Description:

Matthew C. Perry Signed Naval Letter

A signed directive from Secretary of the Navy Abel Upshur. 1p of a bifolium, measuring 7.75" x 9.5", Washington, D.C., dated December 24, 1842. Signed "A P Upshur", addressed to and signed by Matthew C. Perry and J.C. Williamson. Upshur writes that Perry and Williamson are to regard themselves as awaiting orders following "temporary duty on board the Brig Oregon" with docketing on verso. The document has flattened folds, small separations, toning, and soiling. Ink ghosting from unknown text. Boldly signed.

Matthew Calbraith Perry (April 10, 1794 – March 4, 1858) A member of the Perry family naval dynasty and often called the "Father of the Steam Navy". Perry is best known for leading two expeditions that forced Japan in 1853–54 to enter into trade and diplomatic relations with the West after more than two centuries of isolation.

Abel Parker Upshur (1790-1844) was a Virginian politician who became Secretary of the Navy and Secretary of State under President John Tyler. Upshur helped negotiate the treaty which allowed for the 1845 annexation of Texas. Sadly, Upshur was killed during a gun demonstration aboard the USS Princeton on February 28, 1844. James C. Williamson (1813-1871) was a U.S. naval officer who enlisted in the Navy as a midshipman in 1832. He spent nearly three decades serving in the Mediterranean, West Indies, off the African Coast, and the United States eastern coast prior to the outbreak of the Civil War. Williamson was then given command of several ships attached to the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

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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