Postal History Confederate Civil War Postal History Blockade Covers
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3167
Symbol:
Blockade Mail, folded letter from Havana to Boston carried by the blockade-runner, British West Indies Line steamer Karnak, datelined "Per Karnac [sic], Habana, 5th July 1861", postmarked with a New York "STEAMSHIP/10" in circle; letter concerns prices of produce in Havana, Very Fine. Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
Suggested Bid $100-150
Opening US$ 140.00
Sold...US$ 140.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 140
Postal History by State
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3028
Symbol:
Soldier's Letter, interesting four-page letter on a Liberty & Flag patriotic letterhead datelined "Washington D.C., July 19, 1861", written by N.H. Volunteer Henry F. Carey, describing his disenchantment with the officers and their treatment of the volunteers, in part, "Why Charlie our volunteers are not looked after half as well as a common farmer take[s] care of his hogs." he also notes that have "eaten magoty meat" and "bread that was baked in 1810". He also complains of being lied to in order to get him to volunteer and recommends that if his friend wants to serve he should join the Navy, "but for Gods sake keep out of the volunteers company", and concludes that "I shall be discharged the last of next week", Very Fine,
Henry F. Carey was a 90-day volunteer joining the Second Regiment of the New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry, Company "C". He was quickly disenchanted with the officers and their treatment of enlisted soldiers and allowed his enlistment to expire. He still felt the need to support his country. He took his own advice, joined the Navy and was assigned to the William G. Anderson in the West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
Suggested Bid $100-150
Opening US$ 90.00
Sold...US$ 90.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 90
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3029
Symbol:
Naval Ship Mail - Soldier's Due Letter, cover to Wendell, Mass., properly endorsed with manuscript "Soldiers Letter" and rubber-stamped "E F Jones, Colonel Mass 26th", postmarked "U.S. SHIP/3cts." in circle; reduced slightly at the right, Fine to Very Fine. Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
Suggested Bid $100-150
Opening US$ 60.00
Sold...US$ 60.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 60
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3030
Symbol:
Naval Ship Mail - Soldier's Due Letter, cover to Monroeton, Pa., properly endorsed "Soldiers letter, E Oventon Jr Major, 20th Regt Pena Vols" and postmarked with the scarce oval "U.S. SHIP/3cts.", docketed on the reverse "Nov 23 61, D K, H Head" (Hilton Head?); couple edge tears, most of back missing, but damage appears to have occurred in opening, as the docketing is carefully written on what remains of the bottom flap; still quite attractive. Suggested Bid $75-100 (Image)
Suggested Bid $75-100
Opening US$ 150.00
Sold...US$ 150.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 150
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3031
Symbol: Cat No: 65
Naval Ship Mail, cover with a bold straightline "U. S. SHIP" tying a 3¢ rose (65), to Dorchester, Mass. and postmarked at Philadelphia, Oct 24, 1864; minor toning at the left edge and flap tears, Fine to Very Fine. Suggested Bid $75-100 (Image)
Suggested Bid $75-100
Opening US$ 70.00
Sold...US$ 70.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 70
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3032
Symbol:
"Mortar Schooners at Ft. Jackson, Miss.", colorful advertising trade card for McLaughlin's XXXX Coffee, picturing sailors on deck shelling the fort; upper left corner slightly creased, Fine to Very Fine. Suggested Bid $50-75 (Image)
Suggested Bid $50-75
Opening US$ 55.00
Sold...US$ 50.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 50
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3033
Symbol:
Taking of Fort Fisher, Clerk's copy of Admiral David Porter's letter to Acting Master Chase as the U.S.S. Louisiana as she was prepared to serve as a "Powder Ship" to blow up below the seaward wall of the fort in advance of the Union's assault; headed "North Atlantic Squadron, U.S. Flag Ship 'Malvern'", the letter reads, "As soon as Captain Rhind assumes command of the 'Louisiana' you will see that all the officers and men not required by him do return to their respective vessels and will apply for a tug for that purpose."; partly split along fold at the bottom and missing a bit of text on the right edge, Fine. An historic letter, though not the original that would have been in Porter's own hand.,
After a delay caused by bad weather, Louisiana was towed into position below the seaward wall on December 23. A fire was set, fuses were lit, and Captain Rhind and his volunteer crew abandoned the ship to wait for 1:18 a.m., when the fuses were timed to explode. The fuses apparently failed but the fire that was set eventually made its way to the powder and Louisiana exploded—but with very little effect. The planned assault was eventually abandoned until mid-January, when, in a second attack, the massed gunfire of the fleet and amphibious assault compelled the surrender of the fort. Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
Suggested Bid $100-150
Opening US$ 75.00
Sold...US$ 75.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 75
General Postal History by Year
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3168
Symbol: Cat No: 65
U.S.S. Avenger, Ram, cover with manuscript endorsement "U S S Avenger, Off Mound City, Ill." and franked with a neatly cork-canceled 3¢ rose (65) with a clear Mound Cily, Ill. c.d.s., Jul 8 (1865), Very Fine,
Avenger was started by the Army but transferred to the Navy, entering service in February 1864 and assigned to the Mississippi River Squadron. She participated in the Red River Expedition and was ultimately sent to Mound City in July 1865 and soon afterward was decommissioned and sold at public auction. Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
Suggested Bid $100-150
Opening US$ 50.00
Sold...US$ 50.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 50
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3169
Symbol:
