ADAM‚ Admiral Sir Charles. 13046

Manuscript Order Signed‚ as Captain of HMS Resistance and Senior Officer on the Coast of Sicily‚ to Captain Robert Mitford of HM Sloop Espoir‚ “Pursuant to orders from Vice Admiral Lord Collingwood” instructing Mitford to put himself under Adam’s command. 1 page 12½ x 8 inches‚ folds‚ some light water stains only. HMS Resistance‚ Palermo‚ 19 October 1809. Admiral Sir Charles Adam (1780-1853)‚ nephew of Admiral Lord Keith. In June 1799 Adam was made captain‚ and appointed to the frigate Sybille‚ in which‚ on 19 August 1801‚ in difficult circumstances and with intricate navigation‚ he captured the French frigate Chiffonne in Mahé roads‚ in the Seychelles. He was appointed in May 1803 to command the Chiffonne‚ and served in her under Lord Keith in the North Sea‚ taking part in the blockade of Boulogne and the north coast of France through the summer of 1805. In 1811–13 he commanded the Invincible (74 guns) in operations on the coast of Spain.

Price : £120.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

ADAM‚ Admiral Sir Charles. 7290

Autograph Letter Signed‚ as Captain of La Chiffonne‚ stating that his demand for water ten days ago from the Irresistible has not yet been complied with. 2 pp. 9 x 7 inches‚ folds‚ small thin in upper margin‚ filing hole. La Chiffonne‚ Sheerness‚ 16 January 1805. Admiral Sir Charles Adam (1780-1853)‚ nephew of Admiral Lord Keith. In June 1799 Adam was made captain‚ and appointed to the frigate Sybille‚ in which‚ on 19 August 1801‚ in difficult circumstances and with intricate navigation‚ he captured the French frigate Chiffonne in Mahé roads‚ in the Seychelles. He was appointed in May 1803 to command the Chiffonne‚ and served in her under Lord Keith in the North Sea‚ taking part in the blockade of Boulogne and the north coast of France through the summer of 1805. In 1811–13 he commanded the Invincible (74 guns) in operations on the coast of Spain. “One lighter was obliged to be sent away as the Butts to stow the hold were not received. I stated to you when I was on board that we could not coil the cables till a certain quantity of water was on boad & a suffficient quantity is not yet come...”

Price : £120.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

ADMIRALTY ORDER for the conveyance of Public Monies‚ 1807. 14007

Printed Admiralty Order in Council‚ signed by three Commissioners‚ Sir Harry Burrard Neale‚ Lord William Russell and William Frankland‚ to the respective Captains‚ and Commander of His Majesty’s Ships and Vessels‚ about the Freight of Public Monies conveyed on board His Majesty’s Ships‚ allowing a one per cent allowance to Officers entrusted with public money‚ “for the whole passage of the money‚ from its first Embarkation‚ to its arrival at the Place of its destination”. 1 page 12½ x 8 inches‚ integral blank leat‚ in good condition. Admiralty‚ 28 March 1807. Careful instructions to motivate naval officers in the transport of public treasure. Admiral Sir Harry Burrard Neale (1765-1840) was at the capture of Charlestown in April 1780. He served throughout the Napoleonic Wars‚ and was commander-in-chief in the Mediterranean from 1823 to 1826. Lord William Russell (1767-1840)‚ Whig politician murdered in his sleep by his valet.

Price : £150.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

ADMIRALTY. Victualling Office‚ 1806. 10575

Letter Signed by John Marsh‚ Chairman of the Commissioners of Victualling‚ and by three Commissioners‚ George Henry Towry‚ William Boscawen‚ R.J.Moody‚ to the Paymasters General‚ requesting a list of Regimental Agents. 1 page 12 x 8 inches‚ folds‚ in good condition. Victualling Office‚ 14 June 1806. Captain George Henry Towry (1767-1809) served in H.M.S. Victory (1793-94)‚ commanded H.M.S. Dido in the successful action of 24 June 1795 when the Minerve was captured. Later appointments included H.M.S. Diadem under the orders of Commodore Nelson. William Boscawen (1752-1811)‚ author‚ translator of the classics‚ nephew of Admiral Edward Boscawen‚ was made a Commissioner of the Victualling Office in 1785.

Price : £120.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

AYSCOUGH‚ John‚ Captain R.N. 13237

Autograph Naval Order‚ signed by John Ayscough as Captain of HMS Success‚ to Robert Mitford‚ Commander of HM Sloop Espoir‚ conveying Captain Brenton’s order that Mitford place himself under Ayscough’s command. 1 page 9 x 7 inches‚ one edge ragged‚ in good condition. Given on board the Success‚ Melazzo [Sicily]‚ 2 April 1810. An original order preceding a significant naval action in the Mediterranean two days later. Rear Admiral John Ayscough (1775-1864). On the 4th of April 1810‚ at 1 p.m.‚ the British 12-pounder 32-gun frigate Success‚ Captain John Ayscough‚ and 18-gun brig-sloop Espoir‚ Captain Robert Mitford‚ while running along the coat of Calabria‚ abreast of Castiglione‚ discovered three vessels on the beach and men loading them. Considering the destruction of these vessels an object worth attempting‚ Captain Ayscough despatched on that service the boats of the Success and Espoir‚ under the orders of Lieutenant George Rose Sartorius‚ third of the frigate‚ assisted by Lieutenant Robert Olives‚ of the Espoir‚ and master's mates George Lewis Coates and Richard Peace. Just as the British had arrived within musket-shot of the shore‚ three of the boats struck on a sunken reef and swamped ; whereby two of the Espoir's seamen were drowned‚ and the ammunition of all in the three boats was wetted and spoiled. The officers and men swam to the beach with their cutlasses in their mouths. At this moment a fire was opened upon them from two long 6-pounders and four wall-pieces ; which‚ having been secreted behind the rocks‚ were not perceived till the boats grounded. Regardless of this‚ Lieutenant Sartorius and his party rushed on‚ and obliged the enemy to desert the guns and retreat to some adjacent houses ; from the windows of which‚ until dislodged and driven to the mountains‚ the enemy maintained a fire of musketry. The British then spiked the two 6-pounders‚ and destroyed their carriages ; and‚ having set fire to two laden vessels already stove‚ and recovered their three swamped boats‚ the party returned on board with no greater additional loss than two marines wounded.

Price : £120.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

BARROW‚ Sir John. 13947

Letter Signed‚ to James Mayning‚ Boatswain‚ HMS Mermaid‚ Chatham‚ appointing him Boatswain‚ HMS Curacoa. Partly printed‚ completed in manuscript. 1 page 12 x 8 inches‚ horizontal folds. Admiralty Office‚ 12 April 1831. Sir John Barrow (1764-1848)‚ explorer and secretary to the Admiralty. Barrow published among other works: Travels in China (1804); Travels into the Interior of South Africa (1801-1804); Lives of Lord Macartney (1807)‚ Lord Anson (1839)‚ Lord Howe (1838); The Eventful History of the Mutiny and Piratical Seizure of H.M.S. Bounty: (1831) Its Cause and Consequences.

Price : £75.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

BEAUCLERK‚ Lord Amelius‚ Admiral. 5212

Autograph Note Signed [probably to Thomas Pollard‚ the naval agent at Leghorn]‚ asking for supplies of gin and fruit. 1 apge 6 x 7 inches‚ trimmed and stained‚ minor defects‚ traces of mounting. Undated. Admiral Lord Amelius Beauclerk‚ G.C.B. (1771-1846). Beauclerk served at the blockade of Toulon (1795) and at the landing at Walcheren (1810). This note was found among some naval correspondence received by Thomas Pollard during the Toulon blockade.

Price : £45.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

BERESFORD‚ Admiral Lord Charles. 13825

Autograph Letter Signed ‘Charles Beresford’‚ to Miss Clifton‚ on his return from America‚ hoping to call when he has time. 2 pp. 7 x 4½ inches‚ in good condition. 71 South Audley Street‚ 17 February 1907[?]. Lord Charles Beresford (1846-1919)‚ admiral. “I have not one minute I can call mine own. Parliament and Naval Reforms take every moment of my time.”

Price : £35.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

BICKERTON‚ Admiral Sir Richard. 13097

Letter Signed‚ as Commander-in-Chief at Portsmouth‚ to Captain Robert Mitford (of HMS Minstrel)‚ informing him that the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty have agreed to allow him a month’s absence. 1 page 9 x 7½ inches‚ with the integral address leaf (On His Majesty’s Service‚ with Portsmouth postmark)‚ address leaf torn when opened‚ otherwise in good clean condition. HMS Medway‚ Spithead‚ 28 August 1813. In 1801 Admiral Sir Richard Hussey Bickerton (1759-1832) conducted the blockade of Egypt. In 1803-1805 Bickerton was second in command to Nelson in the seas off Toulon.

Price : £120.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

BOYLES‚ Vice-Admiral Charles. 13760

Manuscript Naval Order Signed‚ to Robert Mitford‚ Commander of HMS Espoir‚ instructing him to proceed to the Bay of Palma in the Island of Sardinia “where has been wrecked the Christian Transport”‚ and to save the stores and provisions. Countersigned by Samuel Crowley. 2 pp. 12 x 8 inches‚ some light toning and staining only‚ legible and in clean condition. Given on board the Canopus‚ Palermo Bay‚ 6 May 1811. Vice-Admiral Charles Boyles (1756-1816) became a lieutenant in 1777 and a captain in 1790. During the French wars he served in the West Indies‚ the Channel and the Mediterranean. He became a rear-admiral in 1809 and from 1810 to 1812 served in the Mediterranean. He became a vice-admiral in 1814. The Canopus became the flagship of Rear-Admiral George Martin in 1808. Canopus was attached to the Mediterranean Fleet under Admiral Cuthbert Collingwood and in October 1809 was part of the fleet that gave chase to a French convoy and their escorts under Rear-Admiral François Baudin in the Gulf of Lyons.The French were chased into the mouth of the Rhone‚ where the 80-gun Robuste and the 74-gun Lion were driven aground‚ and after attempts to salvage them had failed‚ the French were forced to burn them. Canopus became the flagship of Rear-Admiral Charles Boyles between 1811 and 1812.

Price : £100.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

CAMPBELL‚ Vice-Admiral Sir Patrick. 14249

Autograph Letter Signed‚ as Captain of HMS Leviathan in the Mediterranean‚ to Robert Mitford‚ Captain of HM Sloop Espoir‚ sending “a sett of bills for my pay” which Mitford can negotiate at Gibraltar. 1 page 10 x 8 inches‚ with the integral address leaf. Some damage along upper edge only‚ where opened‚ occasional dust soiling‚ otherwise in good condition. Leviathan [Mediterranean]‚ 28 August 1811. Mail between two ships in the Mediterranean fleet. Vice-Admiral Sir Patrick Campbell (1773 – 1841) saw distinguished service in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. During his service in a number of ships in the Mediterranean and English Channel‚ Campbell saw several small ship actions and was successful in every one‚ even surviving a double shipwreck in 1805. Following the war‚ Campbell retired for ten years before returning to service‚ later commanding at the Cape of Good Hope. One of his younger brothers was General Sir Colin Campbell.

Price : £200.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

CLIFFORD‚ Admiral Sir Augustus William James. 13357

Autograph Letter Signed‚ about the contents of a parcel entrusted to him at Gibraltar‚ discussing his arrival back in England. 3 pp. 7 x 4½ inches‚ in good condition. HMS Euryalus [April 1825 in another hand]. Admiral Sir Augustus William James Clifford (1788-1877)‚ the illegitimate son of the fifth Duke of Devonshire and Elizabeth Foster‚ entered the Navy as a midshipman in 1800. He served at the capture of St.Lucia and Tobago in 1803‚ in Egypt in 1807‚ and in the operations on the coast of Italy in 1811-1812. “We have horrid weather to-day and are landing Invalids‚ transferring Mids to other Ships‚ but I shall be off tomorrow.”

Price : £45.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

CORBETT‚ Thomas. 5474

Letter Signed ‘Tho:Corbett’‚ to Sir James Lowther at Whitehaven‚ confirming the appointment of Captain Vaughan to the command of the ship Adventure “for the protection of the Trade of Whitehaven”. 1 page 9 x 7 inches‚ folded at left margin‚ in good condition. Admiralty Office‚ 6 August 1745. Thomas Corbett (d.1751)‚ secretary of the Admiralty. Corbett was secretary to Sir George Byng during the expedition to Sicily (1718-2)‚ of which he published an account. He was senior secretary at the Admiralty from 1742 until his death in 1751. Whitehaven is 41 miles S.W. of Carlisle in Cumberland. Carlisle fell to the Jacobite army on 17 November 1745.

Price : £100.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

CORRY‚ Armar Lowry‚ Rear-Admiral. 12163

Autograph Letter Signed‚ to Augustus Butler‚ sending a certificate of service‚ with an additional note “embodying my opinion of you‚ during the period you were under my Command”. 1 page 6 x 4 inches‚ pinhole‚ light creasing‚ otherwise good. H.M.S. Superb‚ Devonport‚ 1 January 1845. Rear Admiral Armar Lowry Corry (1793-1855) entered the Royal Navy on 1 August 1805‚ became a Lieutenant on 28 April 1812‚ a Commander on 13 June 1815‚ and Captain on 23 July 1821. From 1835 to 1839 he was captain of HMS Barham on the coast of Spain and in 1844-45 served in the Channel Squadron as Captain of HMS Superb.Promoted to Rear-Admiral on 8 March 1852‚ he was employed "in command of the Western Squadron" until 1853. He commanded the Channel Squadron from 24 May that year until February 1854‚ flying his flag in HMS Prince Regent. He was then assigned as second-in-command to Vice-Admiral Sir Charles Napier‚ who was to command the British fleet in the Baltic. While Napier left for the Baltic with the steam ships of the line‚ Corry‚ flying his flag in HMS Neptune‚ followed some weeks later with the division of ships powered only by sail. He fell ill during the campaign and was invalided home‚ but never fully recovered and died in Paris on 1 May 1855. In 1817 Corry visited Egypt and the Temple of Dendur where he inscribed his name as graffiti in the Temple of Dendur. It can be seen today prominently inscribed at the Temple of Dendur which resides at the New York Metropolitan Museum. The inscription reads: "A L Corry RN 1817".

