Description:

Fantastic Early U.S. Navy Archive of 11 Signed Docs., Incl. R.G. Shaw, C.C. Cambreleng, C.A. Rodney

NAVAL HISTORY. Archive of 11 documents, 1809-1846, the majority being recommendations for appointment in the U.S. Navy. Please review images for additional content and condition details.

This lot is comprised of:

1) A 1p autograph letter signed by Caesar A. Rodney as “C. A. Rodney”, on bifold stationery measuring 8” x 9.75”, addressed to “The Secretary of the Navy”, n.p., February 2, 1809, recommending Mr. John Chandler as applicant for Midshipman. Mounting remnants at verso. Folds, soiling, paper loss to top and bottom left corners, edge wear.

Caesar Augustus Rodney (1772-1824) was an American lawyer and politician from Wilmington, Delaware. He was a member of the Democratic-Republican Party, who served in the Delaware General Assembly, as well as a U.S. Representative from Delaware, U.S. Senator from Delaware, U.S. Attorney General, and U.S. Minister to Argentina.

2) A 1p manuscript letter to 11th U.S. President James Polk (1795-1849) signed by seven “members of the State Convention now sitting at Albany, and delegates from the city of New York” for the recommendation of “Adam P. Pentz, Esq. as Naval Stonekeeper”, 7.5” x 9.75”, adhered to a scrapbook page measuring 10.75” x 13”, Albany, July 2, 1846. Folds, staining from adhesive. Boldly signed.

3) A 1p manuscript letter to Secretary of the Navy Abel P. Upshur (1790-1844) on bifold stationery measuring 8” x 10”, New York, February 1, 1842, recommending Miller Griffith for Midshipman on behalf of “our friend and fellow citizen Dr. Hosack”. Four signatures appear at conclusion. Mounting remnants at verso. Folds, scattered foxing,

4) A 1p manuscript letter “To the Honorable R. C. Winthrop”, on pale blue bifold stationery measuring 7.75” x 10”, Boston, March 28, [n.y.], recommending W. A. Whipple for Midshipman. Signed by Robert Gould Shaw (1775-1853), grandfather and namesake of Colonel Robert Shaw, who commanded the first all-Black regiment, the 54th Massachusetts, in the Northeast. Mounting remnants at verso. Expected folds, light toning, edgewear.

5) A 1p autograph letter signed by Charles W. Sandford, “Chas. W. Sandford”, on a bifold sheet measuring 7.25” x 9”, New York, July 2, 1824, requesting papers he left behind after returning home. Integral address leaf stamped “FREE” and addressed to the Secretary of the Navy in Washington. Mounting remnants at verso. Opening tears, expected folds, light toning and soiling.

6) A 1p autograph letter signed by Collector of the Port of New York Samuel Swartwout (1783-1856) as “Saml. Swartwout”, on a bifold sheet measuring 7.75” x 9.75”, New York, July 10, 1837, to Charles G. Ridgely (1784-1848), Commander at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Mounting remnants at verso. Expected folds, toning, soiling, edgewear.

7) A 1p printed circular from the Navy Department, on a bifold sheet measuring 8” x 9.75”, November 14, 1827, signed by Secretary of the Navy Samuel L. Southard (1787-1842) as “Saml. L. Southard”, requesting information from Midshipman Joseph H. Greene of Maine to correct the Navy Register. Folds with separations, some with previous cellophane repair. Toning, soiling, edgewear.

8) A 1p autograph letter signed, “Harper & Brothers”, on bifold stationery measuring 8” x 10”, New York, August 23, 1838. To Secretary of the Navy James K. Paulding (1778-1860) recommending Dr. Holland for an appointment in the U.S. Navy. Integral address leaf. Mounting remnants at verso. Expected mailing folds. Clean, crisp text and boldly signed.

9) A 1p manuscript letter to Secretary of the Navy Abel P. Upshur (1790-1844) on bifold stationery measuring 8” x 10”, Washington City, December 30, 1841, recommending William J. Magill for Midshipman. Six signatures appear at conclusion. Mounting remnants at verso. Expected folds, foxing and toning.

10) A 1p autograph letter signed, “C. C. Cambreleng”, 8.25” x 9.75”, Washington, February 5, 1823. To Secretary of the Navy Smith Thompson (1768-1843), recommending Mr. Carrington for "employ as an acting Midshipman in the expedition against the Pirates”. Mounting remnants at verso. Intersecting folds with separation at edges, browning, toning.

Churchill Caldom Cambreleng (1786-1862) was an American businessman and politician from New York. He is notable for his service in the United States House of Representatives from 1821 to 1839, including terms as chairman of several high-profile committees. In addition, he served as U.S. Minister to Russia from 1840 to 1841.

11) A 1p manuscript document signed by Secretary of the U.S. Senate Charles Cutts (1769-1846), 8” x 9.75”, January 22, 1818. Remnants of previous mounting at verso. Flattened folds, toning.

In full, “Ordered, That the message nominating Richard Auchmuty and others to appointments in the Marine Corps, be referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs, to inquire and report thereon.”

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