Description:

(2ND OPIUM WAR) GROUP OF LETTERS ON THE DEATH OF A BRITISH SAILOR IN COMBAT AT CANTON
Collection of letters relating to the death of Midshipman Henry Thompson of the Naval Brigade, mortally wounded by "an arrow headed rocket" during the attack on Canton on Dec. 28, 1857, including letters from fellow officers in the China campaign. The letters are to Henry's father, Captain (later Admiral) Thomas Sparke Thompson (1797-1873). Many with excellent content describing the last few hours of his son's life. The collection also contains certificates of good conduct, letters of appointment, and two Illustrated London News cuttings. Collection contains approximately 26 letters and documents, all legible, and mostly very good condition. There is also a 4pp. letter from Henry to his father, (HMS Sanspareil, Calcutta, Oct 29, 1857) announcing that he is returning to China. Admiral Sir ASTLEY COOPER KEY (1821-88), who went ashore with the Naval Brigade to take part in the Battle of Canton, sends a touching 4pp. letter, dated Jan 10, 1858: "…Your dear boy has been taken from us; and deeply as his loss is felt here, I know how it is…he was beloved and esteemed most highly by all who knew him…I have never met a young man who combined so many good and noble qualities…He received his mortal wound under the walls of Canton…He died the following morning…on Decr 20th. His remains were convoyed to Hong Kong by a steamer - where he was buried at the same time as Capt. Bate…The Arrow rocket by which he was struck pierced his left arm and the barb entered the abdomen, wh: latter proved fatal…" Adm. Sir WILLIAM KING HALL (1816-86), writes: "…You will…have received the news of your dear and gallant sons decease…Permit me as a Brother Officer to express my sympathy…I was with your dear Boy a few hours before he died, he was in great pain at the time and told me so…"Other letters include: Lt. Francis Norman, HMS Tribune, describing Henry's death and burial; Percy Rogers, Chaplain and Naval instructor on HMS Sanspareil; Edward Mortimer, assistant surgeon who attended to Henry; & J.C.E. Warcup, HMS Pelorus. Reads in small part: "…Although I cannot hope to bring to you any consolation under the heavy blow which it has pleased God…it will be satisfaction to me to tell you how deeply the loss of your noble son has affected both myself and my fellow officers…it was my part to be with him…being the Chaplain attached to the Naval Brigade…I well know he was cared for afterwards…That morning, as cold and hungry we marched on towards the wall, his manner had all its usual calm…there was never any dread of death…after he had received the fatal blow, the Commander, one of our assistant surgeons (Gabriel), myself, with a volunteer from the men…carried into a neighboring Chinese temple where I remained with him…his fortitude caused the admiration of all…the rocket had passed through the forearm fracturing both bones, and entered his side…at first, we did not anticipate any serious results…he was perfectly conscious, and did not complain of pain except when the arm was moved…he was delirious during the night…I don't think he suffered much before his death…" Overall very good.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipments are sent via USPS Priority, USPS International Priority, DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option, signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 14 - 21 days for shipments to arrive after receipt of payment due to the high volume of package being shipped.

July 8, 2015 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000