Price : £65.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

COTTON‚ Admiral Sir Charles. 13759

Naval Order‚ signed ‘C.Cotton’ as Commander in Chief of the Mediterranean fleet‚ to Robert Mitford‚ Commander of HM Sloop Espoir‚ instructing him to take under his protection the transport ship Thames‚ “having on board Oatmeal for Malta”‚ to proceed to Palermo‚ and there deliver Dispatches addressed to Rear Admiral Boyles and other officers in Sicily‚ and then to join Captain Barrie of HMS Pomone at the Maddalena Islands or on the East Coast of Sardinia. 2 pages 12 x 8 inches‚ printed heading‚ folds‚ in good clean condition‚ one small hole at fold. Given on board the San Josef‚ Mahon‚ 14 February 1811. Admiral Sir Charles Cotton (1753-1812) joined the frigate HMS Niger and participated in the Boston campaign in 1775 and Long Island campaign in 1776. In 1777‚ Cotton took command of the floating battery HMS Vigilant off the Chesapeake and supported the landing of British troops off the river. He was also promoted to lieutenant during the campaign. In 1779 as captain of HMS Boyne Cotton joined the fleet under Sir George Rodney in the West Indies. The following year‚ Cotton joined Rodney in action at the Battle of Martinique. After the Battle of Trafalgar‚ Cotton took command of several ships stationed off the Tagus in Portugal. He also planned and executed the seaborne extraction of the 30‚000 men of Sir John Moore's army trapped in Galicia. Cotton's plans allowed a fleet to transports to remove the vast majority of the army after they had defeated close French pursuit at the Battle of Corunna. In 1810‚ Cotton was chosen as Lord Collingwood's replacement in command of the Mediterranean Fleet after Collingwood's sudden death.

Price : £200.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

COTTON‚ Admiral Sir Charles. 14247

An original Letter Signed ‘C.Cotton’ (as Commander in Chief of the Mediterranean fleet)‚ to Robert Mitford‚ Commander of HM Sloop Espoir‚ asking him to respond in connection with complaints made by Thomas James‚ late Purser of the Espoir. An attractive one page example‚ 12 x 8 inches. San Josef‚ off Toulon‚ 10 July 1810. Admiral Sir Charles Cotton (1753-1812) joined the frigate HMS Niger and participated in the Boston campaign in 1775 and Long Island campaign in 1776. In 1777‚ Cotton took command of the floating battery HMS Vigilant off the Chesapeake and supported the landing of British troops off the river. He was also promoted to lieutenant during the campaign. In 1779 as captain of HMS Boyne Cotton joined the fleet under Sir George Rodney in the West Indies. The following year‚ Cotton joined Rodney in action at the Battle of Martinique. After the Battle of Trafalgar‚ Cotton took command of several ships stationed off the Tagus in Portugal. He also planned and executed the seaborne extraction of the 30‚000 men of Sir John Moore's army trapped in Galicia. Cotton's plans allowed a fleet to transports to remove the vast majority of the army after they had defeated close French pursuit at the Battle of Corunna. In 1810‚ Cotton was chosen as Lord Collingwood's replacement in command of the Mediterranean Fleet after Collingwood's sudden death.

Price : £100.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

COX‚ Captain Sir John. 13765

Warrant Signed‚ to the Clerk of the Cheque of His Majesty’s Yard at Chatham‚ requiring him to discharge a number of named House Carpenters. 1 page 6 x 7½ inches‚ in good condition‚ tipped on to a guard annotated “From the Pepys MSS Find 1889”. 23 October 1669. Sir John Cox (d. 1672)‚ naval officer and administrator. Sir John Cox commanded the Mary in 1665. In 1666‚ he commanded the Sovereign. At the time of the Four Days Battle‚ the Sovereign was laid up‚ needing more men for the crew. He fought in the St. James's Day Battle in the Sovereign (102 guns)‚ where he was assigned to the Generals' division. In 1668‚ he commanded the Charles (96 guns). In 1669 he returned to Chatham as resident commissioner‚ replacing the discredited Peter Pett. Cox had already been at odds with this influential family‚ the Petts having a quasi-monopoly of dockyard offices at Deptford and Chatham. Due to the influence of the Petts‚ his efforts to end corruption at Chatham were a failure. Indeed Pepys had expressed concern at Cox's return to Chatham‚ suggesting that it would be better to appoint John Tippetts to Chatham and Cox to Portsmouth‚ allowing both the advantage of working where they had not once been equals. As commissioner Cox was successful in clearing the Medway of ships wrecked during the Dutch raid in 1667‚ a task previously hindered by the attitude of his predecessors. He was again on board the Prince in 1672 and was knighted on 27 April while she was anchored at the Great Nore. Only five weeks later he was ‘slain with a great shot being close by the Duke on the poop’ of the Prince at the battle of Solebay on 28 May 1672. [DNB]

Price : £250.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

DANCE‚ Commodore Sir Nathaniel. 11689

Autograph Letter Signed “Yours heartily Nathl. Dance”‚ requesting “the 3d & last Voyage of Capt. Parry - & please to remember that I am not a Bart. but only a simple old Knt.” 1 page 8 x 6 inches‚ neatly mounted on an old album page. Enfield‚ 24 August 1826. An uncommon autograph. Sir Nathaniel Dance (1748-1827) was an officer of the Honourable East India Company who had a long and varied career on merchant vessels‚ making numerous voyages to India and back with the fleets of East Indiamen. His unexpected victory over the French at the Battle of Pulo Aura in the Strait of Malacca (14 February 1804) brought him a knighthood and a fortune.

Price : £100.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

DE LA RONCIERE LE NOURY‚ Admiral. 11314

Autograph Letter Signed‚ to Charles Manby‚ the engineer‚ about his correspondence concerning ships. In French. 1 page 8 x 5 inches‚ minor creasing. Paris‚ 1 November 1857[?]. Baron Camille Adalbert Marie Clément de la Roncière le Noury (1813-1881)‚ French admiral.

Price : £30.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

DILLON‚ Admiral Sir Henry William. 13865

Autograph Letter Signed‚ to Crofton Croker‚ enquiring when the Fishguard is expected home from the Pacific. A fine one page example‚ 7 x 4½ inches. Heath Lodge‚ Hanwell‚ 9 August 1847. Admiral Sir William Henry Dillon (1780-1857) entered the navy in May 1790 and served as a midshipman under Captain Gambier in Defence‚ and was stunned by a splinter in the action of 1 June 1794. He was present in Lord Bridport's action off Ile de Groix on 23 June 1795‚ and at the reduction of St. Lucie in May 1796‚ when he carried a flag of truce to take possession of Pigeon Island. Having become an acting-lieutenant in Glenmore in 1798‚ he co-operated with the army at Wexford during the rebellion‚ where he succeeded in arresting the Irish chief Skallian. In the Napoleonic Wars he was detained as a prisoner of the French‚ 1803-07. After promotion to post-captain he served at the Walcheren Expedition‚ on the coasts of Portugal and Spain‚ at Newfoundland‚ in China‚ India‚ and finally in the Mediterranean. His reminiscences were later published: A Narrative of my Professional Adventures (1790-1839)‚ by Sir William Henry Dillon‚ edited by Michael Lewis. Two volumes. Greenwich: Navy Records Society‚ 1953-1956.

Price : £65.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

DOD‚ Admiral Edmund. 13282

Autograph Letter Signed‚ to J.Sykes‚ 22 Arundel Street‚ Strand‚ London‚ sendin a draft on his bankers‚ for a small case of wine for Captain Paul Minchin. 1 page 9 x 7 inches‚ light toning‚ with the integral address leaf (Plymouth Dock postal mark)‚ torn at seal opening. Plymouth Dock‚ 12 November 1798. Uncommon. Admiral Edmund Dod (1734-1815)‚ who was commissioned as a lieutenant in 1760‚ became the Captain of HMS Lizard in the three Battles of Fort Royal‚ Saint Kitts‚ and the Saintes (1781-82).

Price : £100.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

DOUGHTY‚ Rear-Admiral Frederic Proby. 13393

Autograph Letter Signed‚ to Mr. Cooke (probably E.W.Cooke‚ marine painter)‚ offering accommodation in his cabin for the voyage to Bombay and back. 4 pp. 7 x 4½ inches‚ some very light spotting‚ in good condition‚ headed paper of HMS Crocodile. HMS Crocodile‚ Portsmouth‚ 24 August 1878. Rear-Admiral Frederic Proby Doughty (1834-1892). He was Captain of HMS Crocodile‚ in this case taking troops to the Second Afghan War. The Crocodile was launched on 7 January 1867 (built by Wigram at Blackwall)‚ and discontinued her Naval service in January 1894. The Crocodile was armed with three 4-pounder guns and could accommodate about 1‚800 men with baggage‚ besides the officers and crew of the ship. She sailed at an average speed of between eight and ten knots.

Price : £65.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

DUCIE‚ Francis Reynolds-Moreton‚ 3rd Baron. 13856

Autograph Letter Signed ‘Ducie’‚ to ‘My dear Sir Charles’‚ congratulating him on his success‚ and asking him to take under his protection “the Son of a very old Friend of mine‚ Admiral Prescott‚ on board the Formidable”. 2 pp. 9 x 7 inches‚ in good clean condition. Fortworth‚ 22 November [docketed 1797]. Uncommon. Francis Reynolds-Moreton‚ 3rd Baron Ducie (1739 – 1808)‚ politician and naval officer. He served in the Royal Navy‚ being commissioned lieutenant with a date of seniority of 12 April 1762. By the outbreak of the American War of Independence he had been promoted Captain and was stationed in the West Indies in command of HMS Monarch. He commanded Monarch during the Battle of the Chesapeake in September 1781 and remained with her throughout 1782 and saw action during the Capture of St Eustatius‚ the Battle of Saint Kitts‚ the Battle of the Saintes and the Battle of the Mona Passage. Ducie Island‚ in the Pacific Ocean‚ was named after him by Captain Edward Edwards of HMS Pandora‚ who had served under Ducie during his time in command of HMS Augusta.

Price : £150.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

DUNCAN‚ Henry‚ Captain R.N. 13281

Letter Signed‚ as Commissioner at Sheerness‚ to Evan Nepean‚ acknowledging letters and naval commissions‚ reporting on the latest ship movements and Sheerness‚ with a list of ships in the left margin. 1 page 13 x 8 inches‚ minor tears and light soiling along upper edge. Sheerness Yard‚ 18 October 1799. An uncommon signature. Henry Duncan (1735 – 1814) was a British naval officer who participated in the American Revolutionary War. The Journals of Henry Duncan‚ Captain‚ Royal Navy 1776–1782‚ were published in The Naval Miscellany‚ Vol. I. Duncan entered the Royal Navy in 1755‚ joining the Nassau. Duncan later joined the Newark. On January 3‚ 1759‚ Duncan passed his examination for Lieutenant and joined the America. Later‚ Duncan participated in the capture of Havana in 1762 and was moved to the Temeraire. In January‚ 1776‚ William Howe was appointed as Commander-in-Chief of British forces in North America and chose Duncan to join him as flag captain of the Eagle. His career in North America lasted for the next six to seven years. On the commands of General Howe‚ Duncan commanded an invasion fleet of 26 ships carrying 2‚000 men led by General William Tryon from New York to Westport‚ Connecticut to raid Continental Army supply depots in Danbury‚ Connecticut on April 22‚ 1777‚ resulting in the Battle of Ridgefield. Duncan later returned to Europe to participate in the relief of Gibraltar in 1781. He was appointed Commissioner at Halifax. Duncan remained at Halifax till 1799‚ when he returned to England‚ to be appointed Commissioner at Sheerness. “This day His Majesty’s Ship America‚ and Ratvizlan Russian Ship sailed to Chatham; and The Hebe came from the Great Nore into the Harbour.”

Price : £175.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

DUNDAS‚ Robert Saunders‚ 2nd Viscount Melville. 13274

Letter Signed ‘Melville’ as First Lord of the Admiralty‚ to Rear Admiral Sir E.Codrington‚ making a note of his “desire for employment when a proper opportunity may offer of calling your Services.” 1 page 9 x 7 inches‚ fine. Admiralty‚ 25 April 1815. Robert Saunders Dundas (1771-1851)‚ 2nd Viscount Melville‚ statesman‚ First Lord of the Admiralty from 1811‚ a post he held for fifteen years. He took a particular interest in Arctic expeditions‚ an interest which was acknowledged by Melville Sound being called after him.

Price : £75.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

DUNDONALD‚ Thomas Cochrane‚ 10th Earl of. 13892

Autograph Letter Signed ‘Dundonald’‚ to Mr. Archibald‚ explaining that he has neglected friends due to his current endeavour‚ “my various adaptations of the Bitumen”‚ hoping Archibald will excuse the neglect “until all my matters are out of leading strings”. 4 pp. 7 x 4½ inches‚ fine. 2 Belgrave Road‚ 18 June 1853. Thomas Cochrane (1775-1860)‚ 10th Earl of Dundonald‚ English seaman who assisted Chile and Peru in their war of freedom. In 1851‚ Cochrane received a patent on powering steamships with bitumen. “... assiduously endeavouring to get on with my various adaptations of the Bitumen - all of which are so far in progress as to give me no further anxiety‚ though the assistance I have obtained has cost me great sacrifices ...”

