Description:

(UNION NAVY) ADMIRAL DAVID D. PORTER CORRESPONDENCE GROUPING
A fine group of four war-date letters addressed to U.S. Navy Admiral DAVID D. PORTER (1813-1891) as commander of the U.S. Mississippi Squadron, all written by officers representing ships under his command, includes: A.L.S., 1p. 4to., ‘Off Homochitta River', Aug. 26, 1863, from acting volunteer Lieutenant WILLIAM R. HOEL (1824-1879), commanding the ironclad gunboat USS PITTSBURG. Hoel informs Porter that he has received the latter's order to proceed with his vessel to Grand Gulf to relieve other officers. Hoel signs at the conclusion in black ink, adding his rank. WITH: A.L.S., 1p. 4to., ‘Off Helena [Arkansas]', Sep. 5, 1863, from future Commander JOSHUA BISHOP, then a lieutenant commanding the sidewheel gunboat USS GENERAL BRAGG. Bishop informs Porter that he is unable to cross the bar below Helena as ordered due to low water, but will do so as soon as possible. He signs at the conclusion in black ink, adding his rank. WITH: A.L.S., 1p. 4to., Cairo, IL, Jan. 2, 1864, from future Commander JAMES W. SHIRK (1832-1873), commanding the sidewheel gunboat USS TUSCUMBIA, transmitting the ship's day book to Porter as requested. Shirk signs at the conclusion in black ink, adding his rank. WITH: a manuscript letter, 1p. 4to., ‘Off Goodrich Landing [Louisiana]', Jan 5, 1864, from a J. H. Marshall, paymaster aboard the depot ship USS GREAT WESTERN, informing Porter that several mechanics have been paid as ordered. All show mounting strips on the verso at the left edge where disbound from a volume, with minor resulting stains and paper loss, with all showing original mailing folds, otherwise in very good condition overall. Four pieces.

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March 27, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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