{"title":"Naval","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"1870-rear-admiral-william-radford-autograph-letter-signed-uss-franklin-flagship-stationery-civil-war-admiral-european-squadron","title":"1870 Rear Admiral William Radford Autograph Letter Signed – USS Franklin Flagship Stationery – Civil War Admiral – European Squadron","description":"\u003cp\u003e1870 Rear Admiral William Radford Autograph Letter Signed – USS Franklin Flagship Stationery – Civil War Admiral – European Squadron\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"373\" data-end=\"654\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"373\" data-end=\"382\"\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e March 5, 1870\u003cbr data-start=\"396\" data-end=\"399\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"399\" data-end=\"409\"\u003ePlace:\u003c\/strong\u003e Aboard the Flagship \u003cstrong data-start=\"430\" data-end=\"448\"\u003eUSS \u003cem data-start=\"436\" data-end=\"446\"\u003eFranklin\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, off \u003cstrong data-start=\"454\" data-end=\"470\"\u003eGenoa, Italy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"470\" data-end=\"473\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"473\" data-end=\"487\"\u003eRecipient:\u003c\/strong\u003e Commander \u003cstrong data-start=\"498\" data-end=\"520\"\u003eJohn Grimes Walker\u003c\/strong\u003e, commanding \u003cstrong data-start=\"533\" data-end=\"549\"\u003eUSS \u003cem data-start=\"539\" data-end=\"547\"\u003eSabine\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e (later an admiral and President of the Isthmian Canal Commission). \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"656\" data-end=\"760\"\u003eThe letter is written on printed \u003cstrong data-start=\"689\" data-end=\"737\"\u003e\"Flag Ship Franklin, U.S. European Squadron\"\u003c\/strong\u003e stationery and signed:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"762\" data-end=\"840\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"762\" data-end=\"778\"\u003e\"W. Radford\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"778\" data-end=\"781\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"781\" data-end=\"802\"\u003eRear Admiral U.S.N.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"802\" data-end=\"805\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"805\" data-end=\"840\"\u003eCommanding U.S. European Squadron\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1c7c49r\" data-start=\"842\" data-end=\"853\"\u003eContents\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"855\" data-end=\"908\"\u003eThe letter concerns naval logistics and provisioning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"910\" data-end=\"956\"\u003eRadford acknowledges Walker's requisition for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"958\" data-end=\"1025\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"rngng6\" data-start=\"958\" data-end=\"981\"\u003e600 pounds of candles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"aj9lcu\" data-start=\"982\" data-end=\"1001\"\u003e200 pair of socks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"qoc506\" data-start=\"1002\" data-end=\"1025\"\u003e300 pounds of tobacco\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1027\" data-end=\"1172\"\u003eHe informs Walker that the requested articles \u003cstrong data-start=\"1073\" data-end=\"1115\"\u003ecannot be supplied from the store ship\u003c\/strong\u003e, noting that the vessel carries only provisions such as:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1174\" data-end=\"1215\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1j3ez2k\" data-start=\"1174\" data-end=\"1180\"\u003ebeef\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1j3mpri\" data-start=\"1181\" data-end=\"1187\"\u003epork\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"182xr1v\" data-start=\"1188\" data-end=\"1196\"\u003eapples\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"ox2wkj\" data-start=\"1197\" data-end=\"1206\"\u003epickles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1ck0lmw\" data-start=\"1207\" data-end=\"1215\"\u003ebutter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1217\" data-end=\"1240\"\u003efor the squadron's use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1242\" data-end=\"1383\"\u003eAlthough brief, it is an excellent example of the day-to-day administration required to keep the post-Civil War U.S. Navy operating overseas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1353kst\" data-start=\"1385\" data-end=\"1409\"\u003eHistorical Importance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1411\" data-end=\"1450\"\u003eSeveral features increase desirability:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1452\" data-end=\"1793\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"mb2c5d\" data-start=\"1452\" data-end=\"1512\"\u003eSigned by one of the Navy's best-known Civil War admirals.