Description:

Good lot of three items signed by notable U.S. Navy commanders of the Civil War. Includes: JAMES S. PALMER (1810-1867) Commander of the steam sloops USS IROQUOIS and USS HARTFORD, later commanding officer of the 1st Division of Ironclads, Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Present for the capture of New Orleans and Farragut's failed naval expedition at Vicksburg Interesting war-date A.L.S., on U.S. Naval Headquarters letterhead 1p. 8vo., New Orleans, Oct. 16, 1864, to Capt. Harding of the USS ANTONA, in full: "You will receive on board temporarily two deserters from the Kickapoo and one from the Oneida". He signs at the conclusion in black ink. Shows original mailing folds and slight soiling, else very good. Sold with a period carte de visite portrait of Palmer seated in uniform, bearing the backstamp of a New Orleans photographer. WITH: WILLIAM REYNOLDS (1815-1879) Career U.S. Navy officer who became one of the first to sight Antarctica during the United States Exploring Expedition of 1838–1842, later formally claimed Midway Atoll for the U.S. During the Civil War, he commanded the receiving ships VERMONT and NEW HAMPSHIRE. A.L.S., 2pp. 4to., Port Royal, Jan. 16, 1865, transmitting orders from an unnamed admiral to Commander J.B. Creighton of the steamer MINGOE. In small part: "...the Mingoe is to cooperate with Gen. [John G.] Foster's force if she is needed; if not she will take a post in the Coosaw & Contiguons rivers, and operate as well as possible near the course of the troops from Beaufort... The Dai Ching will operate on the Coosaw..." He signs at the conclusion in black ink, adding his rank and a post script noting that he has learned the Dai Ching has already joined Reynolds, which he signs with his initials "W R". Shows original folds, else very good. WITH: THOMAS O. SELFRIDGE, JR. (1836-1924) Briefly commander of USS MONITOR, the ironclad CAIRO and the gunboat 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. A.L.S., Boston Navy Yard, July 1, 1874, to Mayor of Boston S.C. Cobb, accepting an invitation to Independence Day festivities. He signs at the conclusion in black ink, adding his rank "Commander U.S.N." Shows folds, a pencil biographical inscription at top right, and mounting remnants to the verso, else very good. Three pieces.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipments are sent via USPS Priority, USPS International Priority, DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option, 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.

February 18, 2019 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 28% 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 + $10,000