Price : £200.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

DUNDONALD‚ Thomas Cochrane‚ 10th Earl of. 14105

Original Naval Order Signed ‘Cochrane’ as Admiral of the Greek Navy‚ to Captain Schilher of the ship Bavaria‚ asking where he can find wood for his ships‚ discussing the route taken by Captain Nash’s ship‚ and ordering Schilher to capture as many ships as possible. In Greek‚ with a typed English translation. 10 x 8 inches. From the Rawlins Collection. On board the frigate Hellas‚ 17 July 1827. Rare. This is the first naval order we have found signed by Cochrane during the Greek War. Thomas Cochrane (1775-1860)‚ 10th Earl of Dundonald‚ English seaman who assisted Chile and Peru in their war of freedom. Between March 1827 and December 1828 he took an active role in the campaign to secure Greek independence from the Ottoman Empire‚ which had deployed an army raised in Egypt to suppress the Greek rebellion. The Hellas was a powerful 60-gun frigate built in America‚ on Cochrane’s authority‚ to assist the Greek cause.

Price : £450.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

FIGUEROA‚ José Vazquez de. 12130

Letter Signed‚ during his period of imprisonment at Santiago‚ to John Philippart‚ Military Library‚ Whitehall‚ thanking him for the proof of his biographical entry‚ but preferring complete silence about himself at this moment‚ to avoid public censure‚ because blind submission to his beloved Sovereign is the only course available to him now. In French. 2¼ pages 8 x 6 inches‚ with the address panel‚ remains of guard‚ a few minor blemishes only. Santiago de Galicia‚ 1 December 1818. José Vazquez de Figueroa (1770-1855)‚ Spanish naval officer who became Minister of the Navy in 1813 and again in 1816‚ when he tried to improve and reform the navy. In 1818 he was imprisoned at Santiago de Compostela. He resumed the Navy portfolio in 1834-35.

Price : £100.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

FLEEMING‚ Admiral Charles Elphinstone. 13754

A long Autograph Letter Signed‚ addressed ‘My dear Lord’‚ about the names on a list of promotion to high naval rank‚ and reflecting on the future of Bermuda. 10 pp. 9 x 7 inches‚ light toning to one page only‚ in good condition. HMS Barham‚ Bermudas‚ 16 November 1828. Admiral Charles Elphinstone (1774-1840)‚ second son of John 11th Lord Elphinstone and a nephew of Admiral Lord Keith‚ took the additional name of Fleeming (pronounced Fleming) on inheriting his grandmother’s estates in Wigtoun. He served in the Navy from 1794‚ became an admiral‚ commander-in-chief at Gibraltar (1816)‚ a whig member of the Reform Parliament‚ and he died while serving as governor of the Royal Naval Hospital‚ Greenwich. He married Catalina Paulina Alessandro (1800–1880)‚ of Cadiz. “Since I have been at Bermudas I have frequently reflected on the plan you informed me of at Melville Castle of making it the Head quarters of the West India Command‚ in every point of which it is most judicious and I most ernestly recommend it to tbe adopted‚ as Commissioner Hughes will be removed from Jamaica by the death of Sir George Gray‚ it will offer a good opportunity to reduce that establishment as I have suggested in my letter of the 19th of Sept ...”

Price : £450.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

FORTESCUE‚ Chichester. 11714

Note Signed by Chichester Fortescue: “If the Bearer Thos. Strode is quallified for an Armourer I have no objection to receive him as such.” 1 page 8 x 5 inches‚ in good condition. Scourge‚ Deptford‚ 6 January 1780. Admiral Sir Chichester Fortescue (1750-1820) represented Trim in the Irish House of Commons from 1798 to the Act of Union 1800. He also served as Ulster King of Arms‚ succeeding his younger brother Gerald in 1788‚ and was knighted that year. The Scourge was a 16-gun sloop commissioned in 1779 under Commander Chichester Fortescue; paid off in May 1783 after wartime service.

Price : £75.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

FREMANTLE‚ Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas Francis. 14255

Original Naval Order Signed‚ as Rear Admiral of the Blue and Senior Officer commanding His Majesty’s Ships and Vessels at Sicily and in the Adriatick‚ to Robert Mitford‚ Commander of HM Sloop Espoir‚ ordering him to proceed to Venice to join HMS Achilles and Cerberus‚ and to deliver a letter to Captain Hollis. Countersigned by his secretary‚ Edward Suter. 1 page 12 x 8 inches‚ in good condition‚ minor creases. Given on board the Milford‚ St. George’s harbour‚ Lissa (an island off the coast of Dalmatia)‚ 15 July 1812. The Captain of HMS Neptune at Trafalgar. Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas Fremantle (1765-1819) served with Hood and Nelson in the Mediterranean‚ distinguishing himself at Toulon in 1795‚ Leghorn and Elba in 1796‚ and Santa Cruz in 1797‚ when he was severely wounded. In command of H.M.S. Ganges he took a full part in the Battle of Copenhagen (1804). In May 1805 he was appointed to H.M.S. Neptune‚ which was the third ship in the weather line at the Battle of Trafalgar‚ the Temeraire alone coming between her and the Victory. Fremantle later commanded in the Adriatic‚ capturing Fiume in 1813 and Trieste in 1814.

Price : £300.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

GAMBIER‚ Admiral James. 13280

Letter Signed ‘Gambier’‚ during the blockade of the French fleet‚ to Vice Admiral the Honble. G.Berkeley‚ acknowledging his letter and returning “many thanks for the information it communicates.” 1 page 12 x 8 inches‚ folds‚ fine. HMS Caledonia in Basque Roads‚ 3 April 1809. James Gambier (1756-1833)‚ 1st Baron Gambier‚ Admiral of the Fleet (1830) was born in the Bahamas. He fought with distinction under Lord Howe in the Battle off Ushant in 1794. He was Governor of Newfoundland‚ 1802-1804. He commanded the British fleet at Copenhagen in 1807. At the Battle of Aix Roads in 1809 he disregarded the signals of Dundonald‚ but was acquitted by a court martial. He retained command of the Channel Fleet until 1811. Gambier was a founding benefactor of Kenyon College in the United States‚ so the town that was founded with it‚ Gambier‚ Ohio is named after him. Mount Gambier‚ South Australia‚ the extinct volcano and the later city‚ and Gambier Island in British Columbia are also named after him. The recipient of this letter is Admiral George Berkeley (1753-1818)‚ who had the chief command on the coast of Portugal during the Peninsular War.

Price : £120.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

GAMBIER‚ Admiral James. 13661

Letter Signed ‘Gambier’‚ to Vice Admiral Sir John Duckworth‚ ordering him to “place one of the small vessels under your command to convoy the empty victualling transports now in this bay to Plymouth”‚ the two transports being named in the margin. 1 page 13 x 8 inches‚ in good condition. Ville de Paris in Torbay‚ 28 July 1808. James Gambier (1756-1833)‚ 1st Baron Gambier‚ Admiral of the Fleet (1830) was born in the Bahamas. He fought with distinction under Lord Howe in the Battle off Ushant in 1794. He was Governor of Newfoundland‚ 1802-1804. He commanded the British fleet at Copenhagen in 1807. At the Battle of Aix Roads in 1809 he disregarded the signals of Dundonald‚ but was acquitted by a court martial. He retained command of the Channel Fleet until 1811. Gambier was a founding benefactor of Kenyon College in the United States‚ so the town that was founded with it‚ Gambier‚ Ohio is named after him. Mount Gambier‚ South Australia‚ the extinct volcano and the later city‚ and Gambier Island in British Columbia are also named after him.

Price : £150.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

GAMBIER‚ Admiral James‚ and others. 14005

Original Admiralty Order‚ signed by Gambier‚ Admiral Richard Bickerton‚ Admiral William Johnstone Hope‚ and John Barrow‚ addressed to Lieutenant Thomas Mitchell‚ commanding HM Gun Brig Acute at the Nore‚ ordering him to proceed in the Acute “the moment she shall be ready for the Sea” to Yarmouth‚ and place himself under the command of Admiral Douglas. 1 page 12½ x 8 inches‚ folds‚ minor marginal tears at folds. Admiralty‚ 19 January 1808. James Gambier (1756-1833)‚ 1st Baron Gambier‚ Admiral of the Fleet (1830) was born in the Bahamas. He fought with distinction under Lord Howe in the Battle off Ushant in 1794. He was Governor of Newfoundland‚ 1802-1804. He commanded the British fleet at Copenhagen in 1807. At the Battle of Aix Roads in 1809 he disregarded the signals of Dundonald‚ but was acquitted by a court martial. He retained command of the Channel Fleet until 1811. Gambier was a founding benefactor of Kenyon College in the United States‚ so the town that was founded with it‚ Gambier‚ Ohio is named after him. Mount Gambier‚ South Australia‚ the extinct volcano and the later city‚ and Gambier Island in British Columbia are also named after him. Admiral Sir Richard Hussey Bickerton (1759-1832) conducted the blockade of Egypt in 1801. In 1803-1805 Bickerton was second in command to Nelson in the seas off Toulon. Admiral Sir William Johnstone Hope (1766-1831) served with Nelson in H.M.S Boreas in 1787. He commanded various ships throughout the Napoleonic Wars‚ including H.M.S Kent and H.M.S Atlas. Sir John Barrow (1764-1848)‚ explorer and secretary to the Admiralty. Barrow published among other works: Travels in China (1804); Travels into the Interior of South Africa (1801-1804); Lives of Lord Macartney (1807)‚ Lord Anson (1839)‚ Lord Howe (1838); The Eventful History of the Mutiny and Piratical Seizure of H.M.S. Bounty: (1831) Its Cause and Consequences.

Price : £175.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

GARDNER‚ Admiral Alan Hyde‚ Lord. 14009

Original Naval Order‚ signed ‘Gardner’‚ addressed to Lieutenant Bucke‚ commanding HM Gun Boat Acute‚ giving orders for the protection of a victualling vessel and for the delivery of supernumeraries belonging to HMS Superb. 1 page 12½ x 8 inches‚ folds‚ in good condition. Given on board the Blake at Sea‚ 18 July 1809. Uncommon. Alan Hyde Gardner‚ KCB‚ 2nd Baron Gardner (1770 – 1815) was the son of Admiral Alan Gardner‚ 1st Baron Gardner‚ and followed his father into the Royal Navy. In 1796 he was captain of the frigate HMS Heroine‚ and in 1805 of the 74 gun HMS Hero - in the latter he was present at the action off Ferrol in 1805 and led the vanguard at the Battle of Cape Finisterre later that year.

Price : £150.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

GORDON‚ Admiral Sir James Alexander. 13279

A rare naval intelligence report‚ signed by Captain James A.Gordon: State and Condition of the Enemy’s Force in the Port of Cherbourg‚ Reconoitred by His Majesty’s Ship Seahorse at 11 A.M. the 7th Day of July 1813. 1 page oblong 8 x 13 inches‚ manuscript table enumerating the different classes of ships Ready for Sea‚ Refitting‚ Ready for Launching‚ and Building. In fine condition. HMS Seahorse‚ 7 July 1813. Admiral of the Fleet Sir James Alexander Gordon‚ KCB‚ RN (1782 – 1869). His 75 years in the service‚ from Midshipman to Admiral of the Fleet was unprecedented in its duration. He served in the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812. Historian Bryan Perrett has suggested that his career was the model for events in the Horatio Hornblower novels of C. S. Forester. Gordon was created Post Captain in May 1805 and assigned command of the frigate Laegera (28)‚ but was unable to take up the position because of illness. He was without a command until 1807‚ when he took over the frigate HMS Mercury (28)‚ engaged in blockade duties off Cádiz‚ and was part of a hard-fought action between three British ships and the combined forces of a Spanish convoy‚ 20 gunboats and land artillery off the town of Rota on 4 April 1808. On 27 June he became captain of the frigate HMS Active (38) at Gibraltar and spent the next three years in operations in the Mediterranean and Adriatic. Active was one of the four ships under the command of William Hoste that successfully defeated a much larger French squadron at the first Battle of Lissa‚ 13 March 1811‚ and on 28 November she was one of three that defeated three more powerful French frigates off Pelagosa. In this latter action Gordon’s left knee was shattered by a cannon ball and his leg had to be amputated; he used a wooden leg for the remainder of his life. He recuperated in Malta and was able to take Active back to England in June 1812‚ where he married. He then took command of the frigate Seahorse‚ escorting convoys for the West Indies and enforcing the blockade of France. In 1814 she transferred to the American station‚ where the War of 1812 was still under way. Gordon‚ with Charles Napier as his second in command‚ distinguished himself as commodore leading the successful expedition up the Potomac‚ 17 August to 6 September‚ and also took part in the Battle of Baltimore and the attack on Fort McHenry‚ 12–14 September.

Price : £300.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

GORE‚ Vice-Admiral Sir John. 12868

An important Letter Signed‚ as Commander-in-Chief in the East Indies‚ to Sir James Graham‚ First Lord of the Admiralty‚ following a conference with Lord Clare “on the subject of our relations with the Imaum of Muscat‚ and the probably views of the American Government in establishing a Factory at Zanzebar”. 5 pp. followed by 2 pp. extract from the Earl of Clare’s letter about a suitable residence for the Commander in Chief at Bombay. 9 x 7½ inches‚ folds‚ in fine condition. Bombay 3 January 1834. Discussion at the highest level about the consequences of the 1833 commercial treaty between Muscat and the United States‚ which led to Zanzibar becoming the great trade emporium of the Western Indian Ocean. Found among the papers of Sir James Graham (1792-1861)‚ First Lord of the Admiralty. Gore informs Graham that the Americans had taken the Imaum of Muscat to Zanzibar on board the American ship Peacock‚ that “the American Flag was struck‚ and the Imaum’s hoisted in its place. That a piece of land‚ of about 40 acres‚ is given‚ and permission for a Consul and four Residents to establish a Factory there.” Gore is sending a ship to Muscat to ascertain the facts “under the semblance of a complimentary visit to His Highness”. In this letter Gore speculates on the diplomatic consequences of the Imaum’s action. “For if‚ at any future period‚ a struggle should take place between England and Russia‚ their known connection with America‚ may cause great inconvenience to His Majesty’s Government to counteract the influence which the sublety of the Americans will not fail to obtain over such a Prince as the Imaum of Muscat: who‚ under existing circumstances is an important friend‚ but under such as above alluded to will become a very inconvenient Foe - or even neutral - giving Rendezvous in a fine Port‚ to an American Squadron ...” Vice-Admiral Sir John Gore (1772-1836) served in Canada and the West Indies in the 1780’s‚ and commanded the Windsor Castle in the actions off Toulon on 13 March and 13 July 1795. In 1801 he was appointed to the Medusa‚ in which Nelson hoisted his flag during the operations off Boulogne. Apart from two years in India‚ he continued to command a number of ships off the coast of Spain and in the Mediterranean until the end of the Napoleonic Wars. From 1831 to 1835 he was commander-in-chief in the East Indies.

