Description:

THOMAS O. SELFRIDGE, JR.
(1836-1923) Briefly commander of USS MONITOR, the ironclad USS CAIRO and the gunboat USS CONESTOGA, also escaped from the Norfolk Navy Yard aboard the USS CUMBERLAND, and was aboard when that ship was sunk by the Confederate ironclad VIRGINIA. Good content and association war-date A.L.S., 1p. 4to., ‘Off Napoleon [LA]', Sep. 5, 1863, to U.S. Navy Rear Admiral DAVID DIXON PORTER (1813-1891), commander of the Mississippi Squadron. Selfridge writes from aboard the Conestoga, in full: ‘I forward you by mail a communication just received from Genl. [Nathaniel P.] Banks, which I have duly acknowledged. I informed the General that there were a sufficient force of gunboats in the vicinity of the Red river to neutralize any attempt of the enemy to impede navigation. I am at the present cruising by order of Capt. [Elias K.] Owen between this point and Catfish Pt. The supply of coal at White river being entirely exhausted, I took the responsibility to detain one of ‘Brown's' barges at that point.' He signs ‘Thos. O. Selfridge' at the conclusion in black ink, adding his rank ‘Lt. Commander'. Shows mailing folds, the remnants of a mounting strip on the verso at the left edge, and two small pencil notations, else very good to fine.

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.

November 14, 2025 10:00 AM EST
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