Description:

(CHINA AND JAPAN) JAMES MINCHIN BRUCE
JAMES MINCHIN BRUCE (1833 - 1901) British Rear Admiral at Japan with Adm. James Stirling at the time of the signing of the 1st Anglo Japanese Treaty (1855), sometimes referred to as the 'Stirling Convention.' A.L.S., 4pp. 4to., HMS Styx, Nagasaki, May 14, 1855, to Mrs. J.B. Alexander, London, interesting content. In part: "…I was overpowered at the reception of two epistles from you. So near each other, so much so as to call forth an immediate response. I arr'd here a week ago & old 'Winchester' [flagship of Adm. James Sterling] soon after me…my drooping spirits, which have been very low since leaving Shanghai where to use an old School phrase I was very jolly. Nagasaki is very much the reverse, as we are not allowed to land, which would be some consolation even amongst a parcel of Savages…for my heart I find that old adage about 'good fish in the sea' does not hold good with regard to the ladies & the best…are always the married ones…There is nothing to be described except their [Japanese] uncivility & savageness…we leave…in a few days for Haho-dade (?), where the squadron are to ?...before going to the North where we are to perform deeds of awful daring, it is to be hoped that the weather will improve…for the commencement of a campaign in high Northern latitudes. We had a wild winter at Hong-Kong…" The end of the letter and signature, are on the attached integral leaf. Seal tear has created some loss of paper, affecting 15 to 20 words. Boldly penned and easily read.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, COD (cash on delivery), Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

*SEE ADITTIONAL SHIPPING ABOVE* -Shipments are sent via FedEx and DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option. Due to complications from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we will ship with USPS Priority Mail only if the buyer submits their request to us in writing and accepts responsibility for delayed shipments. 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 2-3 weeks for shipments after receipt of payment due to the high volume of packages being shipped.

April 1, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% 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 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000