U.S.S. Baltimore, Protected Cruiser,partly-printed address label,"United States Cruiser Baltimore/Pacific Station" on a legal size cover to Old Point Comfort, Va. with "Pacific Station" crossed out and "Flagship, Naval Review Fleet, U.S. Navy Yard, New-York" written in, along with the date, Mar 17, 1893, and the signature of the sender, Geo. H. Cooke, Medical Inspector, U.S. Navy, two 1¢ & a 2¢ 1890 (219, 220) tied by Mar 17 New York duplexes, backstamped Fortress Monroe, Va., the next day; red wax seal stain shows through a bit, Fine to Very Fine,
Baltimore was commissioned in 1890 to serve as flagship of the North Atlantic Squadron. She then joined the European Squadron, followed by the Pacific Squadron, then the Asiatic Station, where she took part in the Battle of Manila Bay. She subsequently served with the Caribbean Squadron, the North Atlantic Fleet, the European Squadron and again the Asiatic Station. In 1914 she was converted to a minelayer and, during WWI, she laid mines off the north coast of Ireland and helped lay the "North Sea Mine Barrage" between Orkney Island and Norway. In September 1919 she rejoined the Pacific Fleet, serving as a receiving ship at Pearl Harbor, and was present at the time of the 1941 attack by the Japanese. She was scuttled there in 1944. Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
Suggested Bid $100-150
Opening US$ 100.00
Sold...US$ 100.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 100
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3170
Symbol: Cat No: 148
U.S.S. Congress, Screw Sloop of War, 1873 cover addressed to "Chief Engr. E.B. Latch, U.S.Steamer Congress" in care of U.S. Despatch Agent, B.F. Stevens in London, franked with a cork-canceled 6¢ carmine (148) with an incomplete Philadelphia Sta. M c.d.s. alongside and a red Apr 1 London Paid receiver and a well-struck red B.F. Stevens "UNITED STATES/DESPATCH AGENT" oval of the same date,
Congress was commissioned in 1870, when she became flagship of the South Atlantic Squadron. From 1872 until 1876 she was part of the Mediterranean Squadron, visiting Philadelphia as part of the 1876 Centennial Exposition. She was decommissioned in July of that same year and eventually sold in September 1883 . Suggested Bid $50-75 (Image)
Suggested Bid $50-75
Opening US$ 34.00
Sold...US$ 34.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 34
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3171
Symbol: Cat No: 148
U.S.S. Congress, Screw Sloop of War, 1872 cover addressed to "Chief Engr. E.B. Latch, U.S.Steamer Congress" in care of U.S. Despatch Agent, B.F. Stevens in London, franked with a cork-canceled 6¢ carmine (148) with an incomplete May 21 Philadelphia Sta. M c.d.s. alongside and a red May 24 "New York/Paid All" tying the stamp; there is also a Jun 4 London Paid receiver and a lightly struck Jun 5 B.F. Stevens "UNITED STATES/DESPATCH AGENT" oval, both in red; upper right corner rounded affecting the stamp, Fine,
Congress was commissioned in 1870, when she became flagship of the South Atlantic Squadron. From 1872 until 1876 she was part of the Mediterranean Squadron, visiting Philadelphia as part of the 1876 Centennial Exposition. She was decommissioned in July of that same year and eventually sold in September 1883 . Suggested Bid $50-75 (Image)
Suggested Bid $50-75
Opening US$ 30.00
Sold...US$ 30.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 30
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3172
Symbol: (
U.S.S. Cushing, Torpedo Boat, front only of a Navy Department penalty envelope with a printed "U. S. Torpedo Boat Cushing" corner card; reinforced crease across top, otherwise Fine and rare,
Cushing was commissioned April 22, 1890. As the first torpedo boat built for the Navy, she was attached to the Squadron of Evolution and equipped for experimental work to complete the developement of torpedo outfits and to gather data for the service. During the Spanish-American War she was assigned to patrol the Caribbean Cays, capturing five vessels. From 1901 to 1911 she was attached to the Reserve Torpedo Flotilla at Norfolk and was sunk after use as a target in 1920. Suggested Bid $50-75 (Image)
Suggested Bid $50-75
Opening US$ 50.00
Sold...US$ 50.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 50
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3173
Symbol: Cat No: 114
U.S.S. Dacotah, Screw Sloop of War, cover with manuscript endorsement "U.S.S. 'Dacotah'", franked with a cork-canceled 3¢ Pictorial (114) and postmarked with a partial Aug 26, Athol, Mass. c.d.s., addressed to George S. Gates U.S.N., Care of Navy Agent, San Francisco Cal., Fine to Very Fine,
Dacotah joined the East Indian Squadron in 1860 cruising off China. During the Civil War she was part of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, serving around Hampton Roads, and as part of the James River Flotilla. In 1864 she rejoined the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron at Beaufort, N.C., and in 1866 she sailed to the Pacific serving off the coasts of South and Central America, Mexico and California. Suggested Bid $75-100 (Image)
Suggested Bid $75-100
Opening US$ 38.00
Sold...US$ 38.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 38
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3174
Symbol: Cat No: 14
U.S.S. Franklin, Screw Frigate, small 1874 cover addressed to "Midshipman T.B. Howard, U.S. Flagship Franklin" in care of U.S. Despatch Agent, B.F. Stevens in London, franked with a target-canceled 6¢ rose (14) and tied by an incomplete July Galena, Ill. c.d.s.; there is a faint red "New York/Paid All" c.d.s., an Aug 3 London receiver, and an Aug 4 B.F. Stevens "UNITED STATES/DESPATCH AGENT", all in red; reduced slightly at the left, Fine to Very Fine,
Franklin was launched in 1864 having been partially constructed from parts of the previous Franklin, a Ship of the Line. She served as flagship of the European Squadron from 1867 until 1871, when she was decommissioned. She was recalled in 1873 to serve with the North Atlantic Squadron until 1877, then was used as a receiving ship at Norfolk until 1915 when she was sold. Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
Suggested Bid $100-150
Opening US$ 50.00
Sold...US$ 50.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 50
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3175
Symbol: Cat No: 161
U.S.S. Gettysburg, Side-Wheel Gunboat, 1878 cover addressed to "Lt. G.P. Colvocoresses, U.S.S. Gettysburg" in care of U.S. Despatch Agent, B.F. Stevens in London, franked with a 10¢ brown (161) tied by a Feb 8 New York Sta. "23" duplex with a clear red Feb 20 B.F. Stevens "UNITED STATES/DESPATCH AGENT" oval and a red London backstamp of the same date; reduced somewhat at the right and small tear at the lower left, Fine to Very Fine,