Price : £850.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

GORE‚ Vice-Admiral Sir John. 13268

Letter Signed‚ as Commander-in-Chief in the East Indies‚ to Sir James Graham‚ First Lord of the Admiralty‚ about appointments and promotions in his fleet‚ “and I trust that you will find no difficulty in acknowledging the legitimacy of these vacancies‚ as the partronage of my Flag.” 1 page 9 x 7 inches‚ with integral blank‚ in fine condition. HMS Melville at Colombo [Ceylon]‚ 26 November 1832. Found among the papers of Sir James Graham (1792-1861)‚ First Lord of the Admiralty. Vice-Admiral Sir John Gore (1772-1836) served in Canada and the West Indies in the 1780’s‚ and commanded the Windsor Castle in the actions off Toulon on 13 March and 13 July 1795. In 1801 he was appointed to the Medusa‚ in which Nelson hoisted his flag during the operations off Boulogne. Apart from two years in India‚ he continued to command a number of ships off the coast of Spain and in the Mediterranean until the end of the Napoleonic Wars. From 1831 to 1835 he was commander-in-chief in the East Indies.

Price : £120.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

HADDOCK‚ Captain Richard. 11412

Letter Signed by three Admiralty Commissioners‚ Richard Haddock‚ George Purvis and John Fawler‚ addressed to ‘The Respective Officers of his Majestys Yard at Woolwich’‚ acknowledging their letter and informing them that they “have written to Mr.Briggs to hasten into Store the Watch Bell demanded for the Shoreham‚ without a moment loss of time”. 1 page 12 x 7 inches‚ a few minor defects only‚ with the integral address leaf‚ address panel and docket on receipt. Navy Office‚ 7 May 1736. Captain Richard Haddock R.N. (1673-1751) was appointed in 1734 to be Controller of the Navy‚ a position held by his famous father‚ Captain Sir Richard Haddock (1629-1714). The other signatures are those of Captain George Purvis (Controller of the Treasurer’s Accounts)‚ and John Fawler (Controller of the Victualling Accounts).

Price : £150.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

HALL‚ Admiral Sir William Hutcheon. 13996

Order for Survey‚ signed by Hall as Captain of HMS Dragon‚ ordering the Surgeon to attend the Dispensary in the Dock-Yard to “hold a strict and careful Survey on the Health of the Warrant Officer named in the margin belonging to Her Majesty’s Steam Vessel Dragon”. 1 page 12½ x 8 inches‚ remains of guard‚ otherwise very good. The Dragon at Woolwich‚ 3 July 1847. The uncommon signature of “Nemesis Hall”. Admiral Sir William Hutcheon Hall (1797–1878) served in the First Anglo-Chinese War and Crimean War. In 1816–17‚ he served as a midshipman under Captain Basil Hall‚ with whom he attended William Amherst's embassy to China. In November 1839‚ Hall obtained command of Nemesis of the British East India Company in China‚ where he served in the First Anglo-Chinese War (1839–43). The ship's first engagement was against Chinese forts and a fleet of junks in the Second Battle of Chuenpee on 7 January 1841.He was Mentioned in Despatches for his part in the battle. He was also present at the Battle of First Bar on 27 February. In commemoration of his service‚ he was commonly known in the navy as "Nemesis Hall". William Dallas Bernard‚ an Oxford graduate who studied life and customs in China‚ used Hall's notes to write an account of the war in the Narrative of the Voyages and Services of the Nemesis from 1840 to 1843 (1844).

Price : £150.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

HOBSON‚ Richmond Pearson. 12745

His Autograph: “with best wishes‚ Richmond Pearson Hobson‚ Hong Kong‚ July 20‚ 1899.” 7 x 4½ inches‚ in good condition. 1899. Richmond Pearson Hobson (1870 – 1937)‚ United States Navy Rear Admiral who sank the Spanish ship Merrimac in Santiago Harbour during the Spanish-American War in 1898 in order to confine the Spanish fleet to harbour. Hobson became a hero of the American press while he was a prisoner of war in Cuba.

Price : £50.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

HOOD‚ Admiral Samuel‚ Viscount‚ and STUART‚ General Sir Charles. 14191

Lower section only of a naval order‚ relating to Prize Money‚ signed by Hood and Stuart. 3 x 8 inches‚ some paper adhering to verso. HMS Victory‚ Martello Bay‚ 22 August 1794. A small relic of HMS Victory in action‚ a document fragment written just after the Siege of Calvi (Corsica) where Nelson lost his eye as Captain of HMS Agamemnon. Admiral Viscount Hood (1724-1816). Sir Charles Stuart General of Marines (1753-1801). The words on the verso read: “... be distributed amongst the Officers and Soldiers in proportions correspondent thereto.” In 1794 troops under Charles Stuart attacked Calvi‚ with his officers including Horatio Nelson. Heavy bombardment drew equally heavy French and Corsican resistance and on 12 July Nelson lost the sight in one eye in an assault on the town. However‚ the French batteries were taken one by one and on 10 August the French garrison surrendered with full military honours‚ having held out for 40 days.

Price : £175.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

HOPE‚ Admiral Sir Henry. 13872

Order for the return of a deserter‚ signed by Hope as Captain of HMS Topaze‚ addressed to Capt. Robert Mitford of HM Sloop Espoir. 6 x 7½ inches‚ right edge torn with loss. Given on board the Topaze at Sea [Mediterranean]‚ 2 July 1810. With a marginal defect‚ but a good early example of the signature of a heroic naval officer‚ while on active service. Admiral Sir Henry Hope (1787-1863) commanded H.M.S.Endymion in the action against the American frigate President in January 1815. Hope took command of the 32-gun frigate HMS Topaze on 4 May 1809. On 21 June 1810‚ the boats of Alceste and Topaze captured two vessels in the bay of Martino in Corsica. A landing party captured a battery of three guns that protected the entrance to the bay. They were able to capture and render the guns unserviceable‚ and kill or wound a number of the garrison. The British lost one man killed and two wounded in the action. On 14 January 1815‚ USS President‚ under the command of Commodore Stephen Decatur‚ left New York for the Indian Ocean. She then fell in with the British blockading squadron‚ consisting of the Majestic (56 guns‚ Captain John Hayes)‚ and the frigates Endymion (Captain Henry Hope)‚ Pomone (38 guns‚ Captain John Richard Lumley)‚ and Tenedos (38 guns‚ Captain Hyde Parker). Immediately‚ the British squadron gave chase with Majestic leading. At noon‚ Endymion‚ being the much better sailer‚ overhauled her squadron and left them behind. At 2 pm she gained on the President and shortly afterwards both ships exchanged broadsides‚ with President still trying to escape. Endymion was able to rake President three times and did considerable damage to her; by contrast‚ President primarily directed her fire at Endymion's rigging in order to slow her down. Finally at 7:30 pm‚ President shot away most of Endymion's foresails with chain shot; consequently‚ Endymion could no longer pursue. At 11 pm Pomone and Tenedos came up with the heavily damaged President. Captain Decatur decided that further resistance was futile and hailed that his ship has surrendered. But the men on Pomone did not hear the hail and fired two broadsides into the President‚ which then hauled down a light to show the British that she had surrendered. Shortly afterwards‚ Captain Lumley of Pomone took possession of President. According to British accounts‚ President had lost 35 men killed and 70 wounded‚ including Decatur. American sources give their losses as 24 killed and 55 wounded. Endymion had 11 killed and 14 wounded.

Price : £75.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

HOPE‚ Rear-Admiral Sir George Johnstone. 13600

Autograph Letter Signed: “My dear Sir‚ Moorings are out of the question. A Chain Cable if you please. Yrs truly‚ Geo Hope.” 1 page 7 x 4½ inches‚ small piece torn from left margin‚ otherwise good. Found among a group of letters addressed to Sir John Ross‚ who might be the recipient of this letter. Admiralty‚ 24 June 1817. An uncommon Trafalgar autograph. Rear-Admiral Sir George Johnstone Hope‚ (1767 – 1818) served with distinction in the Royal Navy throughout the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars‚ including service at the Battle of Trafalgar as Captain of HMS Defence. A close personal friend of Admiral Nelson‚ he received many honours following the battle‚ and later served as a Lord of the Admiralty.

Price : £150.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

KEITH‚ George Keith Elphinstone‚ Admiral Lord. 13662

Naval Order Signed ‘Keith’ as Commander in Chief in the Mediterranean‚ to Doctor Polhill “having charge of the Sick and Wounded Seamen belonging to His Majesty’s Ships at Leghorn”‚ making the detailed arrangements for moving all Patients from Leghorn to the Hospital at Mahon. Countersigned by his secretary‚ Nicholas Brown. 2 pp. 13 x 8 inches‚ printed heading‚ integral blank leaf‚ in very fine condition. Given on board His Majesty’s Ship Minotaur in Leghorn Road‚ 26 June 1800. George Keith Elphinstone‚ Viscount Keith (1746-1823)‚ admiral‚ fought in the American War of Independence‚ and commanded the expeditions which took Cape Town (1795-97) and landed the army in Aboukir Bay (1801). From 1812 he was commander-in-chief of the Channel Fleet‚ and had a line of cruisers along the French coast at the time of Waterloo. “And as opportunities will now frequently offer for communication with Minorca‚ you are also to break up any establishment now existing here‚ which subjects Government to a standing expence ...”

Price : £350.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

KEYES‚ Admiral Roger. 12070

Autograph Letter Signed‚ to Major Sir Algernon Tudor Craig‚ arranging an appointment for an officer. 1 page 7 x 5½ inches‚ in good condition‚ traces of stamp hinges‚ with the original envelope‚ signed with initials‚ postal mark of horizontal bars‚ marked ‘On Active Service’. H.M.S. Lion‚ 4 May 1919. Admiral of the Fleet Roger John Brownlow Keyes‚ 1st Baron Keyes GCB KCVO CMG DSO RN (4 October 1872 – 26 December 1945) was a noted British admiral‚ with an active service life that included 19th century African anti-slavery patrols and the Boxer Rebellion to the Allied landings in Leyte in World War II. He was regarded throughout the British Empire as one of the great naval heroes of his day. In 1919‚ he was given command of the new Battle Cruiser Squadron‚ hoisting his flag at Scapa Flow in HMS Lion.

Price : £120.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

LEEKE‚ Admiral Sir Henry John. 13381

Autograph Letter Signed‚ to Edward Foss‚ explaining in detail the procedure for boys to join the Royal Navy‚ inviting Foss to write to Dr. Burney at the Naval School at Gosport. 4 pp. 7 x 4½ inches‚ in good condition‚ final page lightly mounted along lower edge only to part of an old album page. 24 Ecclestone Square‚ 26 January 1861. Admiral Sir Henry John Leeke (1794-1870) entered the navy in 1803‚ steadily rising through the ranks until reaching the rank of commander on 1814. In 1818‚ while in command of HMS Myrmidon he captured a Portuguese slave-vessel‚ and freed Samuel Ajayi Crowther‚ who later became Bishop of Niger. He was given command of HMS Queen‚ in which he served as flag-captain in to Admiral Sir John West‚ in 1845 and of HMS San Josef in 1847 and‚ having been promoted to Rear Admiral in 1854‚ he became Third Naval Lord in 1859. His promotion to vice-admiral came in 1860‚ and to admiral in 1864. His brother was William Leeke‚ known for his reminiscences of his service as an ensign at the Battle of Waterloo.

Price : £45.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

LINZEE‚ Samuel Hood‚ Admiral. 14248

Original Naval Order‚ signed by Linzee as Rear Admiral‚ to Captain Robert Mitford of HMS Minstrel‚ requiring him to “cruize between Europa and Cabuta points for the purpose of watching the Eastern entrance to the Straits”. 1½ pages 13 x 8 inches‚ one central hole‚ minor marginal defects only‚ light dust soiling on second page. Given on board the San Juan‚ Gibraltar Bay‚ 14 May 1814. Uncommon. Admiral Samuel Hood Linzee (1773-1820) commanded the 74-gun ship Zealous during the Battle of Copenhagen on 2 April 1801. In February 1807 Linzee was appointed commander of the 74-gun ship Maida. One of his first duties‚ on 6 March‚ was to sit on the court martial of Sir Home Riggs Popham after the failed invasion of South America. On 19 July 1807 he commanded Maida in the bombardment of Copenhagen and the capture of the Danish fleet. Linzee went to command the Barfleur for a brief period in January and February 1809‚ the Triumph from 1809 to 1811‚ the Dreadnought from August 1810 to December 1811‚ Temeraire in March 1812‚ and then the Union from April to August 1812. He was appointed a Colonel of Marines on 20 July 1811. Linzee was promoted to the flag rank of Rear Admiral of the Blue on 12 August 1812‚ then to Rear Admiral of the White on 4 December 1812‚ Rear Admiral of the Red on 4 June 1813‚ and finally to Vice-Admiral of the Blue on 12 August 1819. “You are to weigh every morning at day light‚ and Anchor in the evening unless your Signal is annulled‚ taking care to keep sufficiently to windward to prevent your being driven behind the Rock. Whilst I am at Algeziras for the benefit of my health you twice a day to stand sufficiently near to the Gun Boat‚ at Anchor off that place‚ bearing my flag to communicate by signal.”

