[ Autographs ] Charles Wilkes 1798-1877 Union naval officer who commanded the vessels which seized Confederate diplomats Mason and Slidell en route to France, making him a national hero. Scarce A.L.S.2pp. 4to., Washington, June 12, 1845 to J. L. Bowditch. Wilkes writesa detailed letter concerning navigation, his methods of fixing a position, and differences he notes between tables and observed values his correspondent is most likely a descendant of Nathaniel Bowditch,a pioneer in celestial navigation. Light soiling, otherwise very good