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"n1btij\" data-start=\"1513\" data-end=\"1583\"\u003eWritten during his command of the \u003cstrong data-start=\"1549\" data-end=\"1582\"\u003eEuropean Squadron (1869–1870)\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1ber6o5\" data-start=\"1584\" data-end=\"1619\"\u003eOriginal \u003cstrong data-start=\"1595\" data-end=\"1618\"\u003eflagship stationery\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1tpkt33\" data-start=\"1620\" data-end=\"1699\"\u003eAddressed to \u003cstrong data-start=\"1635\" data-end=\"1661\"\u003eCommander J. G. Walker\u003c\/strong\u003e, himself an important future admiral.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1yf0us\" data-start=\"1700\" data-end=\"1793\"\u003eDocuments routine supply operations of the overseas U.S. fleet shortly after the Civil War.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1795\" data-end=\"1927\"\u003eNaval historians appreciate correspondence documenting logistics, as relatively little survives compared to combat-related material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"hrykuu\" data-start=\"1929\" data-end=\"1941\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1943\" data-end=\"1959\"\u003eFrom the images:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1961\" data-end=\"2142\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"fz8iha\" data-start=\"1961\" data-end=\"1983\"\u003eVery good condition.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1ifkjdd\" data-start=\"1984\" data-end=\"2003\"\u003eStrong signature.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"11b7z8h\" data-start=\"2004\" data-end=\"2037\"\u003eAttractive flagship letterhead.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1l10ylf\" data-start=\"2038\" data-end=\"2063\"\u003eExpected mailing folds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"no358e\" data-start=\"2064\" data-end=\"2098\"\u003eMinor handling and light toning.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1r5em0d\" data-start=\"2099\" data-end=\"2142\"\u003eOriginal integral address panel on verso.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Signature Documents LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52581689491738,"sku":null,"price":695.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/IMG_1764.jpg?v=1784996760"},{"product_id":"1826-commodore-william-bainbridge-autograph-letter-signed-to-captain-george-c-read-aboard-u-s-brig-brandywine","title":"1826 Commodore William Bainbridge Autograph Letter Signed to Captain George C. Read Aboard U.S. Brig Brandywine","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWilliam Bainbridge (1774–1833).\u003c\/strong\u003e Autograph Letter Signed, \"\u003cstrong\u003eW. Bainbridge\u003c\/strong\u003e,\" Washington City, \u003cstrong\u003eMay 14, 1826\u003c\/strong\u003e, four manuscript pages on a folded integral letter sheet, addressed to \u003cstrong\u003e\"Geo. Read Esq., U.S. Brig Brandywine, New York.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e An exceptional and highly personal letter exchanged between two of the United States Navy's most distinguished officers during the formative years of the post-War of 1812 Navy.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWritten while Bainbridge was serving on the \u003cstrong\u003eBoard of Navy Commissioners\u003c\/strong\u003e, the letter is remarkable for its candid, conversational tone. Bainbridge humorously teases Captain Read about his \"very scrawled letter,\" joking that he had \"learnt one thing by going to sea—that is, the art of scrawling.\" He discusses Navy Department affairs, command appointments, mutual acquaintances, European travel, letters received from France and the Cape, and comments on the political realities surrounding appointments to naval commands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe letter's most important passage congratulates Read on his appointment to command what Bainbridge proudly calls \u003cstrong\u003e\"the finest frigate in the world,\"\u003c\/strong\u003e almost certainly referring to the newly commissioned \u003cstrong\u003eU.S. Brig Brandywine\u003c\/strong\u003e, and remarks upon Read's good fortune in accompanying the American minister to France before returning to command one of the Navy's finest vessels. Bainbridge closes with warm personal regards and his large, bold signature, \u003cstrong\u003e\"W. Bainbridge.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe recipient is \u003cstrong\u003eCaptain George C. Read (1788–1862)\u003c\/strong\u003e, one of the leading officers of the early United States Navy. A veteran of the War of 1812, Read later rose to the rank of commodore and enjoyed a distinguished naval career spanning more than four decades. The integral address panel, directed to \u003cstrong\u003e\"Geo. Read Esq., U.S. Brig Brandywine, New York,\"\u003c\/strong\u003e firmly establishes the naval association and significantly enhances the historical importance of the letter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWilliam Bainbridge remains one of the most celebrated figures in American naval history. Hero of the Barbary Wars and commander of \u003cstrong\u003eUSS Constitution\u003c\/strong\u003e during her decisive victory over \u003cstrong\u003eHMS