Price : £75.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

MACKAY‚ Donald Hugh‚ Rear Admiral. 5970

Memorandum signed by Rear Admiral Donald Hugh Mackay (born 1780)‚ addressed to Captain William Hutcheon Hall of H.M.Steam Frigate Dragon‚ directing him to "prepay the Postage of your letters on the Public Service‚ and I will reimburse you". Half sheet 6 x 8 inches‚ remains of guard. Crocodile at Cork‚ [Ireland] 23 September 1848. Admiral Mackay served in the Navy throughout the Napoleonic Wars‚ and in the East Indies.

Price : £25.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

MALTA. Wilson‚ Allardyce & Co.‚ merchants and agents. 14253

A group of miscellaneous letters‚ accounts and receipts relating to exchange rates‚ prize money‚ etc. addressed to Captain Robert Mitford at Palermo and elsewhere‚ including two autograph letters signed by James Wilson‚ and one by George Allardyce‚ and receipts relating to the recapture of the American Brig Neptune. 11 letters and documents‚ mostly Wilson‚ Allardyce & Co.‚ a few miscellaneous‚ generally in good clean condition. Malta‚ 1809-13. From the papers of Captain Robert Mitford (1781-1870)‚ distinguished naval officer and ornithologist. Included in this group is an 1815 copy letter‚ endorsed by Admiral John Child Purvis (1746-1825)‚ about the proceeds of the capture of an American ship‚ Apollo‚ by Purvis and Mitford in 1809.

Price : £120.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

MARKHAM‚ Sir Clements Robert. 13257

Autograph Letter Signed‚ to Dr. Heaton‚ apologising for having given him so much trouble. A good one page example‚ 7 x 4½ inches‚ remains of guard. 21 Eccleston Square‚ 11 January‚ no year given. Sir Clements Robert Markham (1830-1916)‚ geographer and author‚ President of the Royal Geographical Society‚ and a strong advocate of an Antarctic Expedition. As a result of his efforts the Discovery Expedition sailed in 1901‚ and Markham himself drew up the instructions for the officers and men under Captain Scott.

Price : £65.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

MARTIN‚ Admiral Sir George. 14250

Naval Order Signed‚ as Rear Admiral of the Red‚ to Robert Mitford‚ Commander of HM Sloop Espoir‚ ordering him to the rendezvous “to deliver the Letters and Dispatches with which you are hereby charged to the Commander in Chief without loss of time”. 1 page 12 x 8 inches‚ in good condition‚ minor tears repaired. Given on board the Canopus in Palermo Bay‚ 24 June 1810. Admiral of the Fleet Sir George Martin (1764 –1847) saw service during the American War of Independence‚ and the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. During his long naval career he took part in several significant battles‚ for which he was awarded a number of honours and promotions; he commanded ships at Cape St Vincent and Cape Finisterre. In June 1809 Martin took possession of Ischia and Procida.

Price : £75.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

MORRIS‚ Rear-Admiral George. 13380

Autograph Letter Signed‚ to H.M. Paymaster General‚ asking for instructions enabling him to draw his Pay as a Retired Rear Admiral. 1 page 7 x 4 inches‚ toned‚ in good condition‚ with the integral address leaf. Thorney Abbey‚ nr Peterboro‚ 16 December 1846. Uncommon. Rear-Admiral George Morris (1778-1857) lost a leg in Lord Howe’s action of 28 May 1794. Nevertheless he went on to a brilliant career in the Napoleonic Wars‚ serving as Lieutenant in the Battle of Camperdown (1797)‚ the expedition to Holland (1799)‚ as Captain on the African and Jamaican stations‚ destroying‚ in the Senegal River‚ the French privateer La Renommée (1804). In 1809 he was wrecked on the ice near Malmo‚ after intercepting a Danish privateer.

Price : £45.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

MOUNTBATTEN OF BURMA‚ Louis‚ 1st Earl. 14176

Typed Letter Signed “yours ever Mountbatten of Burma”‚ to Professor Franklyn Johnson‚ about a study called The Management of Force‚ by Rear Admiral Eberle. 1 page 9 x 7 inches‚ one paperclip mark‚ otherwise good. Broadlands‚ Romsey‚ 15 January 1977. Earl Mountbatten of Burma (1900-1979)‚ Commander in Chief in South East Asia‚ Viceroy of India‚ First Sea Lord‚ later Chief of the Defence Staff. Professor Franklyn Johnson was an American expert on British defence organisation‚ author of Defence By Ministry‚ for which Mountbatten wrote a foreword.

Price : £100.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

NAPIER‚ Admiral Sir Charles. 13853

Autograph Letter Signed‚ during the naval operations off the coast of Syria 1840-41‚ to Captain William Waldegrave of HMS Revenge. 1 page 9 x 5½ inches‚ with the address leaf‚ addressed ‘Honble. Capt. Waldegrave‚ Revenge’‚ folds‚ creases. Sunday‚ undated. A rare note to survive this heroic naval action. Admiral Sir Charles Napier (1786-1860) fought in the Napoleonic Wars and in the Anglo-American War of 1814. He commanded the rocket boats that bombarded Baltimore‚ providing both the ‘bombs bursting in air’ and ‘the rocket's red glare’ of Francis Scott Key's American national anthem. He saw service in Portugal (1833-34)‚ Syria (1840-41)‚ where he commanded a squadron under Sir Robert Stopford. In May 1847 he took command of the western squadron. Captain William Waldegrave commanded HMS Revenge (76 guns) at the bombardment of St. Jean d’Acre (3 November 1840). “My dear Waldegrave‚ I do not wish any harm to be done to the Volage. The information I had was that there was a quantity of flour collected for the Army which appears to have been a mistake‚ but always as you think best. Yours in haste‚ Chas. Napier.”

Price : £250.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

NAPIER‚ Admiral Sir Charles. 13864

Autograph Letter Signed‚ to Mr. Fitzgerald‚ about his boys entering the Navy‚ explaining that for the youngest “it is no easy matter to get him into the Navy as it is impossible to say who may be at the Admiralty at that time ...” A good one page example‚ 7 x 4½ inches‚ remains of corner mounts on verso. Albemarle Street‚ 27 January 1853. “I do not think there is any chance of my commanding the Channel Fleet.” Admiral Sir Charles Napier (1786-1860) fought in the Napoleonic Wars and in the Anglo-American War of 1814. He commanded the rocket boats that bombarded Baltimore‚ providing both the ‘bombs bursting in air’ and ‘the rocket's red glare’ of Francis Scott Key's American national anthem. He saw service in Portugal (1833-34)‚ Syria (1840-41)‚ where he commanded a squadron under Sir Robert Stopford. In May 1847 he took command of the western squadron.

Price : £65.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

NAPIER‚ Captain the Hon.Charles. 6801

Letter Signed ‘Ch:Napier’‚ apparently giving some firm instructions to a lawyer or agent. 1 page 8 x 7 inches‚ old marginal repairs‚ minor defects. Undated. Captain the Hon. Charles Napier (1730-1807)‚ father of Admiral Sir Charles Napier. Napier became Lieutenant in 1754‚ Master and Commander (1758)‚ Post-Captain (1762).

Price : £45.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

Naval Portrait. WALDEGRAVE‚ William‚ Lord Radstock‚ Admiral. 7098

William‚ Lord Radstock‚ Admiral of the White. From a Painting in Water Colours by F.W.Wilkin. Engraved portrait‚ about 15 x 12 inches‚ in good condition. T.Cadell‚ London‚ 1810. William Waldegrave‚ first Baron Radstock (1753–1825)‚ naval officer‚ served in the West Indies and the Mediterranean 1769-1797‚ and became governor and commander-in-chief in Newfoundland‚ 1797-1800.

Price : £45.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

NAVAL WARRANT. Appointment of the Cook on H.M.S. Triumph‚ 1761. 11429

Printed Warrant‚ completed in manuscript‚ signed by three naval commissioners‚ addressed to the Clerk of the Checque of His Majesty’s Yard at Woolwich‚ appointing Thomas Holford‚ Cook of the Blenheim‚ to be Cook of his Majesty’s Ship Triumph. 1 page 12 x 7½ inches‚ a few minor marginal tears only‚ in good condition‚ integral blank leaf. The Navy Office‚ 26 May 1761. A warrant specially printed for the appointment of ‘Master-Cooks’ in the Navy. Signed by William Bately‚ Deputy Surveyor of the Navy; Captain George Cockburne‚ Controller of the Navy; Timothy Brett‚ Controller of the Treasurer’s Accounts.

Price : £200.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

NAVAL. East India Company Ship Melville Castle‚ 1793. 13629

Entire Letter from Thomas D.Campbell‚ on board ship‚ to his father‚ P.Campbell‚ in Argyll‚ about the commencement of war with France‚ news from Calcutta (”I left all our friends well”)‚ the loss of letters due to the capture of a ship‚ etc. 1¼ pages 9 x 7 inches‚ address leaf‚ BONAW straight line‚ mss rate marks‚ fair black London/Ship Lre (41 x 16 mm)‚ London and Edinbugh bishopmarks. On board the Melville Castle in the Channel‚ 29 June 1793. “... a strong suspicion of a war with France‚ which we had confirmed about a month ago by an American ship that we fell in with‚ who told us that the King of France was beheaded & that war was declared against England.”

Price : £100.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

NAVAL. HMS Daring‚ 1810. 13625

A series of four Entire Letters Signed by John Cambell‚ serving on board HMS Daring‚ to his brother‚ Alexander Campbell‚ at the Excise Office in London‚ about promotion prospects‚ the difficulties of naval employment‚ orders received to join Admiral Campbell and a convoy‚ repairs to the ship and much else. 12 pp. 9 x 7 inches‚ folds‚ in good condition‚ with the address panels or covers‚ various mss marks‚ red unframed circular Plymouth Dk/220 (30 mm)‚ one with a red Inspector’s crown deleted. Plymouth‚ July to November‚ 1810. “All is hurry now in consequence of the escape of the Cherburgh Ships‚ and although the Daring wants Decking it is probable that I shall be ordered in a very few days with dispatches to Lisbon or Madeira.” H.M.S. Daring‚ a 12 gun brig was built in 1804. In August 1809‚ she served in the West Scheldt‚ being detached under Sir Home Popham to take soundings. By 1811 she was fitting out at Sheerness before proceeding to the coast of West Africa. On 29 April 1810‚ Daring was in company with Armide at the captured of the Aimable Betsie. “As to myself at my time of life I am almost inclned to think that a two thousand pounds is preferable to the Rank of Commander without being employed and to get employed after being made I can assure you is almost as difficult as to get made ...” “I have now got the Daring in a very high order & she is pronounced to be a compleat Man of War...”

Price : £150.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

NAVAL. HMS Edgar‚ 1783. 13632

Entire Letter from Robert Forbes‚ 6th Lieutenant in HMS Edgar‚ to Richard Oswald in London‚ describing an escape from a Spanish squadron on the voyage back from Gibraltar‚ returning without prizes but “[we] were tolerably successful going out‚ and therefore have less room to grumble”. 2 pp. 9 x 7½ inches‚ stains from the seal‚ a few old repairs‚ address panel (piece torn at seal opening with loss of a few words) with two line PORTSMOUTH strike. With a letter from the National Maritime Museum (1961) providing some helpful biographical and historical notes. HMS Edgar‚ Spithead‚ 23 May 1780. “We sighted the Spanish Admirable with four sails of the line‚ he made an attempt immediately he discovered us going‚ but fruitless‚ for after the Edgar set her sail‚ left the Spanish ships out of sight in a few hours. Indeed the Commodore [John Elliot] enjoyed a very bad state of health and I believe had he stayed there much longer it must have put an end to his life and if you see him which I hope you will then find he is much altered in looks and size.” The Edgar‚ under Commodore Elliot‚ had played a significant part in the expedition for the relief of Gibraltar in January 1780.

Price : £100.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

NAVAL. HMS Sidon‚ Lisbon‚ 1847. 13336

Memorandum signed by William Honeyman Henderson‚ Captain of HMS Sidon‚ to the Commanding Officer of HMS Dragon‚ conveying Admiral Sir Charles Napier’s order that HMS Dragon supplies HMS Sidon with ten days of all species of provisions. 6 x 8 inches‚ remains of guard. Her Majesty’s Ship Sidon‚ Lisbon‚ 27 August 1847. HMS Sidon was a first-class paddle frigate designed by Sir Charles Napier; her name commemorated his attack on the port of Sidon in 1840 during the Syrian War. Her keel was laid down May 26‚ 1845 at Deptford Dockyard‚ and she was launched on May 26‚ 1846. She had a fairly short career for a warship‚ but it included the rescue of the crew of the sinking Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation vessel Ariel on May 28‚ 1848‚ and a trip up the Nile that same year‚ when her passengers included the explorer and botanist Joseph Dalton Hooker. She served in the Black Sea during the Crimean War‚ 1854-55 under the command of Captain George Goldsmith. In April 1854‚ in company with HMS Firebrand (Captain William Houston Stewart)‚ she blockaded the coast from Kavarna to the mouths of the River Danube. In September‚ during the actual Allied invasion of the Crimea‚ she was assigned to escorting the French troop transports‚ and assisted the French line-of-battleship Algiers‚ which had gone aground in Eupatoria Bay. She was then sent to monitor Russian movements around Odessa‚ and on 4 October attacked a marching column of 12‚000 men on their way to the Crimea. On this occasion she was hit in the funnel by a Russian rocket. She was sold for breaking up on 15 July 1864 to Castle and Beech. William Honeyman Henderson R.N. entered the Royal Navy in 1808. He participated in the expedition against New Orleans (1814).

