AMER WINTER 2016
The live portion of this session begins on Wednesday, February 3, 2016.
THE ARCHIVE OF DOCUMENTS, PHOTOGRAPHS, & DESK OF CAPTAIN JOSEPH McCART.Joseph McCart was born in Economy, Nova Scotia Sept. 26th, 1832, died by drowning February 11th, 1878 on his return voyage from Buenos Aires, Argentina as Master of the Brig "Carrie Winslow". Five miles outside of New York City his ship was hit by the "British America". His ship sunk, all hands were rescued, but the Captain who chose to remain with the ship in hopes of saving it, was lost. McCart enlisted in the Navy in 1863. Included in this lot, on Navy Dept. stationary, are two Gideon Welles signed documents, both regarding his Ensign status. In 1864 he was promoted to the grade of Acting Master in the Navy of the United States and he spent two years on blockade duty under the command of Rear Admiral R.A. Dahlgren. After the war he lived in Eastport, Maine and continued to Captain several ships until 1878.
The lot includes Captain McCart's ship's desk which is made up of a mahogany brass bound fold over lap desk which has been attached to a 4-drawer thin chest with graduated drawers and original carved wood handles. The desk is in its original finish and shows years of use with great patina. Another small writing desk accompanies this lot, again, showing wear over the years. Also included are several photographs of family members, one cdv dated 1863 of Joseph McCart in uniform; Two shoulder straps; Several letters; Written history from a family member; Marriage certificate dated 1858; 13-page document "Statement of Expenses of Ship "Sparkling Wave" of Boston Joseph McCart, Master"; 8-page document of "Invoice of Stores", Ordinance, etc. for the U.S. "Ethan Allen"; Fee document from the Port of New York; Chronometer receipt from Thomas S. Negus; Several Brazilian documents; 1862 letter to his brother; Several shipping documents; Army/Navy Journal June 24, 1865; Several other documents regarding the collections of port fees, etc. Some later family papers; Lodge paperwork; Ship broker cards. SIZE: Desk: 34" h x 19-1/2" w x 10-1/4" d. Writing box: 4" h x 12" w x 9-1/4" d. PROVENANCE: Descended through the family of Capt. McCart. CONDITION: As noted above, documents are all generally intact and in good condition. 50002-1 WAG (900-1,200)