Gettysburg was originally named Douglas and operated for the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company in the United Kingdom until 1862, when she was sold to the Confederacy. She was renamed Margaret and Jessie and operated as a blockade-runner until her capture by the Union in November 1863. At that time she was renamed Gettysburg and commissioned into the Union Navy in May 1864. During her military service she operated with the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, participated in both attacks on Fort Fisher. She helped lay telegraph cables between Key West and Havana, and undertook navigational surveys of the Caribbean and Mediterranean. She was sold in 1879. Suggested Bid $60-80 (Image)
Suggested Bid $60-80
Opening US$ 36.00
Sold...US$ 36.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 36
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3176
Symbol: Cat No: red
U.S.S. Hartford, Screw Sloop of War, unfranked 1878 cover with manuscript endorsement "Ship's letter, U.S.S. Hartford", entering the mails in London and handstamped "T/1-10" due and, in New York, the equivalent and "33 Cents" with the arc "U.S. CHARGE/TO/COLLECT"; postmarked on the reverse with "London/NE/MR 14/78" (red) and "New York/F.D., Mar 24" c.d.s.s; reduced slightly at the right, Fine to Very Fine,
Hartford was the flagship of Farragut's West Gulf Blockading Squadron at New Orleans, Mobile Bay and on the Mississippi up to Vicksburg. Twelve of her crewmen were awarded the Medal of Honor. She was flagship of the Asiatic Squadron from 1872 until 1875, the North Atlantic Squadron until March 1884, and in the Pacific until decommissioned in 1887. She was later rebuilt and recommissioned, serving variously as a training and cruise ship for midshipmen, and a station ship at Charleston. She was decommissioned 1926 and eventually towed to Norfolk Navy Yard where she sank at her berth. Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
Suggested Bid $100-150
Opening US$ 50.00
Sold...US$ 50.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 50
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3177
Symbol: Cat No: 205
U.S.S. Kearsarge, Screw Sloop of War, 1885 cover addressed to "Asst. Eng. Frank W. Barllett, U.S.S. Quinnebaug" in care of U.S. Despatch Agent, B.F. Stevens in London, franked with a 5¢ brown (205) tied by a Detroit, Mich. duplex, Sep 2, 1885, with a Sep 4 "Detroit/Direct" c.d.s. alongside, redirected to Southampton with violet handstamps and a matching Sep 15 B.F. Stevens "UNITED STATES/DESPATCH AGENT" oval; there is a Charing Cross W.C. squared circle on the front and London & Southampton backstamps, all on Sep 15; edge wear, Fine. This cover would have been carried on the steamer Richmond, which left New York on Sep 6.,
Kearsarge was best known for her defeat of the Confederate Commerce raider Alabama. She was built in 1861 under the American Civil War emergency ship building program. She was launched on September 11, 1861, and was commissioned on January 24, 1862, with Captain Charles Pickering in command. After the war she served in the South Pacific watching over American interests along the coast of South America. In 1868 she was called on to land provisions for earthquake victims in Peru. She cruised for the Asiatic Squadron for three years protecting American citizens and commerce in China, Japan and the Philippines. In 1879 she began four years of duty in the North Atlantic and in 1883 she began three years service cruisng the waters of the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the West Coast of Africa. In 1888 she began protecting interests in the West Indies and continued to do so until she wrecked on a reef off Roncador Cay. Suggested Bid $75-100 (Image)
Suggested Bid $75-100
Opening US$ 38.00
Sold...US$ 38.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 38
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3178
Symbol: Cat No: U58
U.S.S. Kenosha, Screw Sloop, 3¢ pink entire (U58) with three 3¢ 1869 Pictorials (114) addressed to "Ensign J.N. Hemphill U.S.N., U.S.Steam Ship Kenosha" in care of U.S. Despatch Agent, B.F. Stevens in London, canceled with blue Delaware, O. c.d.s.'s, Jul 26 (1869), red Jul 28 "New York/Paid All" and Aug 7 London c.d.s.'s and a very light Jul 8 B.F. Stevens "UNITED STATES/DESPATCH AGENT"; includes a photocopy of the family letter from Hemphill's father plus the original note from his mother that was also enclosed; reduced into the indicia at the right, a bit soiled, about Fine. Letters to the Kenosha are quite scarce due to the short time span between her launch and her being renamed Plymouth, with a 1983 P.F. certificate,
Kenosha was laid down in 1867 in New York Navy Yard. She cruised across the Atlantic and while at the European Station was renamed Plymouth. Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
Suggested Bid $100-150
Opening US$ 60.00
Sold...US$ 60.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 60
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3179
Symbol: Cat No: 158
U.S.S. Lackawanna, Screw Sloop of War, cover addressed to "Mr. G.H. Cloude, U.S.S. Lackawanna, Care Navy Pay Agent, San Francisco, California", franked with a cork-canceled 3¢ green (158)and postmarked with an Oct 23 Annapolis, Md. c.d.s. and bearing a nice strike of a purple Fouled Anchor handstamp "Forwarded by/United States/Navy Pay Office/'Don't Give Up The Ship'/San Francisco/484 California Street"; opened a bit roughly at the right, damaging the stamp, otherwise Very Fine,
Lackawanna was commissioned January 1863 to join the West Gulf Blockading Squadron at Pensacola, where she served until the end of the war. In 1866 she sailed to Hawaii and in 1867 she took possession of Midway Island. She continued to operate in the Hawaiian Islands and along the coasts of California and Mexico until decommissioned in 1871. Returning to duty in 1872, she served in the Far East until 1875 and then again in 1880 during the War of the Pacific. She served in the South Pacfic until being decommissioned and sold in 1887. Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
Suggested Bid $100-150
Opening US$ 50.00
Sold...US$ 50.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 50
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3180
Symbol:
U.S.S. Maine,Spanish-American War Patriotic postcard featuring the Maine, franked with a 5¢ Trans-Miss. tied by a St. Louis machine cancel, Sep 16, 1898, message in German and sent to Koenigstein, Germany, with a Sep 29 receiver of that town; minor corner crease at the lower right, Fine to Very Fine. Suggested Bid $75-100 (Image)
