Lot 234

H. Paulding Receives Instructions to Suppress the Illegal Slave Trade Upon Taking Command of the US Navy Home Squadron

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H. Paulding Receives Instructions to Suppress the Illegal Slave Trade Upon Taking Command of the US Navy Home Squadron

Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000

Current Bid: $1,200

(5 Bids)

June 17, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
Wilton, CT, US

Description:

James C. Dobbin
Navy Department, [Washington, DC], July 5, 1855
H. Paulding Receives Instructions to Suppress the Illegal Slave Trade Upon Taking Command of the US Navy Home Squadron
LS

James C. Dobbin letter signed to Hiram Paulding, "Appointed to Command the United States ‘Home Squadron.'" 24pp on 6 bifolia bound with a red ribbon, 8.375" x 13.5"; Navy Department, Washington, D.C.; July 5, 1855. A lengthy letter to Hiram Paulding, newly appointed Commander of the "Home Squadron," outlining the composition and mission of the squadron, details of its cruising limits, and providing directives on naval discipline, training, neutrality, and enforcement of U.S. and international law. Of particular importance is a substantial section addressing the suppression of the illegal slave trade. Signed, "J.C. Dobbin / Secretary of the Navy." Includes the original transmittal cover, with wax seal and the franking signature of the Chief Clerk of the Navy. Letter is near fine, with light discoloration along the folds of the last page. An important document signaling the start of Paulding's tenure safeguarding American interests in international waters.

The Home Squadron was established in 1842 (though organized in 1838) as a permanent naval force stationed along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States. Their primary goal was to deter foreign aggression and interference within the Western Hemisphere. The Squadron was intended to be able to rapidly respond to any threats or crises along the coasts. One of the specific missions Dobbin lists in this letter is the suppression of the slave trade.

He writes: "The Department is apprised that many vessels employed in the Slave Trade, equally in violation of the laws of their country and the obligations of humanity, are built in the Un: States and sold at the Island of Cuba, where they are fitted out for the coast of Africa. Every species of fraud, perjury and forgery are resorted to, in order to evade detection if boarded by cruisers, and you will take every pains, by enquiry, to make yourself acquainted with the means resorted to by Slavers to evade punishment they so justly merit. The utmost vigilance is required to detect them with slaves on board, but you are not to consider yourself restricted from seizing any vessel under American colors on strong grounds of suspicion alone. If she is found with an unusual number of water casks, with manacles on board, obviously more than are required or used in ordinary merchantmen, or prepared in such a manner as would answer no other purpose than to carry slaves, you will be justified in seizing and sending her home for adjudication although she may not have a single slave on board."

Hiram Paulding remained in command of the Home Squadron until March 1958. During his tenure, the Squadron played a key role in the expedition against the filibuster William Walker and his forces in Nicaragua in 1857. They were dispatched to the Central American coast to confront Walker's illegal and destabilizing occupation of Nicaragua. Paulding's forces, including the steam frigate USS Wabash, blockaded Walker's stronghold and ultimately forced the surrender of his American-led army. This decisive intervention crushed Walker's attempt to seize control of Nicaragua, preventing what could have escalated into a broader regional conflict.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 13.5" x 8.375"
  • Medium: LS

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