Java\u003c\/strong\u003e in December 1812, he became one of the original members of the Board of Navy Commissioners following the War of 1812. Correspondence from this period offers a rare glimpse into the administration of the early U.S. Navy and Bainbridge's influence over officer assignments and fleet development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike routine official naval correspondence, this letter is rich in personality and humor, revealing Bainbridge's close friendship with Read. Such informal correspondence between senior naval officers is considerably scarcer than official orders or endorsements and is especially desirable to collectors of American naval history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery good for an 1826 folded letter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComplete with all four manuscript pages and original integral address panel. Bold, dark Bainbridge signature. Original mailing folds, scattered age toning and staining, a few old archival tape repairs, minor edge chips and small losses at fold intersections, but entirely legible and highly displayable. Overall an attractive example with excellent eye appeal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHistorical Significance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWritten by one of the greatest heroes of the War of 1812.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAddressed to future Commodore George C. Read.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiscusses Navy Department appointments and command assignments.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReferences diplomatic travel to France.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMentions the newly commissioned \u003cstrong\u003eBrandywine\u003c\/strong\u003e, one of the Navy's most celebrated early warships.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDisplays Bainbridge's uncommon wit and personal friendship with Read.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComplete with original address panel.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe combination of a famous author, an equally distinguished naval recipient, substantive content relating to naval administration, and an identified warship elevates this well above the typical Bainbridge autograph letter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHere is a transcript of the letter:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWashington City\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e14 May 1826\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDear Read,\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy dear, I had the pleasure to receive your very scrawled letter. I perceive, my good fellow, that you have learnt one thing by going to sea—that is, the art of scrawling, as I have such a horrible aversion to long letter writing (and if that is not the fault, is, I have not leisure for it), the following will produce the effect for many reasons. \"I have nothing to communicate;\" but what the devil possesses you if you really know but I do not advise you to do so, for it is not always so—you avoid apparent [difficulties?] in certain things that could not fail to give you a [great?] deal of [trouble?].\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe is not in the secrets of a certain Department to know who is to be appointed to the command of a certain frigate which a particular friend of mine has received, not hence, from a tour through or round France, and where I imagine the President would not permit him to decline the command—if he could, and if it would, I don't believe the Government [would].\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour Cape letter I received, and also two from France. They were interesting and well written, and for which I most sincerely thank you. The present inquiry I returned it, but he held, and will take it on with me to Philadelphia sometime next week.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou are a lucky dog, in accompanying the Minister [Secret?] to France, in making the tour of France, making acquaintance with many distinguished persons, both as ladies (that our —— never [knew?]) and then to return to America appointed to the command of the finest frigate in the world, with joyful permission to bring her home. And all these worthy favors without expense of any of your friends.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere we decline to write; therefore must conclude this brief scroll, with assurances of my affectionate regard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eW. Bainbridge\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Signature Documents LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52613499420954,"sku":null,"price":5500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/IMG_1947.jpg?v=1785411064"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/collections\/IMG_1861.webp?v=1788781663","url":"https:\/\/www.princetonaudubonprints.com\/collections\/maratime.oembed","provider":"TheArchiveAuthority.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}