Price : £35.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

NAVAL. HMS Ville de Paris 1799‚ Royal Marines letter. 13631

A fine Entire Letter Signed by Frederick Hill Flight‚ Royal Marines‚ to Charles Jon in Holborn‚ about settling Flight’s account as “Approving Field Officer”‚ and announcing that “We are now in pursuit of the French Fleet ...” 1½ pages 9 x 7 inches‚ fine‚ integral address leaf‚ torn at seal opening‚ smudged concave Portsmouth Ship Lre strike‚ manuscript 7. Ville de Paris‚ At Sea‚ 13 May 1799. Colonel Frederick Hill Flight‚ Marine Forces. “We are now in pursuit of the French Fleet‚ who are in the Mediterranean. I hope we shall be able to collect our force and give them a drubbing before they have time to do any mischief. What were your fleet about at home to let them out to us‚ if they had any spirit they might with the advantage of situation‚ and superiority of Force‚ have formed a junction with the Spaniards and thrashed us into the bargain.” HMS Ville de Paris: 29 Apr 1799 returned to cruize off Cadiz‚ having watered at Tetuan. 3 May 1799 prepared for action on receipt of news that the French fleet had escaped from Brest and was heading towards Cadiz. The French were sighted the following day‚ but stood on for the Mediterranean. 10 May 1799 arrived with the fleet at Gibraltar‚ and having watered and victualled sailed for the Mediterranean. 20 May 1799 anchored in Port-Mahon. Early Royal Marine letters are uncommon.

Price : £200.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

NAVAL. Memorandum for Vice Admiral Duckworth‚ Martinique‚ 1801. 12027

Letter Signed by three Naval Commissioners‚ Sir John Henslow (Surveyor of the Navy)‚ Captain Harry Harmood‚ and William Palmer‚ to Vice Admiral Duckworth at Martinique‚ informing him that the ship Lord Hood had been engaged to take nearly 400 tons of stores to Antigua. 1 page 13 x 8 inches‚ in clean condition‚ minor tears to right edge. Navy Office [London]‚ 2 May 1801. Sirr John Henslow (1730-1815) was Surveyor to the Navy‚ a post he held jointly or solely from 1784 to 1806. Harry Harmood was commissioned lieutenant in February 1759‚ being first noted as second lieutenant of the 'Aquilon' that year‚ first of the 'Arethusa' in 1771 and third of the 'Eagle' in 1776. As a commander from February 1777 he commanded the 'Falcon' 16-gun sloop‚ which was the smallest of seven British warships burnt in Narragansett Bay in 1778‚ during the American War. He was promoted captain from October 1778 in the 'Conqueror'‚ 74-guns and in this ship was flag-captain to Rear-Admiral Hyde Parker in Byron's unsuccessful attempt to prevent the French taking Grenada in the West indies in July 1779. In 1793 he became an Extra Commissioner of the Admiralty and in 1796 Commissioner of Sheerness Dockyard. He moved to Chatham as Dockyard Commissioner‚ 1801-1806.

Price : £175.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

NAVAL. Survey of Stores‚ Madras‚ 1765. 8123

Survey of Boatswain’s Stores on H.M.S.York‚ signed by John Jefferson‚ Thomas Read and Hugh Montieth‚ “Pursuant to an Order from John Bladen Tinker Esqr Captain of His Majesty’s Ship Medway and Commander in Chief of all His Majesty’s Ships and Vessels employed in the East Indies”. 2 pp. 12 x 7 inches‚ with signatures on integral leaf‚ docketed on verso‚ in very good clean condition. On board His Majesty’s Ship York in Madras Road‚ 9 January 1765. “A strict and carefull Survey on the Boatswain’s stores complain’d of”‚ listing the rigging‚ ensigns‚ tackle blocks and tools‚ etc.‚ many discovered to be “Split to Pieces‚ unfit for their proper Uses‚ and fit for no Convertion”. HMS York was a 60-gun fourth-rate launched in 1753 and broken up in 1772.

Price : £175.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

NAVAL. The Letters of Hugh McKibbin‚ Master’s Mate‚ 1791-1799. 13110

A series of 19 original Autograph Letters Signed by Hugh Mckibbin‚ seaman and later midshipman and master’s mate‚ to his uncle James McKibbin in Belfast‚ describing his naval service on board HMS Regulus‚ Irresistible‚ Royal William‚ Hamadryad‚ Princess Royal and Aurora‚ from being pressed into the navy in Hispaniola in 1794‚ through many hardships and naval engagements‚ including the capture of two Spanish frigates off Gibraltar in 1794. With 11 letters addressed to McKibbin on board various ships‚ including one signed by Admiral George Martin (HMS Northumberland off Cadiz‚ 6 March 1799) thanking McKibbin (Master of HMS Aurora‚ Minorca) for the honey. 19 letters‚ mostly 12 x 7 inches‚ 1-4 pages‚ all with address panels‚ some interesting marks including ‘a seamans letter’ (1796‚ signed by an officer)‚ two early examples of the 1d concession rate‚ condition worn but legible (2 letters only lacking some text)‚ tears along folds‚ address leaves soiled‚ all in their original unrestored state. Port Glasgow‚ Hispaniola‚ Portsmouth‚ Lisbon‚ Mahon‚ Cadiz‚ Gibraltar‚ Gosport‚ 1791-99. The young Hugh Mckibbin was pressed into His Majesty’s Service from a merchantman in the West Indies in 1794 “although I had made myself a citizen of America by every means required by that Government”. The letters which follow describe‚ in a good hand‚ the trials and frustrations of life as an ordinary seaman‚ and even his promotion to midshipman brings its own hardships because McKibbin is unable to afford what his new rank requires. The correspondence includes the story of his foiled attempt to desert from HMS Irresistible at Spithead in June 1796. This period saw considerable naval activity‚ and McKibbin reports being under sailing orders to pursue a French squadron (1796)‚ and describes the capture of two Spanish frigates off Gibraltar (1797). “The Admiral‚ Earl St Vincent‚ promises to appoint me to a Frigate. The signal is this moment made to the offing that the Spanish fleet are coming out of Cadiz‚ and our signal is made to put to sea immediately so that you may conclude we are all in Confusion.” [HMS Princess Royal‚ Lisbon‚ 8 February 1798] Admiral of the Fleet Sir George Martin (1764 –1847) saw service during the American War of Independence‚ and the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. During his long naval career he took part in several significant battles‚ for which he was awarded a number of honours and promotions; he commanded ships at Cape St Vincent and Cape Finisterre.

Price : £1,250.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

NAVAL. Wages and Prize Money Check‚ 1802. 13624

Check for Naval Wages and Prize Money due to Alexander McDougall‚ a deceased Seaman of HMS Defiance and HMS Dreadnought‚ signed by an Assistant Inspector‚ in favor of the seaman’s son‚ John McDougall. 2 page printed form‚ completed in manuscript‚ 13 x 8 inches‚ folded‚ in good clean condition. Navy Pay Office‚ London‚ 20 December 1802.

Price : £100.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

NAVAL.H.M.S. Urgent‚ voyage to China 1860. 12091

Printed Receipt for 26 Tons of Patent Fuel and 120 Tons of Welsh Coal supplied to H.M.S. Urgent‚ completed in manuscript‚ signed by Henry William Hire‚ Commander‚ and by the chief engineer. 5 x 8 inches‚ filing hole. St Vincent‚ Cape de Verds‚ 26 January 1860. Henry William Hire (d. 1883) commanded the troopship H.M.S. Urgent on “particular service” (1859-1862)‚ in other words in the China War. H.M.S. Urgent arrived in Hong Kong on 7 June 1860 and remained on that station until August 1862.

Price : £65.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

NELSON‚ Horatio. 13488

An original Naval Order Signed ‘Horatio Nelson’ as Commodore‚ with his right hand‚ to Captain Stewart of His Majesty’s Sloop Petterrel [Petrel]‚ instructing Stewart to put himself under Nelson’s command. 1 page 12 x 8 inches‚ surface creasing‚ light stains‚ some wear at folds‚ find bold signature. With the integral blank leaf (with a contemporary pattern in ink drawn upon it‚ possibly for a lace collar). On board His Majesty’s Ship Agamemnon at Sea‚ 13 April 1796. Admiral Horatio Nelson (1758-1805) writes as Commodore (under Sir John Jervis‚ Commander in Chief) while leading the inshore frigate squadron in the Gulf of Genoa. Nelson’s task was to blockade Genoa and annoy the French along the coast. Two weeks after writing this order‚ Nelson led his squadron into Loana Bay to capture a convoy of four vessels laden with stores for the French army.

Price : £6,500.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

NEWCOMBE‚ Captain Francis. 7540

Manuscript Receipt for casks of wine received on board H.M.S.Pyramus‚ signed by Newcombe as Captain. 12 x 7½ inches‚ surface toning and creasing. H.M.S.Pyramus‚ Funchal Roads‚ 5 July 1821. Captain Francis Newcombe R.N. was appointed lieutenant in 1794‚ commander 1801‚ post-captain 1809‚ died 1842.

Price : £45.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

OAKE‚ Josiah‚ Captain R.N. 14254

Manuscript Receipt for Muster Books in a number of Boxes bound for England‚ received from Robert Mitford‚ Commander of HM Sloop Espoir‚ signed by Oakes‚ then Master Commander of HM S.S. Cormorant. 1 page 12 x 8 inches‚ in good condition. HM Store Ship Cormorant [Mediterranean]‚ September 1812. Captain Josiah Oake entered the Navy in 1806‚ witnessed the capture of Monte Video‚ and served in a number of ships on the Baltic‚ Lisbon‚ Mediterranean‚ and West India stations during the Napoleonic Wars. Later in his career he commanded the Ferret (6 guns) on the coast of Africa (1841-45)‚ with the task of capturing slaver vessels.

Price : £45.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

OSBORN‚ Sherard. 12431

Autograph Letter Signed ‘S.Oborn’‚ to Mr. Johnstone‚ about his promotion step‚ saying that he has written to Captain Phillimore “about you‚ and asked him to let you keep officer’s watch.” 1½ pages 7 x 4½ inches‚ in good condition. H.M.S. Royal Sovereign‚ Portsmouth‚ 24 November [c.1864]. Uncommon. Rear-Admiral Sherard Osborn (1822-1875)‚ author and explorer. His books included Quedah‚ or‚ Stray Leaves from a Journal in Malayan Waters (1857). He served in China (1840-42 and 1857-58) and on one of the Franklin relief expeditions‚ and in the Crimea. In 1864 he commanded the Royal Sovereign‚ a ship fitted with turrets on the plan proposed by Captain Cowper Phipps Coles.

Price : £120.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

OWEN‚ Admiral Sir Edward Campbell Rich. 6900

Autograph Letter Signed‚ to Admiral Lord Keith‚ discussing in detail the navigation of Calais harbour‚ and the advantages of developing “a Steam Yacht” (particularly for the Prince Regent on the short passage to Calais). 4 pp. 9 x 7 inches‚ in good condition‚ light soiling to folds on final page. Deal‚ 14 July 1818. Admiral Sir Edward Campbell Rich Owen (1771-1849) was appointed to the Immortalité in 1802 on the renewal of hostilities‚ and captured or destroyed many enemy gunboats and privateers along the French coast. In October 1806 he was moved to the Clyde and ordered to hoist a broad pennant‚ and successfully attacked the town and port of Boulogne with Congreve rockets. Owen served in the Walcheren expedition (1809). In 1816 he was appointed to the yacht Royal Sovereign‚ which he commanded for the next six years. He was later commander-in-chief in the West Indies (1822-25)‚ the East Indies (1828-32)‚ and the Mediterranean (1841-45).

Price : £150.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

PAGET‚ Admiral Lord Clarence Edward. 13271

Autograph Letter Signed‚ as Commander-in-Chief in the Mediterranean‚ to Mrs. Romaine‚ thanking her for the two volumes of Kinglake [History of the Crimean War]‚ sending regards to Romaine (William Govett Romaine‚ Admiralty secretary)‚ discussing retirement. 4 pp. 7 x 4½ inches‚ fine. HMS Caledonia off Ancona‚ 13 July 1868. Admiral Lord Clarence Edward Paget (1811-1895) entered the Royal Navy in 1827 as a midshipman on the battleship HMS Asia and took part in the Battle of Navarino in 1827. Promoted to Commander in 1834‚ he took charge of HMS Pearl and‚ promoted to Captain in 1839‚ he commanded HMS Howe and then HMS Aigle. He served as secretary to the Master-General of the Ordnance from 1846 to 1853. He commanded HMS Princess Royal in the expedition to the Baltic for the Crimean War in 1854. He was promoted to Vice Admiral in 1865 and was Commander-in-Chief‚ Mediterranean Fleet from 1866 to 1869.

Price : £75.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

PALMER‚ Nisbet‚ Commander. 13098

Manuscript Receipt‚ signed by Nisbet Palmer as Captain of HMS Alacrity‚ listing the Boxes‚ Packages and Letters received for forwarding‚ entrusted to him by Captain Robert Mitford‚ Captain of HM Sloop Espoir. 2 pp. 12½ x 8 inches‚ worn at horizontal folds‚ entirely legible. HMS Alacrity at Palmer Bay [? Palermo Bay]‚ July 1810. A scarce Trafalgar signature on an uncommon ephemeral receipt for ship to ship mail. Commander Nisbet Palmer was Midshipman in the Berwick when she was captured by the French fleet in the Mediterranean in 1795. Lieutenant 1799. He was Lieutenant in HMS Dreadnought at the Battle of Trafalgar‚ following which he was promoted to Commander. He commanded the 18 gun brig Alacrity in her unfortunate action with‚ and capture by‚ the French 20 gun corvette Abeille‚ off Cape St André‚ Corsica‚ on26 May 1811. He was wounded in the hand‚ and died the following month from lockjaw. The letters detailed on this receipt include important documents on their way to England and elsewhere‚ e.g. “Tiger’s Muster Book”‚ “His Serene Highness the Duke of Orleans to the care of Rear Admiral Pickmore‚ Caledonia Cadiz‚ with oil case cover”‚ “To John Wilson Croker Esq. Admiralty London‚ Rear Admiral Sir Samuel Hood’s Journal from the 1 April to the 30 June 1810”.

