Description:

(UNION NAVY) CHARLES H.B. CALDWELL AND GEORGE M. ROBESON
CHARLES H. B. CALDWELL (1823-1877) Navy Commodore who, as commander of the gunboat USS ITASCA, cleared obstacles blocking the river before Forts Jackson and St. Philip, allowing Farragut's fleet to proceed up the Mississippi and capture New Orleans. Later commanded the ironclad USS ESSEX and the gunboat USS GLAUCUS. Good association A.E.S. on a manuscript L.S., 1p. 4to., Washington, D.C., Dec. 21, 1871, from GEORGE M. ROBESON (1829-1897), American politician, Secretary of the Navy under Grant and Representative for New Jersey. Writing on Navy Department letterhead, Robeson orders Caldwell to report with his command, the steam sloop USS WORCESTER, to Rear Admiral Stephen P. Lee at Hampton Roads for duty with the North Atlantic Fleet. Robeson signs at the conclusion in black ink, while Caldwell executes his endorsement and signs ‘C H B Caldwell' in black ink at bottom left, adding his rank ‘Captain'. Shows original mailing folds, faintly toned at the top edge, with pencil notations at the bottom edge and on the verso, 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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