Description:

(U.S. NAVY) JOHN D. SLOAT AND JOHN Y. MASON
JOHN D. SLOAT (1781-1867) U.S. Navy commodore who, as commander of the Pacific Squadron, claimed California for the United States after capturing the city of Monterey without firing a shot. Fine association A.E.S. on an interesting manuscript L.S., 1p. 4to., [Washington, D.C.], Dec. 9, 1848, from Secretary of the Navy JOHN Y. MASON (1799-1859) to War of 1812 hero and future Rear Admiral FRANCIS GREGORY (1789-1866), in part: ‘Your letter of the 4th instant has been received. In reply, I inform you that the Sloop Falmouth is not yet in a condition for her officers to be ordered. The [Navy] Department is aware of the terms of its letter of the 14th… and will not be found obnoxious to any charge of breach of promise. You applied for orders to the Receiving ship Pennsylvania, and have received them. I do not hesitate to renew the assurance, which you speak of as a promise, to take an early opportunity to gratify your wishes for sea service, and will give you the most favorable orders appropriate to your rank.' Signed ‘J. Y. Mason' at the conclusion in black ink. Sloat pens his endorsement on the verso, apparently confirming that he has delivered the letter by hand, and signs boldly in black ink. Below appears a second endorsement forwarding the letter, signed by Commodore HUGH YOUNG PURVIANCE (1799-1882), best known for his Civil War service as commander of the frigate USS ST. LAWRENCE, which destroyed the Confederate privateer PETREL off Cape Hatteras and traded shots with the ironclad CSS VIRGINIA (ex-USS MONITOR) during the first day of the Battle of Hampton Roads. Shows original mailing folds, faintly toned, otherwise in very good to fine condition.

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

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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