Price : £250.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

PARKER‚ Admiral Sir William. 13993

A long Autograph Letter Signed‚ to Rear Admiral Sir John Duckworth‚ Commander-in-Chief at Barbados‚ Leeward Islands and Martinique‚ discussing his dispute with Lord St. Vincent and the breaking off of relations between them‚ Parker’s request for a court martial‚ discussing the charges‚ asking for Duckworth’s assistance in finding employment for Parker’s son William‚ with a postscript about the course of naval operations “after landing the disaffected Troops at Martinique”. 7 pp. 9 x 7 inches‚ fine. With the address panel showing straight line Portsmouth strike and manuscript markings in red. Portsmouth‚ 5 September 1801. The letter reveals the well-known icy relations between Parker and St.Vincent. St Vincent has “been determined to do me all the injury in his person & avail’d himself of the loss of the America to recall me from my Station upon charges of misdemeanor.” Admiral Sir William Parker (1714-1802) entered the Navy in 1756. In the Centurion he was present in the fleet before Louisbourg in 1757‚ at the capture of Louisbourg in 1758‚ and Quebec in 1759. In 1777 he went to the West Indies where he served under Byron. He was commodore and commander-in-chief on the Leeward Islands station (1787–90) with his broad pennant in the Jupiter (50 guns). In December 1792 Parker commissioned the Audacious (74 guns) for service in the Channel Fleet under the command of Richard‚ Earl Howe. He was third in command in the battle of Cape St Vincent on 14 February 1797‚ flying his flag in the Prince George (98 guns). In 1798 he was much upset by the appointment of Nelson‚ his junior‚ to an independent command in the Mediterranean. He ended his career as Commander-in-Chief in North America at Halifax from 1800‚ and was recalled for disobeying orders.

Price : £300.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

PARKER‚ Vice-Admiral Hyde. 13019

Autograph Letter Signed‚ while in command of HMS Tenedos on the coast of North America‚ to his agents in London‚ discussing accounts. 1 page 9 x 7 inches‚ filing hole‚ with the integral address leaf‚ with Halifax and London backstamps‚ charged 2/2. H.M. Ship Tenedos‚ Halifax‚ 14 May 1814. Vice-Admiral Hyde Parker (1784 – 1854)‚ son of Admiral Sir Hyde Parker and grandson of Sir Hyde Parker‚ 5th Baronet Hyde. He joined the Royal Navy in 1796. He commanded HMS Monmouth from 1811‚ HMS Tenedos from 1812‚ HMS Iphigenia from 1818‚ HMS St Vincent from 1830‚ HMS Asia from 1831‚ HMS Victory also from 1831 and HMS Rodney from 1835. He went on to be Admiral Superintendent of Portsmouth Dockyard in 1842‚ Commander of the Experimental Squadron in 1845 and First Naval Lord in 1852. He died in office in 1854.

Price : £120.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

PENROSE‚ Vice-Admiral Sir Charles. 13761

Original Naval Order Signed‚ addressed to Robert Mitford‚ Captain of HM Sloop Espoir‚ ordering him to take a number of named Transports under his protection‚ and to proceed as speedily as possible to Malta. 1 page 12 x 8 inches‚ lightly faded‚ but legible. Given on board the San Juan‚ Gibraltar‚ 1 October 1811. Vice-Admiral Sir Charles Vinicombe Penrose (1759 – 1830) became Commander-in-Chief‚ Mediterranean Fleet. Penrose joined the Royal Navy in 1775. He took part in the Battle of Dogger Bank in 1781 and the capture of Martinique in 1793. In 1794 he became Commander in HMS Lynx. He later commanded HMS Cleopatra‚ HMS Resolution‚ HMS Sans Pareil and HMS Carnatic. During 1813 he commanded a small squadron operating off northern Spain and south-western France with his flag in HMS Porcupine. He coordinated naval support for the crossing of the Adour River in early 1814 that allowed the Anglo-Portuguese Army to isolate and invest Bayonne. He went on to be become Commander-in-Chief‚ Mediterranean Fleet in Autumn 1814.

Price : £100.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

PETERBOROUGH‚ Charles Mordaunt‚ Earl of. 13992

Original Campaign Order Signed ‘Peterborow’‚ addressed to Colonel Richards‚ Commander of the Artillery‚ instructing him to take the ammunition out of the ship Tartana. 1 page 8 x 5½ inches‚ in good clean condition. Barcelona‚ 11 November 1705. “... and put 200 barrels of the Powder on board the Barque bound for Tortosa and lodge the remainder in any of the magazines of this Town.” Admiral Charles Mordaunt (1658-1735)‚ third earl of Peterborough and first Earl of Monmouth‚ probably the greatest English commander after Marlborough in the War of the Spanish Succession.

Price : £250.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

POLE‚ Admiral Sir Charles Morice. 13665

Autograph Letter Signed ‘Ch.M.Pole’‚ explaining that he has been unable to find a scarce book‚ evidently a history of Newfoundland. 3 pp. 7 x 4½ inches‚ in good condition‚ one small hole. 27 October 1822. “I have ransacked my Sea Chests & Closets both in the Country & in Harley Street without the wished for success.” Admiral Sir Charles Morice Pole (1757-1830). In March 1797 Pole was appointed first captain of the Royal George (100 guns)‚ flying Lord Bridport's flag‚ and his captain of the fleet. He was thus closely involved in the mutiny of the fleet at Spithead in mid-April. On 1 May 1800 Pole was appointed to the Newfoundland command‚ and he hoisted his flag in the Agincourt (60 guns) on 28 June at Spithead. He returned on 16 November and was promoted vice-admiral of the blue on 1 January 1801. On 2 June he was appointed to relieve Lord Nelson in command of the Baltic fleet. Pole also had an active political career. He was promoted admiral of the white on 31 July 1810 and of the red on 4 June 1814. He was made KCB on 12 April 1815 and a GCB on 17 April 1818. In 1789 Pole had been made a groom of the bedchamber to William‚ duke of Clarence. When Clarence became William IV‚ in June 1830‚ Pole was appointed master of the robes‚ and on 22 July he was promoted admiral of the fleet.

Price : £45.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

RODDAM‚ Robert‚ Admiral. 11425

Manuscript Order‚ signed ‘R.Roddam’‚ to Henry d’Esterre Darby‚ Captain of His Majesty’s Ship Cyclades‚ instructing him that in the event of the loss of “any of the Anchors & Cables” belonging to his ship‚ the bearings and distance are to be communicated to Commissioner Proby at Chatham‚ and the Clerk of the Cheque at Sheerness‚ “in order to their being more easily found again”. Countersigned by his secretary. 1 page 12 x 8 inches‚ slightly toned‚ in good clean condition‚ horizontal folds. At the Nore‚ 25 October 1782. Admiral Robert Roddam (1719-1808) entered the Navy in 1735 and was present during the attack on Cartagena in 1741. He served in the West Indies and at New York‚ and rose to be commander in chief at the Nore in 1778. Henry D’Esterre Darby (d.1823) commanded the Bellerophon at the Battle of the Nile (1 August 1798).

Price : £150.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

RODDAM‚ Robert‚ Admiral. 13630

Autograph Letter Signed‚ to the Hon. James Wemyss at Wemyss Castle‚ about claiming the wages due to John Harrow (now on board HMS Cornwall under Roddam) for five months’ service on board the Ship Batchelor. With the statement to that effect‚ signed by John Harrow. 1 page 12 x 8 inches‚ holds at fold corners‚ otherwise good‚ with the integral address leaf.‚ straight line CHATHAM. HMS Cornwall‚ Chatham‚ 5 July 1777. Admiral Robert Roddam (1719-1808) entered the Navy in 1735 and was present during the attack on Cartagena in 1741. He served in the West Indies and at New York‚ and rose to be commander in chief at the Nore in 1778. The Cornwall was a 74 gun ship built in 1761. She saw much service in the West Indies in 1778-80 and was destroyed as unserviceable after action in the latter year.

Price : £100.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

ROSS‚ Charles Bayne Hodgson‚ Vice-Admiral. 9928

Autograph Letter Signed‚ as Commissioner of Plymouth Dockyard‚ to Viscount Melville at the Admiralty‚ about the visit of the Duc de Chartres to the dockyard. 1 page 10 x 8 inches‚ integral blank leaf‚ folds‚ in good condition. Devonport‚ 8 June 1829. Uncommon. Charles Bayne Hodgson Ross was the Captain of H.M.S. Northumberland who conveyed Napoleon to St. Helena. Ross entered the Navy in 1788 and saw much action throughout the Napoleonic Wars‚ and under Sir George Cockburn in the operations in North America in 1814. “I shall have a First Rate’s Anchor & Cable ready in progress for his inspection...”

Price : £100.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

ROWLEY‚ Admiral Sir Josias. 11212

Autograph Letter Signed‚ as Commander-in-Chief in the Mediterranean‚ to Sir James Graham‚ First Lord of the Admiralty‚ about his arrival at Malta‚ plans for exercising the squadron‚ communication with Constantinople and the receipt of dispatched‚ and the “efficient order for service” of Sir Pulteney Malcolm’s squadron. 3 pp. 9 x 7 inches‚ marked ‘Private’‚ folds‚ in very good condition. Caledonia‚ Malta‚ 13 March 1834. Admiral Sir Josias Rowley (1765-1842) served throughout the Napoleonic Wars at Buenos Aires‚ Montevideo‚ Mauritius (where he was the senior officer in 1809)‚ the Cape and the Mediterranean. Rowley commanded H.M.S.America from 1811 to 1814. From 1818 to 1821 he was commander-in-chief on the coast of Ireland. Rowley was commander-in-chief in the Mediterranean from December 1833 to February 1837.

Price : £120.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

RUSSELL‚ Edward‚ Earl of Orford‚ Admiral. 14111

Letter Signed‚ while in command of the allied fleet in the Mediterranean‚ to the Navy Board in London‚ authorising the adjusted figures of the bills he has had to draw on the British consul at Cadiz‚ for the expenses of the fleet‚ including payments to the Surgeons at Barcelona. 1 page 12 x 8½ inches‚ folds‚ with the integral address leaf (worn at folds). Cadiz Bay‚ 28 April 1695. Rare naval campaign mail during the Anglo-Dutch war against the French‚ signed by the commander-in-chief. Edward Russell‚ Earl of Orford (1643-1727)‚ Admiral of the Fleet‚ commanded the fleet in the summer of 1691 but failed to bring the French to action. This failure could reflect a greater intrigue‚ because Russell was then in correspondence with the exiled King James‚ and was preparing to act as a traitor to William‚ as he had formerly done to James. In 1688‚ Russell was one of the Immortal Seven‚ a group of English nobleman who issued the Invitation to William‚ a document asking William of Orange to depose King James II. In the subsequent War of the Grand Alliance‚ Russell served at sea‚ commanding the fleet as Admiral of the Fleet after 1690. In 1692‚ Russell was Commander-in-Chief of the Anglo-Dutch force that fought the French fleet at Barfleur‚ and destroyed much of it at La Hougue‚ his victory there being the decisive naval battle of the war. In June 1694 Russell was sent to the Mediterranean in command of an allied fleet of sixty-three ships. The fleet wintered at Cadiz‚ and in the spring of 1695 took up a station off Barcelona.

Price : £350.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

SANTO DOMINGO. British Expeditionary Force 1796. 13020

Letter Signed by A.W.Farbier[?]‚ surgeon‚ to Sir John Thomas Duckworth (Commander in Chief)‚ representing to him the case of Lieutenant Paul Godby of His Majesty’s Ship Canada‚ severely afflicted with Rheumatic Gout‚ and stating that “a change of Climate” is absolutely necessary for his recovery. 1 page 12 x 8 inches‚ folds‚ in fine condition‚ docketed on receipt. Naval Hospital at Mole St. Nicholas [Santo Domingo]‚ 25 July 1796. Documents from this disastrous attempt to hold Santo Domingo are uncommon. During the five years of British occupation not less than 20‚000 men were lost from disease alone.

Price : £275.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

SANTO DOMINGO. British Expeditionary Force 1796. 13021

Letter Signed by A.W.Farbier[?]‚ surgeon‚ to Sir John Thomas Duckworth‚ Commodore and Commander in Chief‚ representing to him the case of “Mr Jerdan‚ Surgeons Mate of His Majesty’s Ship Dictator”‚ requesting the issue of “an Order” so that he can have medical assistance. 1 page 12 x 8 inches‚ folds‚ in good condition‚ with with a blank piece torn from the lower right corner‚ and a small blank piece torn from the lower left corner. Docketed on receipt. Naval Hospital‚ Mole St. Nicholas‚ 28 July 1796. Documents from this disastrous attempt to hold Santo Domingo are uncommon. During the five years of British occupation not less than 20‚000 men were lost from disease alone.

Price : £175.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

SCOTT‚ Edward Hinton‚ Captain R.N. 14251

Manuscript Receipt‚ signed ‘Edwd. H.Scott’ as Lieutenant‚ akncowledging receipt of a Box said to contain the annual accounts of Captain Robert Mitford of HM Sloop Espoir‚ promising to direct them to London on Scott’s arrival at Malta. 6 x 8 inches‚ in good condition. HMS Orlando‚ in Ausa Bay [the bay of Naoussa (Naussa) or Agoussa]‚ the Island of Paros [Aegean Sea]‚ 29 October 1812. The uncommon signature of Captain Edward Hinton Scott (born c.1789)‚ who received the thanks of the Royal Humane Society for jumping from the Orlando to save the lives of four persons. Scott had an adventurous career throughout the Napoleonic Wars‚ particularly under Captain John Clavell on the Home‚ Mediterranean and East India stations. While in the Orlando he saw action in the Adriatic and the Chesapeake. He commanded her boats in skirmishes with the Malay proas in the Straits of Sunda and Malacca.

Price : £75.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

SEYMOUR‚ Admiral Sir George Francis. 13855

Autograph Letter Signed‚ to ‘dear Lutyens’‚ sending condolences. 2 pp. 7 x 4½ inches‚ fine. 115 Eaton Square‚ 28 November 1863. George Francis Seymour (1787-1870)‚ Admiral of the Fleet‚ entered the Navy in 1797 and saw service throughout the Napoleonic Wars‚ including taking part in the capture of the Spanish ship El Rayo immediately after the Battle of Trafalgar. He was appointed Commander-in-Chief Pacific Station in 1844‚ Commander-in-Chief North America and West Indies Station in 1851 and Commander-in-Chief‚ Portsmouth in 1856.

