at N. York ... her destination is the Gulf of Mexico. We will make our trial trip on the 1st of Jany. "Anxious to have Langdon rejoin him as his secretary, Farragut adds, "If you will go with me you will be rewarded by a visit to Havana, Vera Cruz & if you wish to travel you can go to Mexico some time in the course of the cruise should we lay any time at the Port of Vera Cruz. " Farragut, who had previously been stationed at Mare Island near San Francisco, goes on to discuss his recent dealings with California Senator William Gwin. In the process, he mentions "my friend Mallory," very likely a reference to Stephen R. Mallory, a Florida Senator who was chairman of the Senate committee on naval affairs and who was later the Confederate Secretary of the Navy. The Brooklyn was Farragut's last command before the outbreak of the Civil War. Paul Langdon did not accompany him, but remained a friend for years.

Ex-William Burger collection.

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