May 8-10, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/9/2024
Lot consists of 5 items: (A) Very scarce James Lawrence signed manuscript summons to an unnamed officer to serve on a court martial. “Dated U.S. Ship Hornet June 19th 1812.” Born in 1781, he served in the quasi-war with France and against the Tripolitans in the Mediterranean. Just a year after this note, he was mortally wounded while commanding the frigate Chesapeake on June 1, 1813, uttering the phrase “Don’t give up the ship” as he was carried below. CONDITION: Excellent. The recipient’s name was likely trimmed away at bottom, highlighting Lawrence’s bold signature at lower right. (B) Engraving, Constitution versus Guerriere. CONDITION: Poor. Torn at left edge. (C) 1851 3-page letter of instructions from Charles W. Morgan, Flagship Independence, commanding naval forces in the Mediterranean to Capt. John C. Long, commanding USS Mississippi, on dealing with the transportation of Hungarian revolutionary Louis Kossuth, in regard to his proposed trip to England, possible plots against him in various ports, the necessity of appearing neutral, etc. CONDITION: Very good. An interesting insight into the navy’s role in diplomacy. (D) ALS Isaac Hull, Portsmouth 18th Dec. 1813, to a Mr. Leyden appointing a W. Lammon to conduct some business for him and asking for fire-proof storage for some items and furnishing what money he needs. Leyden was likely Hull’s agent. CONDITION: Fair. Mouse chew at left margin affection beginning of two lines. Hull’s signature is unaffected. He commanded the Constitution in its fight with the Guerriere. (E) 5pp clerical copy of court martial findings of February 1841 with Hull’s signed approval of the findings addressed to the president of the court martial of Surgeon James M. Green for unofficer like conduct, etc. Green was found guilty on some specifications, but not the most serious charges, and sentenced to be publicly reprimanded on the USS Ohio, “in terms of strong disapprobation.” CONDITION: Very good. Blue paper tied with ribbon at left edge. Small tear from ribbon on first page. Lawrence letter with JSA LOA and Hull letters with JSA ALOAs
Item Dimensions: 16" X 13"
Paperwork
JSA LOA, JSA ALOA