Suggested Bid $75-100
Opening US$ 70.00
Sold...US$ 70.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 70
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3181
Symbol: Cat No: 114
U.S.S. Miantonomoh, Ironclad Monitor, cover addressed to "Lt. Commr. B.J. Cromwell, U.S.S. Miantonomoh, Portland, Me.", franked with a grid-canceled 3¢ 1869 Pictorial (114) and postmarked Philadelphia, Jan 27 (1870), Fine to Very Fine,
Miantonomoh was the lead ship of her class of ironclad Monitors built for the Navy during the Civil War. She was commissioned in 1865 and assigned to the North Atlantic Squadron. She was the first ironclad Monitor to cross the Atlantic. She was primarily responsible for transporting Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Gustavus Fox, to various places in Europe projecting power and the flag. She later served along the New England coast and was decommissioned at Boston in July 1870. Suggested Bid $75-100 (Image)
Suggested Bid $75-100
Opening US$ 75.00
Sold...US$ 75.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 75
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3182
Symbol: Cat No: 267a
U.S.S. New Orleans, Screw Sloop, cover addressed to "Lieut. Edwards F. Leiper U.S.N., U.S.S. 'New Orleans', Santiago [de Cuba] Via Key West, Florida", franked with a 2¢ pink (267a) tied by a Philadelphia machine cancel, Jun 23, 1898, during the Spanish-American War; includes family original letter, Very Fine,
New Orleans was originally laid down by the Brazilian Navy under the name Amazonas in 1895 and was purchased by the U.S. Navy in March of 1898. In the Spanish-American War with the Flying Squadron off the coast of Santiago de Cuba, she participated in the bombardment of the batteries at the entrance to the harbor. In 1899 she joined the Asiatic Fleet and for the next five years served as flagship for the Cruiser Squadron. She also served as station ship at Vladivostok, Russia, supporting the Allied forces in Siberia form 1920-22. Suggested Bid $50-75 (Image)
Suggested Bid $50-75
Opening US$ 50.00
Sold...US$ 50.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 50
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3183
Symbol: Cat No: 286
U.S.S. Newark, Protected Cruiser, cover addressed to "Lieut. Comr. Wm. N. Turner USN, U. S. S. Newark, Santiago, Cuba", franked with a 2¢ Trans-Miss. (286) neatly tied by a Cincinnati, O. flag cancel, Sep 16, 1898, Very Fine,
Newark was commissioned in 1891 and served in both the North Atlantic Squadron the South Atlantic Squadron. She participated in the Spanish-American War, the Philippine-American War and the Boxer Rebellion. She later served as a training ship at the U.S. Naval Academy and as a station ship at Guantanamo Bay. In 1912 she served the Public Health Service as a quarantine hulk for the hospital in Providence, R.I. During WWI she served as an annex to the Naval Hospital at Newport and then was used by the Public Health Service until she was disposed of by the Navy in 1926. Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
Suggested Bid $100-150
Opening US$ 100.00
Sold...US$ 100.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 100
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3184
Symbol: Cat No: 147
U.S.S. Nipsic, Screw Gunboat, cover addressed to "Midn. Jos. B Murdock. U.S. Ship 'Nipsic', Charlotte Town, Prince Edward Island", franked with a pair of cork-canceled 3¢ green (147) with a Portsmouth, N.H. c.d.s., Sep 13 (1870) and backstamped at Charlotte Town on Sep 16; the very interesting letter is from a fellow sailor who is waiting to report to the U.S.S. California when she sails in October; he also mentions at least nine other ships by name including the Narragansett, with "Capt. Gen. Dewey", notes "of course you have heard of Farragut's death. Porter is Ad - Rowan Vice - Cooke & Fitch Commanders", and passes along the latest "Base Ball" scores; cover reduced slightly at the left, stamps with slight perforation damage due to edge placement, Fine to Very Fine,
Nipsic was commissioned in 1863. She joined the blockade at Charleston in November 1865 and served there until the end of the war. In June 1864 she took the schooner Julia as the blockade-runner attempted to enter the port. She then primarily served with the South Atlantic Blockading squadron off the coast of Brazil and in the West Indies to protect American commerce until she was decommissioned in 1873. Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
Suggested Bid $100-150
Opening US$ 100.00
Sold...US$ 100.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 100
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3185
Symbol: (Cat No: 158
U.S.S. Nipsic, Screw Gunboat, blue double-lined circle handstamped corner card "U.S.SHIP./NIPSIC", illustrated with a full-rigged three-masted ship on a somewhat-crudely rebacked cover front franked with a 3¢ green (158) with a fancy cork cancel and tied by a Nov 30 Portsmouth, Va. c.d.s., some toning, but reasonaly attractive and very rare.,
Nipsic was commissioned in 1863. She joined the blockade at Charleston in November 1865 and served there until the end of the war. In June 1864 she took the schooner Julia as the blockade-runner attempted to enter the port. She then primarily served with the South Atlantic Blockading squadron off the coast of Brazil and in the West Indies to protect American commerce until she was decommissioned in 1873. Suggested Bid $50-75 (Image)
Suggested Bid $50-75
Opening US$ 55.00
Sold...US$ 55.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 55
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3186
Symbol: Cat No: 32
U.S.S. Raleigh, Protected Cruiser, printed illustration of the Raleigh serving as a corner card on a cover from Gibraltar to Providence, R.I., franked with a Queen Victoria 25c ultramarine (32) tied by a Gibraltar "A26" duplex, May 29, 1897; opening tears at the top, affect the illustration somewhat, stamp slightly damaged, Fine. A rare illustrated ship's corner card. The ship is not identified by name but is identical to photos of the Raleigh which, when this cover was mailed, would have been on her way to report for duty on the European Station at Smyrna.,
