Description:

(USS KEARSARGE) JOHN A. WINSLOW AND JAMES S. THORNTON
JOHN A. WINSLOW (1811 - 1873) U.S. Navy officer, captain of the steam sloop USS KEARSARGE, engaged and sank the Confederate commerce raider CSS ALABAMA under Raphael Semmes off Cherbourg. Scarce signature ‘Jno A Winslow' in black ink on a 7.5 x 3.5 in. slip of paper cut from the conclusion of a letter addressed to U.S. Navy commodore Henry Walker. Another hand adds his rank ‘Commodore & Prest of Board', dating the signature between June 1864, when Winslow was promoted to that rank for his victory over the Alabama, and 1870. Shows folds, with a 0.5 in. split affecting the rank, otherwise in very good to fine condition. SOLD WITH: JAMES S. THORNTON (1826-1875) U.S. Navy officer, executive officer in David Farragut's flagship USS HARTFORD during its run past Forts St. Philip and Jackson to capture New Orleans. Later served as executive officer of USS KEARSARGE under John Winslow during her engagement with the CSS ALABAMA, and became her commander post-war. Scarce signed endorsement ‘Jas S. Thornton' on a partly-printed document, 1p. 4to., [Washington, D.C.], Nov. 21, 1873, a Navy Department communication to a G. A. Merriam aboard the USS MONONGAHELA at Rio de Janeiro, announcing his commission as an ensign. Thornton signs his endorsement acknowledging receipt at lower left, as captain commanding the Monongahela. Shows original mailing folds, mildly toned, and with a 1 in. tear to the top right edge, otherwise in very good to fine condition. Two pieces.

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

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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