Description:

(UNION NAVY) USS JOHN ADAMS GUNNER LEARNS OF THE OUTBREAK OF WAR
A very fine content war-date letter, 2pp. 8vo., Hong Kong, July 6, 1861, written by U.S. Navy gunner Moses Lane to his sister. Writing from aboard his ship, the USS JOHN ADAMS, Lane relates that he has just learned of the outbreak of the Civil War in his home nation on the other side of the world. In full: We are to sail today for New York and it is probable we will be at least eight months going there. I shall write from all the ports we touch at on our way. The mail arrived here yesterday – and brought us most terrible news about the civil war at home. I have always expected more or less blood-shed before the affair was over; and I suppose that some ten or fifteen thousand years hence we shall see the beauties of this affair, shall be able to appreciate the goodness of this [?] republican principle. I am well and trust I shall be permitted to meet you in health in less than a year – provided the war is over…' Shows original mailing folds with negligible splits thereto, with two small areas of ink erosion and a pencil identifying inscription near Lane's signature, otherwise in very good to fine condition. The frigate USS John Adams was built in 1799 and participated in the Quasi-War against France, the Barbary Wars, the War of 1812 and the Mexican-American war. She arrived home from the Pacific in January of 1862, and in 1863 was assigned to the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, serving as flagship for the forces blockading Charleston. Moses Lane, meanwhile, joined the crew of the ‘double-ender' gunboat USS CIMARRON upon his return to the United States.

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

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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