Raleigh joined the North Atlantic Squadron in 1895 where she served for two years. In mid-1897 she joined the European Station and then, in 1898, the Asiatic Station. She performed admirably in the Spanish-American War where she is credited with firing the 1st shot of the Battle of Manila Bay. She spent several years cruising the Pacific waters in support of diplomatic missions, then was assigned to the Pacific Reserve Squadron. She served as a station ship in Mexican ports from 1913 to 1917, then joined Patrol Force, Atlantic Fleet at Newport, R.I. In June 1918 she joined the American Patrol Detachment at Key West and continued to serve there through the end of the war and was decommissioned in 1919. Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
Suggested Bid $100-150
Opening US$ 55.00
Sold...US$ 55.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 55
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3187
Symbol: Cat No: 147
U.S.S. Richmond, Screw Sloop, cover with manuscript endorsement "U.S.S. Richmond" and sent to "Dr. E. Kershner, U.S.N., in care of U.S. Despatch Agent, B.F. Stevens in London; franked with a target-canceled pair of 3¢ green (147) with an illegible postmark, a partial red "New York/Paid All" c.d.s. and a B.F. Stevens "UNITED STATES/DESPATCH AGENT" handstamp, Feb 1, 1871, and a London backstamp of the same date, Fine,
Richmond participated in every West Gulf Blockading Squadron undertaking in the Civil War, during which 33 crewmembers were awarded the Medal of Honor - more than any other ship. After the war she served with the West Indies Squadron, and as flagship of the South Pacific Station, the Asiatic Squadron, the North Atlantic Squadron, and the South Atlantic Station. She served as a training ship in Rhode Island, then as a receiving ship in Philadelphia, and finally as an auxillary receiving ship at Norfolk until the end of World War I. In 1919 she was decommissioned and sold. Suggested Bid $50-75 (Image)
Suggested Bid $50-75
Opening US$ 30.00
Sold...US$ 30.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 30
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3188
Symbol: Cat No: 65
U.S.S. Shenandoah, Screw Sloop, cover with manuscript endorsement "U.S. Str. Shenandoah, Fayal, Jany. 12th 1865" [actually 1866], franked with a 3¢ Rose (65) tied by a Feb 16 "NEW YORK SHIP/6 CTS." with an additional straightline "Due 3", to Philadelphia; includes original four-page letter from Ship's Captain, John R. Goldsborough to his wife, datelined "U.S. Str. Shenandoah, Fayal Western Isle, January 1st. 1865" [1866], tells a bit about the voyage across the Atlantic to the Azores, leaving on Dec 19; small opening tears at the top, stamp slightly damaged, Fine. The 3¢ due is the unpaid postage for destinations beyond the port of entry.,
Shenandoah , with a complement of 175, was commissioned in June and cruised from the Carolinas to Key West searching for blockade-runners. She played an import role in both Battles of Fort Fisher. She was decommissioned in June and recommissioned in November of the same year under the command of John R. Goldsborough, sailing for the Azores in September and eventually joining the South American Squadron followed by the Asiatic Squadron. Suggested Bid $75-100 (Image)
Suggested Bid $75-100
Opening US$ 110.00
Sold...US$ 110.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 110
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3189
Symbol:
South Atlantic Squadron, unfranked cover to Walpole, N.H. with manuscript endorsement "From South Atlantic Squadron" and "Per Bark Fannie", postmarked "NEW YORK SHIP/6 cts.", c.d.s., Feb 17 (1867 - docketing), Fine to Very Fine. Suggested Bid $75-100 (Image)
Suggested Bid $75-100
Opening US$ 55.00
Sold...US$ 55.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 55
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3190
Symbol: Cat No: 65
U.S.S. Susquehanna, Side-Wheel Frigate, cover addressed to "Chief Engineer, John Johnson U.S.N., U.S. Steamer Susquehanna, Navy Yard, New York", franked with a 3¢ rose (65) tied by a Philadelphia duplex, Jun 28, 1866; reduced slightly at the left, Very Fine,
Susquehanna served the North Atlantic, South Atlantic and West Gulf Blockading Squadrons. In addition to blockading duty, she was at Hatteras Inlet, Port Royal and Hampton Roads. At Fort Fisher she was under the command of Commodore Sylvanus Godon. After the war she served as flagship of the North Atlantic Squadron from 1866 until 1868, when she was decommissioned, ultimately being sold for scrap in 1883. Suggested Bid $50-75 (Image)
Suggested Bid $50-75
Opening US$ 30.00
Sold...US$ 30.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 30
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3191
Symbol:
U.S.S. Tuscarora, Screw Sloop, unfranked cover with manuscript endorsement "Ships Letter, U.S.S. 'Tuscarora'" postmarked with a Dec 15 "N.Y. STEAMSHIP/10" due c.d.s., to Benton Harbor, Mich., reduced just a tad at the left, Very Fine. This marking was used between 1866 and 1874,
Tuscarora, commissioned in late 1861, immediately sailed under orders to capture or sink the C.S.S. Nashville docked at Southampton, England. When English law prevented her pursuit, she trapped the raider Sumter at Gibraltar, resulting in her being abandoned. She searched for the Alabama, then the Tacony before joining the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron in 1864. From 1866 to 1869 she served with the South Pacific Squadron. Suggested Bid $75-100 (Image)
Suggested Bid $75-100
Opening US$ 45.00
Sold...US$ 45.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 45
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3192
Symbol: Cat No: 65
U.S.S. Vermont, Ship of the Line, printed corner card, "U. S. Receiving Ship 'Vermont', Navy Yard, New York", on a cover franked with a 3¢ rose (65) tied by a New-York grid duplex, Apr 10 (1867), to Gill, Mass.; includes original letter on matching Vermont Pey Department letterhead, expressing condolences on the loss of a loved one., Fine to Very Fine,
Vermont was started in 1818 but not commissioned until 1862 when she joined the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. There she served variously as an ordnance, hospital, receiving and stores ship until 1864, when she was ordered to New York, remaining there for 37 years, serving both as store ship and receiving ship. She was condemned in 1901 and sold in April 1902. Suggested Bid $75-100 (Image)
Suggested Bid $75-100
Opening US$ 90.00
Sold...US$ 90.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 90
Military-/War-Related Covers
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3001
Symbol:
