Description:

(UNION NAVY) USS SAGINAW COMMANDER THREATENS AN OFFICER WITH PROSECUTION FOR THEFT
WILLIAM EVELYN HOPKINS (1821-1894) U.S. Navy Commodore, commander of the sidewheel sloop USS SAGINAW as part of the Pacific Squadron, protecting steamers transporting gold and other Union interests from Confederate attack. A very interesting A.L.S., 3pp. 8vo., ‘Bay of Panama', [n.d., ca. March, 1864], to Acting Master Charles Smith. Hopkins accuses Smith of absconding with supplies and money upon his departure from the Saginaw, in full: ‘Sir, On your leaving this vessel, an inventory was taken and large deficiencies were discovered, not to speak of your carrying with you the money you sold the coil of rigging (by my permission) for, at La Union [Philippines], I must tell you that the fact of your having resigned your act'g position in the Navy, does not in the least relieve you of the charges against you, and that if you do not at once account for or pay for the stores which have been abstracted [and] are missing, and return the money you carried off, decided stapes will be taken to compel you to refund or account for all, and not only this but a criminal prosecution must be commenced against you, and I am told you can be tried by a Naval Court Martial.' Hopkins signs at the conclusion in black ink, but strikes it through to add a post-script: ‘A list of the missing articles has been already furnished you in my letter of March 5th, 1864 of which you, however, took no notice, but I tell you now that such a course will not be permitted here.' Hopkins signs again, adding his rank. Shows rodent damage to the edges, affecting some text, with unrelated pencil notations to the verso, original mailing folds and faint toning, otherwise in very good condition overall.

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

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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