Description:

(UNION NAVY) USS GALENA PAYMASTER J. HENRY SELLMAN'S CORRESPONDENCE ARCHIVE
A large archive of 27 pieces of manuscript correspondence addressed to U.S. Navy paymaster J. Henry Sellman of the experimental ironclad USS GALENA, most 1p. 4to. and all war-date, from his fellow paymasters on other ships and other officers, navy agents and medical personnel of other stations. Each communication typically deals with issues of pay for the crew of Sellman's ships or transfers of men to or from that vessel. Notable examples include: a letter from Navy agent L.P. Brown, 1p. 4to., Washington, D.C., Nov. 19, 1862, agreeing with Sellman's request to stop pay for the Galena's second commander, future rear admiral John Rodgers (1812-1882), who had taken command of the monitor USS WEEHAWKEN in July; a letter from Atlantic Blockading Squadron fleet surgeon William M. Wood, 1p. 4to., Norfolk, July 25, 1862, transmitting certificates of death for several Galena crewmen (not present); a letter from U.S. Marine Corps paymaster J. C. Cash, 1p. 4to., ‘Head Quarters Marine Corps', Jan. 6, 1862, informing Sellman of the increased rate of pay for a Marine corporal on account of his recent promotion; a manuscript L.S., 1p. 4to., [Washington, D.C.], July 30, 1862, from Commodore HORATIO BRIDGE (1806-1893), chief of the Bureau of Provisions and Clothing, instructing Sellman to furnish vouchers for various provisions; and more. Notable ships represented by Sellman's correspondents include: the flagship of the Atlantic Blockading Squadron, the steam frigate USS MINNESOTA; the sidewheel steamer USS PHILADELPHIA, flagship of North Atlantic Blockading Squadron commander Samuel P. Lee; the steam sloop USS WACHUSETT, flagship of Commodore Charles Wilkes; the monitor USS MONTAUK; the storeship USS BRANDYWINE; the gunboat USS SOUTH CAROLINA; the receiving ship USS NORTH CAROLINA; the hospital ship USS BEN MORGAN; and the receiving ship USS OHIO. Two pieces are addressed to Sellman as paymaster of a later assignment, the aforementioned monitor Montauk. All pieces are in very good condition overall, with expected mailing folds, minor soiling and tears. Should be seen.

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

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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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 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000