U.S.S. Boston, Sloop of War, folded letter to Baltimore endorsed "pr. U. S. Ship Boston" after crossing out original endorsement "Brig James Lawrence, Capt Lane", postmarked with a partial red New York c.d.s. and matching straightline "SHIP" with a red manuscript "20½" rate; datelined "Buenos Aires the 10 April 1829"; the letter, from Capt. Matthew Robinson to his wife, mentions local "civil wars - nothing but robbing and murder all over the provinces. It is not safe to be in the streets after dark."; small tape stain at the top and a bit of internal splitting, about Fine,
Boston was launched on October 15, 1825, and served all around the world. She returned to the U.S. in 1846 and was ordered to join Commodore Conner's Home Squadron blockading the Mexican east coast. While en route to her new station, in November 1846, she was wrecked during a squall on Eleuthera Island, Bahamas. Although the sloop was a total loss, all hands were saved. Suggested Bid $50-75 (Image)
Suggested Bid $50-75
Opening US$ 50.00
Sold...US$ 50.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 50
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3002
Symbol:
U.S.S. Brandywine, Frigate, 1840 folded letter from Philadelphia to "Lieutenant John Kelly, United States Ship Brandywine, Mediterranean Squadron, Care of Fitch Brothers & Co./Gibraltar, Marseilles, France" and endorsed "First Havre packet, New York", postmarked with a blue Apr 22 Philadelphia c.d.s. and matching boxed "PAID" with a manuscript "12" rate along with a red Apl 23 New York c.d.s.; red Havre entry c.d.s. and manuscript "19" (centimes due), backstamped Paris (May 21) and Marseille (May 24); the letter is from Kelly's wife and daughter, Fine to Very Fine. An unusual destination for an American warship.,
Originally built in 1825 as the 44-gun frigate, Susquehanna , her first task was to transport the Marquis de Lafayette back to France. She was renamed Brandywine in honor of the battle in which Lafayette was wounded while fighting with American forces. She was later recommissioned a number of times for service in various theaters, finally in October 1861, when she joined the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, most of the time stationed off of Fortress Monroe. Suggested Bid $75-100 (Image)
Suggested Bid $75-100
Opening US$ 190.00
Sold...US$ 190.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 190
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3003
Symbol:
U.S.S. Columbus, Ship of the Line, folded letter datelined "U. S. Ship Columbus, Callao [Peru] Jan. 6th. 1847", to the Naval Hospital in Brooklyn, N.Y. and postmarked with a nice strike of a red Apr 28 "NEW-YORK SHIP/7 cts" c.d.s.; some toning on an inside edge of the letter obscures the name of the sender, still Very Fine,
Columbus served as flagship for the Mediterranean, Brazilian and East Indies Squadrons. She was burned at Norfolk as the Rebel Army approached.
The addressee, Dr. William Ruschenberger, was a noted surgeon and author who reached the rank of Commodore and authored more than 30 books on science, medicine and foreign travels. Suggested Bid $75-100 (Image)
Suggested Bid $75-100
Opening US$ 75.00
Sold...US$ 75.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 75
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3004
Symbol:
U.S.S. Concord, Sloop of War, folded letter headed "U S Ship Concord, Portsmouth, N.H." to the U.S. Navy Agent at the Boston Navy Yard postmarked with a red Dec 6 "PORTSMo., N.H." c.d.s. with a matching "SHIP" and a manuscript "22" rate, docketed 1832; slightly soiled and letter faded, Fine,
Concord was commissioned in May 1830 and served in the Mediterranean from April 1830 until December 1832. In 1835 she sent to the Western Florida coast during the Second Seminole War, sometimes providing crewmen to aid in ground fighting. Then she served along the Mexican coast, in the West Indies and off of Brazil protecting American commerce, as well as in the Indian Ocean off of Mozambique and Madagascar protecting American whaling ships. In November 1842 she ran aground in Mozambique and was abandoned. Suggested Bid $50-75 (Image)
Suggested Bid $50-75
Opening US$ 60.00
Sold...US$ 60.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 60
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3005
Symbol:
U.S.S. Constellation, Frigate, folded letter datelined "U.S.S. Constellation, Norfolk, Va. 1 Dec. 1834", postmarked with a clear Dec 3 Portsmouth, Va. c.d.s., sent free "on public service" to the Navy Agent at Boston regarding an accounting matter, Fine,
The 38-gun Constellation, built in 1797, served in many conflicts including the War of 1812 and, with Commodore Stephen Decatur's Squadron in the Second Barbary War in the Mediterranean. She also served in the Pacific and the Caribbean as part of the West Indies Squadron. Suggested Bid $50-75 (Image)
Suggested Bid $50-75
Opening US$ 50.00
Sold...US$ 50.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 50
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3006
Symbol:
U.S.S. Cumberland, Frigate, folded letter with manuscript endorsement "US Ship Cumberland" and datelined Leghorn [Livorno], Mar 24, 1853; postmarked "5/N. York Br. Pkt/Apr 20" upon arrival in New York, other postmarks (front & back) La Spezia (Apr 1) & "P.D.", Torino (Apr 2), and French transit (Apr 5); the letter, regarding ship's accounts, is addressed to "Commander H.B. Sawyer" in Washington D.C., Fine to Very Fine,
Cumberland, a sail-only frigate, was launched in November 1842 and served as Flagship for the Pacific, European and Home Squadrons. She was Perry's Flagship at the opening of Japan in 1852. She was rammed and sunk in an engagement with the Confederate ironclad C.S.S. Virginia (formerly the U.S.S. Merrimack) at Newport News, Va., on March 8, 1862. The engagement, on the first day of the Battle of Hampton Roads, is considered to be a turning point in the history of naval warfare, as it demonstrated the advantage of steam-powered, armored ships over sail-powered, wooden-hulled ships. Suggested Bid $75-100 (Image)
Suggested Bid $75-100
Opening US$ 140.00
Sold...US$ 140.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 140
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3007
Symbol:
U.S.S. Delaware, Ship of the Line, folded letter to Norwich, Ct. datelined "U.S.S. Delaware, Off Cape Henry [Virginia] Nov 1", postmarked with a red Nov 2 c.d.s. and matching straightline "SHIP" with a manuscript "27" rate, docketed 1841; letter to the sailor's uncle, begins "We are at sea at last, if off Cape Henry may be so counted.",
