Description:

(UNION NAVY) ANDREW H. FOOTE AND JAMES ARMSTRONG
ANDREW H. FOOTE (1806-1863) Union rear admiral who lead the Western Gunboat Flotilla against Forts Henry and Donelson, and at Island No. 10. He died during the war of Bright's disease. Rare, superb association manuscript L.S., 1p. 4to., Shanghai, July 30, 1857, to Commodore JAMES ARMSTRONG (1792-1868), who at the outset of the Civil War surrendered the Pensacola Navy Yard to Florida secessionists, for which he was court-martialed and suspended from the service. Writing from aboard his ship, the sloop USS PORTSMOUTH, while observing the Second Opium War, Foote requests a medical survey of three of his men. He signs in black ink at the conclusion. On the verso of the first page Armstrong, aboard his flagship USS SAN JACINTO as commander of the U.S. squadron, forwards Foote's request to three of his surgeons, asking them to offer an opinion as to whether the men in question can be sent back to the United States without a medical attendant. He signs boldly ‘Jas Armstrong' in black ink. On the facing page, the three surgeons offer their opinions, determining that one of the men ‘...be threatened with insanity, unfit for duty…' and that the others are suffering from dysentery. They signs at the conclusion, returning the report to Armstrong. Finally, on the last page, Armstrong forwards the report back to Foote, ordering him to keep the stricken men on board at least until the squadron returns to Hong Kong. He again signs ‘Jas Armstrong' in black ink. Expertly inlaid, allowing the entirety of the piece to be viewed, shows expected mailing folds and faintly toned at the edges, otherwise in fine condition overall.

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

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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