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Lot description
(UNION NAVY) CHARLES WILKES (1798 – 1877) American naval officer, commander the 1838 American Exploring Expedition, the first such voyage undertaken by the United States government. Although the expedition circumnavigated the globe and produced numerous contributions to science, including providing specimens and artifacts which led to the founding of the Smithsonian Institution, Wilkes was court-martialed for losing one of this ships, his harsh treatment of sailors under his command, and the massacre of almost 80 Fijians on Malolo in 1840. He later commanded the screw frigate USS SAN JACINTO during the Trent Affair, where he stopped a Royal Mail Ship and removed two Confederate diplomats, which almost led to war between the US and the UK. Good content, war-date manuscript L.S., 1p., legal folio., ‘Off New Port News', Aug. 30, 1862, to Thomas E. Smith, acting master of the mortar-armed schooner ARLETTA. Wilkes writes from aboard his command, the steam sloop USS WACHUSETT, as commander of the James River Flotilla, in full: ‘You will proceed with the vessel under your command, under sail, as soon as the weather permits – to Washington, D.C. and report your arrival there, in writing to me.' He signs boldly in black ink at the conclusion. Shows some brushing to the signature, ragged at the left edge where detached form a second leaf, and with original mailing folds and small pencil inscriptions at the top edge, otherwise in very good to fine condition overall.