Description:

SHIPS AND OFFICERS OF THE U.S. PACIFIC FLEET IN THE MEXICAN-AMERICAN WAR
A very interesting manuscript document, 3pp. legal folio, Mazatlan, Mexico, Jan. 14th, 1846, a list of the officers of four ships comprising the U. S. Pacific Fleet, a few months prior to the outbreak of the Mexican-American War in May, 1846. The first ship listed is the frigate USS CONSTITUTION, under the command of John ‘Mad Jack' Percival, who had recently overseen the refurbishment of the Constitution and commanded her on her 1844-1845 circumnavigation of the globe. The writer goes on to list the names of the Constitution's six lieutenants, including future rear admiral James Alden Jr. and future captain of the CSS ALBEMARLE James W. Cooke, her surgeon and assistant surgeon, her purser, acting master, lieutenant of marines, and midshipmen. The writer next lists the officers of the frigate USS SAVANNAH, the flagship of Commodore John D. Sloat. Her lieutenants include future commodore Robert B. Hitchcock. Next comes the sloop USS PORTSMOUTH, under Commander John B. Montgomery, followed finally by the sloop USS LEVANT, under commander Hugh N. Page. Several emendations are made in pencil to the Portsmouth's list, adding or correcting the identities of several lieutenants and midshipmen. The writer and purpose of the document are unknown, but the name ‘Mr. John B. Kempton' is executed twice on the verso, while the name of a Boston editor, ‘G. P. Gifford', is executed at the top of the first page in pencil. Shows expected folds with minor interior splits thereto, and with some ink spots, still in very good overall condition. A fascinating document of a lesser-known American naval conflict, worthy of further research.

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November 14, 2025 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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