Delaware was commissioned in 1828 and served off and on in the Mediterranean until returning to Hampton Roads in 1836 to be decommissioned. She was recommissioned for local operations in 1841 and later that year joined the Brazil Station where she patrolled the coasts of Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. She returned to Norfolk in 1844, was decommissioned, and it was there, in 1861, that she was burned to prevent her from falling into Confederate hands. Suggested Bid $50-75 (Image)
Suggested Bid $50-75
Opening US$ 40.00
Sold...US$ 40.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 40
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3008
Symbol:
U.S.S. Fairfield, Sloop of War, folded letter datelined "U. S. Ship Fairfield, Norfolk April 21 1837", postmarked with a red Apr 21 Norfolk c.d.s. and matching straightline "SHIP" with a faded manuscript "25" rate, to the Navy Agent at Boston regarding an accounting matter, Fine,
Fairfield launched in 1828. She cruised the Mediterranean until 1831, then served as flagship in the West Indies and, in 1833 joined the Pacific Squadron. She was at Norfolk from September 1835 until April 1837 when she was assigned to the Brazil Station as a protector for American commerce guarding against the blockade of Argentina by French warships. In May 1841 she again cruised the Mediterranean and continued in service until January 1845 finishing her career at Norfolk. Suggested Bid $50-75 (Image)
Suggested Bid $50-75
Opening US$ 70.00
Sold...US$ 70.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 70
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3009
Symbol:
U.S.S. Franklin, Ship of the Line, folded letter to Philadelphia datelined "U. S. Ship Franklin, Boston January 21st 1849", postmarked with a somewhat faded red Jan 22 "BOSTON/10 cts" c.d.s.; letter is from three sailors from the U.S.S. Savannah who are aboard the Franklin while Savannah is in Dry Dock for repairs. It mentions that they "will be going out under command of Capt. Voorhees, who was tried by a court martial and put back six years in rank for cruelty on board the Congress…"; edge flaws, about Fine,
Franklin sailed her first cruise in October 1817 to the Mediterranean, where she served as flagship until 1820. From 1821 to 1824 she was assigned as flagship for the Pacific Squadron. She lay in ordinary until 1838 when she was ordered to Boston to serve as receiving ship until 1852 when she was taken to Portsmouth and broken up. Interestingly, parts of her were used in her successor the steam frigate Franklin. Suggested Bid $50-75 (Image)
Suggested Bid $50-75
Opening US$ 26.00
Sold...US$ 26.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 26
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3010
Symbol:
U.S.S. Guerriere, Frigate, folded letter to Philadelphia datelined "U. S. Frigate Guerriere, Off Callao [Peru] August 22d '29", postmarked on arrival with a red Mar 15 c.d.s. and matching straightline "SHIP" with a manuscript "14½" rate (12½¢ inland + 2¢ ship fee); from Philadelphia the letter was forwarded to the Washington Navy Yard with a brown Mar 18 Philadelphia c.d.s. and manuscript "12½"; letter a little faded, Fine to Very Fine,
Guerriere was launched in 1814 and attached to the Delaware Flotilla. In 1815 she was transferred to serve as the flagship for Captain Stephen Decatur's squadron during the Second Barbary War protecting American commerce from piracy from Algiers and other Barbary States. A treaty with Algiers was negotiated on board and she then led the squadron in a show of force, resulting in peace treaties with Tunis and Tripoli. For seven years she served as a training ship at the Norfolk Naval Yard, before the Naval Academy was established. In 1828 she was ordered out to serve as flagship of the Navy squadron headed for the Pacific and was decommissioned in 1831. Suggested Bid $50-75 (Image)
Suggested Bid $50-75
Opening US$ 50.00
Sold...US$ 50.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 50
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3011
Symbol:
U.S.S. Hudson, Frigate, folded letter datelined "U. S. Ship Hudson, Rio de Janeiro 7 Sepr 1830", addressed to the U.S. Navy Agent at the Boston Navy Yard per the "Brig Virginia", entered the mails at New York with a red Oct 28 c.d.s., a matching straightline "SHIP" and a manuscript "20"; heavy vertical file folds and repaired internal tear, about Fine. From Hudson's purser, John de Bree, reporting an allotment to Gunner Samuel Allen for "3 Mo @ $17.",
The 44-gun frigate, Hudson, originally built for the Greek government and named the Liberator, was purchased by the U.S. Navy in 1826 when Greece could not pay the contract. She set sail in 1828 as flagship for the Brazil Squadron and helped eradicate the slave trade off Brazil. She conducted several patrols along the South American coast and served time as harbor patrol in Montevideo and Rio de Janeiro. In 1831 she returned home to New York where she served as a receiving ship until 1844 when she was broken up and sold. Suggested Bid $50-75 (Image)
Suggested Bid $50-75
Opening US$ 26.00
Sold...US$ 26.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 26
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3012
Symbol:
U.S.S. John Adams, Frigate, folded cover addressed to "Mid. Robert Townsend, Sloop of War John Adams, Norfolk, Va.", postmarked with a faint red Dec 29 Albany, N.Y. c.d.s., a matching straightline "PAID" and a red manuscript "25"; slight faults, about Fine. The year would have been 1838 or 1839, after which Townsend was transferred to the U.S.S. Ohio,
John Adams, with a complement of 220, was commissioned in 1799. She had a long and storied career before joining the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. She served as the flagship for the inner blockade at Charleston until the city was evacuated and she entered the harbor. Suggested Bid $50-75 (Image)
Suggested Bid $50-75
Opening US$ 50.00
Sold...US$ 50.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 50
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3013
Symbol:
U.S.S. Lexington, Sloop of War, folded letter datelined "US Ship Lexington, Norfolk 20th Nov. 1830", postmarked with red Nov 22 "NORFk. Va." c.d.s. and matching straightline "SHIP" with a faded manuscript "27" rate, to the Navy Agent at Boston regarding an accounting matter, Fine,
Lexington, commissioned in 1826, was first stationed off Labrador to protect American fishing vessels. She then served in the Mediterranean Sea and the South Atlantic. At the outbreak of the war with Mexico in 1846 she operated along the west coast of North America, transporting troops and assisting in the blockade. After the war she continued cruising the California coast until the early days of the Gold Rush in 1849. In 1853 she joined Commodore Perry's expedition to Japan. Suggested Bid $50-75 (Image)
Suggested Bid $50-75
Opening US$ 34.00
Sold...US$ 34.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 34
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3014
Symbol:
U.S.S. Merrimack, Steam Frigate, cover with manuscript endorsement "Pr Frigate Merrimack" postmarked with a blue Norfolk, Va. c.d.s., Feb 6, 1860, with a matching straightline "SHIP" and handstamped "5", to Milton Lower Mills, Mass.; the enclosed, easily-read letter, datelined "Rio de Janeiro Dec 21st 1859", tells of local food, etc., but also notes, "I shall try to get this ready to go by the Frigate Merrimac, that goes on Saturday."; slight edge faults, Fine to Very Fine. This was Merrimack's last voyage as a Union ship before being rebuilt as the Confederate ironclad, C.S.S. Virginia,
Merrimack, often misspelled "Merrimac", was launched in 1855 and served throughout the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and the Pacific (she was flagship of Pacific Squadron). She was decommissioned in 1860 and lay at Norfolk until April 1861 when she was set afire by the Navy upon their evacuation of the Navy Yard. However, she didn't burn entirely and was raised by the Confederates, who were desperate for ships of any kind, and rebuilt as the ironclad ram Virginia. Suggested Bid $75-100 (Image)
Suggested Bid $75-100
Opening US$ 275.00
Sold...US$ 275.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 275
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3015
Symbol:
U.S.S. Mississippi, Side-Wheel Frigate, folded letter to New York datelined "U. S. Steamer Mississippi, Sacraficios. [Mexico] 12 Nov. 1847", postmarked with a Nov 24 New Orleans c.d.s. and handstamped "10"; forwarded to to Newark, N.J. with a red Dec 4 New York c.d.s. and matching "FORWARDED" with a blue manuscript "5" added to the "10" and totaled to "15"; the letter, entirely in the hand of Commander Alexander Slidell Mackenzie, is to a Professor Mapes, informing him of the death of a relative, Assistant Engineer Charles A. Mapes.; small tape stain at the top, Fine to Very Fine,
Mississippi was Commodore Mathew Perry's flagship for his historic mission to open Japan. At New Orleans, after passing Forts Jackson and St. Phillip, she ran the Conderate Ram Manassas ashore, wrecking her with two broadsides. She was ordered upriver for the operations against Port Hudson, where she grounded and was fired by her crew to prevent capture.
Commander Mackenzie was famous for his 1842 decision to execute three suspected mutineers aboard the U.S.S. Somers while under his command. The "Somers Mutiny", an interesting chapter in Naval History, is the only mutiny aboard a U.S. Navy ship to result in an execution. Mackenzie was also an accomplished travel writer and Naval biographer, who mingled with literary Americans including Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and fellow New Yorker and lifelong friend, Washington Irving. Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
Suggested Bid $100-150
Opening US$ 110.00
Sold...US$ 110.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 110
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3016
Symbol:
U.S.S. North Carolina, Ship of the Line, folded letter datelined "U.S.S. N. Carolina, April 30th 1848" postmarked with a red Apr 29 New York c.d.s., from North Carolina's Commander, Joshua R Sands, to New York Congressman William B. Maclay in Washington D.C.; the two-page letter, entirely in Sand's hand, is a letter of recommendation (for a pension?) for a Veteran of the War of 1812, one William McCollocks, Very Fine. The letter, being addressed to Member of Congress, was handled postage-free,
North Carolina was commissioned in 1824 and served as flagship of the Mediterranean and Pacific Squadrons. She was New York's receiving ship from 1839 until replaced by the Vermont in 1866.
Joshua Ratoon Sands was promoted to Captain in 1854 and was involved with laying the Trans-Atlantic telegraph cable in 1857. In 1861 he was transferred to the retired list and was promoted in retirement to Commodore in 1862 and Rear Admiral in 1866. He continued active duty, serving as Union Lighthouse Inspector on Lakes Erie and Ontario and the St. Lawrence River during the Civil War, and as Port Admiral at Norfolk, Va., from 1869 to 1872. Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
Suggested Bid $100-150
Opening US$ 170.00
Sold...US$ 170.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 170
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3017
Symbol: Cat No: ?
U.S.S. Ontario, Sloop of War, folded letter datelined "U. S. Ship Ontario, Norfolk Nov 5th 1853" and postmarked with a red Nov 15 Norfolk, Va. c.d.s. and matching straightline "SHIP" with a faint manuscript "27"(?) rate; the letter is from Ontario's Purser to the U.S. Navy Agent at the Boston Navy Yard concerning accounting matters; minor toning, Fine to Very Fine,
Ontairo was built in Baltimore in 1813. She blockaded in the Chesapeake Bay through the War of 1812. She was part of Commodore Stephen Decatur's Squadron sent to stop the piracy of the Barbary states. She served on blockade duties off Algiers until the signing of a peace treaty, then spent time in the Pacific under Captain James Biddle who succeeded in securing the release of captured U.S. ships. She served several deployments in the Mediterranean and in the West Indies, protecting U.S. commerce from pirates. In July 1843 she returned to Baltimore and began duty as a Navy Yard receiving ship until decommissioned in 1856. Suggested Bid $50-75 (Image)
Suggested Bid $50-75
Opening US$ 50.00
Sold...US$ 50.00
Closed..Nov-22-2020, 21:00:00 EST
Sold For 50
Sale No: 5127
Lot No: 3018
Symbol:
U.S.S. Plymouth, Sloop of War, cover from Liverpool, England, Aug 13, 1858, to "Alexr. Duncan, on board of the U. S. R. Ship Ohio, Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, Mass., U. States of America or Elsewhere", postmarked with a red Aug 26 "N. YORK 24 BR. PKT." c.d.s. upon arrival in New York, but once at the Boston Navy Yard, it is discovered that Duncan has been transferred to the Plymouth; the cover is then readdressed accordingly to the "U.S. Ship Plymouth, Elsewhere" and marked "Please Forward" and handstamped with a red "5/CENTS", Fine to Very Fine,
Plymouth was with Matthew Perry's expedition to open Japan to U.S. trade. She was at Norfolk for repairs when the secession crisis occurred and was burned and scuttled to prevent capture. Suggested Bid $100-150 (Image)