Price : £35.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

SHARPE‚ Rear-Admiral Alexander Renton. 13270

A brief manuscript “Account of Specie Shiped on board His Majesty’s Ship Hyacinth” at Gibraltar and Alicante‚ signed by Sharpe as Captain. 1 page 7 x 8 inches‚ in good condition. May 1814. Rear-Admiral Alexander Renton Sharpe (1785-1860) had an adventurous career during the Napoleonic Wars‚ including the blockade of San Domingo (1803-04)‚ the naval action near Corfu in March 1809‚ and the destruction of French store-ships in Sagone Bay‚ Corsica‚ in May 1811. From December 1812 to September 1818 Sharpe commanded HMS Hyacinth (24 guns) in the Mediterranean‚ North Sea‚ Channel and South America.

Price : £75.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

SHARPE‚ Rear-Admiral Alexander Renton. 13361

Letter Signed‚ as Captain of HM Sloop Scout‚ to Captain Robert Mitford‚ requesting a Survey of the Scout‚ on the appointment of a new Purser. 1 page 12 x 8 inches‚ in good clean condition. His Majesty’s Sloop Scout‚ Palmas Bay‚ 16 May 1811. Signed two weeks after a significant naval action. Rear-Admiral Alexander Renton Sharpe (1785-1860) had an adventurous career during the Napoleonic Wars‚ including the blockade of San Domingo (1803-04)‚ the naval action near Corfu in March 1809‚ and the destruction of French store-ships in Sagone Bay‚ Corsica‚ in May 1811. From December 1812 to September 1818 Sharpe commanded HMS Hyacinth (24 guns) in the Mediterranean‚ North Sea‚ Channel and South America. On 1 May 1811‚ Sharpe in the Scout‚ along with HMS Pomone and Unite‚ destroyed the French store-ships‚ Giraffe and Nourice‚ (each mounting from 20 to 30 guns‚ and protected by a battery‚ a martello tower‚ and 200 regular troops) in Sagone Bay‚ Corsica.

Price : £75.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

SIMS‚ William S.‚ Vice Admiral U.S. Navy. 9426

Typed Letter Signed‚ to Bishop Welldon‚ declining an invitation to speak at a meeting‚ “on account of the multiplicity of my duties”. 1 page 10 x 8 inches‚ filing holes. 8 February‚ 1918. William S.Sims (1858-1936)‚ American naval officer. As the inspector of target practice he brought about great improvements in naval gunnery. He was named commander of U.S. Naval Forces in European Waters. He was a coauthor of The Victory at Sea which won a Pulitzer Prize in history.

Price : £30.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

SLADE‚ William. 13478

Autograph Letter Signed‚ to Captain Robert Mitford RN‚ about expenses‚ with the latest news of the war against Bonaparte. 3 pp. 9 x 7 inches‚ in good condition. Malta‚ 31 January 1813. William Slade‚ Agent to the Flag Officers‚ Malta. “The news from Russia you have before us‚ the last reports we have from Naples is that Murat who was left in command of the Army by Buonparte when he fled to Paris - has been defeated & taken Prisoner‚ that Dantzic is taken by the Russians - & the french magazines at Wilna - that Lord Whitworth is arrived at Vienna - this is too good to be believed.”

Price : £65.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

SMITH‚ Admiral Sir Sidney. 10254

Autograph Letter Signed ‘W.Sidney Smith’‚ addressed ‘Dear Sir’‚ asking him to pay for “the hire of the boat house”‚ and hoping to visit Dover: “Should the weather become settled I shall run down with Lady Smith.” 1 page 10 x 7½ inches‚ one old repair‚ one tear with slight loss along the left margin. 5 Cleveland Row‚ 10 December 1810. Admiral Sir William Sidney Smith (1764-1840)‚ hero of Acre (1799).

Price : £150.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

SPRANGER‚ Rear-Admiral John William. 13363

Naval Order Signed‚ to Captain Mitford of HM Sloop Espoir‚ instructing him‚ in the event of not finding Captain Maxwell‚ to look “with great caution” in the Bay of Naples and “to cruise for ten days from your arrival there between Capria and the Coast of Calabria for the purpose of intercepting any Supplies of the enemy ...” 1 page 11 x 8 inches‚ horizontal folds‚ in good condition. On board His Majesty’s Ship Warrior‚ 1 September 1809. Uncommon. Rear-Admiral John William Spranger (died 1822) was appointed Lieutenant on 23 August 1790‚ and Commander on 7 June 1794. In 1795‚ he commanded the sloop HMS Rattlesnake in the expedition to capture Cape Town. He commanded a battalion of sailors from the fleet at the Battle of Muizenberg. He was later recorded as a captain with seniority from 1795‚ suggesting his appointment to post was made after this engagement. On the 2nd December 1796‚ in command of the frigate HMS Crescent‚ he led a squadron which destroyed a French settlement in Madagascar and captured five merchant vessels. In 1799 he briefly commanded the HMS Stately before she became a troopship‚ and in 1801 took command of the newly-commissioned frigate HMS Aeolus‚ serving in the Baltic sea and then to the West Indies. In May 1805 he was in command of the frigate HMS Amethyst‚ cruising off the Texel‚ and from the records of one of his crew‚ it appears he was appointed to the command of HMS Warrior‚ a 74-gun third-rate‚ with effect from 12 July 1806. Warrior served first in the Channel squadron and then later in the Mediterranean. Whilst commanding Warrior in the Mediterranean in 1809‚ he led the naval portion of the force which captured the Ionian Islands.

Price : £120.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

SPRY‚ Rear-Admiral Sir Richard. 11584

Autograph Letter Signed ‘R.Spry’‚ addressed ‘Dear Sir’‚ announcing the appointment of Jacob Benider as a vice consul in Morocco‚ and reporting that “I have ordered Capt Corby to England with the Remains of His Royal Highness the Duke of York who dyed at Monaco the 17th Inst of a violent Fever”‚ with other news. 3 pp. 9 x 7 inches‚ two separated leaves‚ some paper faults‚ but in clean legible condition. Jersey at Sea‚ 30 September 1767. Uncommon. Rear-Admiral Sir Richard Spry (1715-1775) served in the West Indies and North America (including the reduction of Louisbourg in 1758)‚ and in 1762 he became Commodore and Commander-in-Chief on the coast of North America. In April 1766 he was appointed to the Jersey‚ and went out to the Mediterranean as Commander-in-Chief. “... I have received a letter from Sir Horace Mann acquainting me that the Emperor of Germany will be at Florence by the 10th of Nov. & that he has in all his letters to the Grand Duke of Tuscany expressed a great desire to see the Sea & a Man of War...” Spry is therefore proceeding to Mahon “to Heave down and Refit my Ship for the occasion”.

Price : £150.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

ST. VINCENT‚ Admiral John Jervis‚ Earl. 13011

An early Autograph Letter Signed ‘Jervis’‚ asking his correspondent for information about “Houses of Industry”. 1 page 9 x 7½ inches‚ in good condition‚ a few minor blemishes only. South Weald near Brentwood‚ 13 April [1784 in a later hand‚ in pencil]. Admiral John Jervis‚ Earl St. Vincent (1735-1823). “May I trouble you when you have a moments leisure‚ to send me the best information you can obtain‚ touching the regulations of your Houses of Industry‚ how they succeed and in what proportion the poor Rates are reduc’d by them.”

Price : £120.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

ST. VINCENT‚ Admiral John Jervis‚ Earl. 13277

Letter Signed ‘St. Vincent’‚ to the Captains of His Majesty’s Ships the Leviathan & Powerful‚ requesting them to go on board HMS Edgar to report on the health of Mr Richard Leggatt‚ first Lieutenant of that Ship‚ who “is most violently afflicted with a Bilious complaint‚ which has reduced and debilitated him so much‚ that he is scarce able to walk...” Countersigned Geo. Purvis. 1 page 13 x 8 inches‚ in superb condition‚ manuscript with printed heading of the Mediterranean command. Given on board the Ville de Paris off Cadiz‚ 5 September 1798. Signed by Admiral John Jervis‚ Earl St. Vincent (1735-1823) during the blockade of Cadiz‚ notable for the severe repression of a mutiny on board H.M.S.Marlborough during the summer of 1798.

Price : £250.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

ST. VINCENT‚ Admiral John Jervis‚ Earl. 13627

Autograph Letter Signed ‘St Vincent’‚ to Thomas Jervis in London‚ sending three letters including one “from Mr. Nepean‚ replete with pleasant tidings”. 1 page 9 x 7 inches‚ folded‚ in good condition‚ with the original address leaf‚ also signed ‘St Vincent’‚ faint Newton Abbot straight line‚ and a FREE handstamp in Red‚ stitch marks along centre fold. Torr Abbey‚ 6 December 1800. Admiral John Jervis‚ Earl St. Vincent (1735-1823). “... there is nothing our Friends at Yarmouth prize higher‚ than getting Boys into Greenwich School.”

Price : £120.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

STEWART‚ Admiral Sir Houston. 11473

A long entertaining and affectionate Autograph Letter Signed‚ to Miss Mercer Elphinstone‚ daughter of Admiral Lord Keith‚ about her father’s arrival at Portsmouth‚ agreeable dinners‚ the Russian admiral (”...talks broad Scotch & was I believe once a Master in our service”)‚ orders for the Cherbourg squadron‚ a cramped journey by coach from Exeter‚ and much else. 7 pp. 8½ x 7 inches‚ in good condition‚ address panel written and signed ‘Keith’ by Admiral Lord Keith‚ small red wax seal. Queen Charlotte‚ St. Helens‚ 30 November 1813. Sir Houston Stewart (1791-1875)‚ Admiral of the Fleet‚ entered the Navy in 1805. From 1806 he served under Lord Cochrane in the Imperieuse. Later he was Admiral Keith’s signal lieutenant in the Channel Fleet‚ commanded various ships on the Jamaica and North America stations‚ became superintendent of Malta Dockyard. In 1855 he was second in command under Sir Edmund Lyons in the Black Sea.

Price : £175.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

THORNBROUGH‚ Commander Edward. 6596

Autograph Letter Signed‚ saying he intends coming to London as soon as he can to sort out matters relating to the estate of the late Mrs.Jennings and other financial matters‚ and announcing that he has received “a Commission appointing me First Lieut of the Temerara”. 1 page 9 x 7 inches‚ integral blank leaf‚ fine. 29 November 1767. Master & Commander Edward Thornbrough (d. 1784)‚ then First Lieutenant on HMS Temeraire. He was later First Lieutenant of H.M.S.Captain (64 guns)‚ flagship of Rear-Admiral John Montagu‚ and sailed for North America in June 1771 He was first commissioned Lieutenant in 1744 and Master & Commander in 1774‚ when he was appointed to HMS Tamar‚ Sloop (16)‚ then on station in North America. He was the father of Admiral Sir Edward Thornbrough (1754-1834).

Price : £100.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

TREASURY WARRANT 1810. Commissioners for Raising Seamen at Aberdeen. 13012

TREASURY WARRANT 1810. Commissioners for Raising Seamen at Aberdeen. 13012 Warrant Signed by three Treasury Commissioners‚ the Hon. William Eliot‚ the Hon. Berkeley Paget‚ and Snowden Barne‚ addressed to the Commissioners of His Majesty’s Customs in Scotland‚ about payment of disbursements (dating from 1796) due to the Commissioners for Raising Seamen. 1 page 12 x 8 inches‚ with some annotated calculations overleaf‚ integral blank leaf‚ docketed. Treasury Chambers‚ 18 December 1810.

Price : £100.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

WARREN‚ Vice Admiral Sir Peter. 12187

Original Warrant‚ signed ‘P.Warren’ as Vice Admiral of the White and Commander in Chief‚ prepared for use but without a captain’s name or a date‚ ordering a captain to cruise “one hundred and forty Leagues to the Westward of Scilly‚ for the protection of the Trade of His Majesty’s Subjects and annoyance of the Enemies Privateers‚ whom you are to use your utmost endeavour to Take or Destroy...” 1 page 12½ x 8 inches‚ with one line and signature overleaf‚ and the integral blank leaf‚ a few minor tears‚ in good clean condition. “Given under my Stand on board His Majestys Ship St. George”‚ undated [probably 1747/48]. An uncommon eighteenth century naval autograph. Vice Admiral Sir Peter Warren (1703–1752) commanded the naval forces in the attack on the French fortress of Louisbourg‚ Nova Scotia in 1745. Warren signed on as an ordinary seaman in Dublin in 1716 when he was 13 years old. He rapidly rose in the ranks‚ becoming a Captain in 1727. His ship patrolled American colonial waters to provide protection from French forces. He became involved in colonial politics and land speculation. In 1731‚ he married Susannah Delancey (1707-1771)‚ whose brother James was chief justice and lieutenant governor of the province of New York. Warren's lands included several thousand acres on the south side of the Mohawk River west of Schenectady‚ New York. In 1738‚ he hired his nephew William Johnson to manage these western lands. In 1741‚ Warren built Warren House‚ a mansion overlooking the Hudson River on his 300-acre (120-hectare) estate in Greenwich Village. In 1744‚ he was made commodore and commanded a 16 ship squadron off the Leeward Islands‚ capturing 24 ships in four months. In 1745‚ Warren commanded a group of ships that supported the Massachusetts forces in the capture of Louisbourg. After the defeat of the French squadron of Cape Finisterre on 3 May 1747 Warren was rewarded with the Cross of the Bath and with the appointment as Commander-in-Chief of the Western Squadron. Warren was promoted to Vice Admiral on 15 July 1747.

Price : £350.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

WELLS‚ Rear-Admiral Thomas. 14006

Memorandum Signed‚ addressed to Lieutenant Mitchell‚ instructing him to discharge Stephen Elms from the Crane into HMS Clyde. 6 x 8 inches‚ margins worn‚ otherwise good. HMS Namur in the Nore‚ 10 December 1807. Rear-Admiral Thomas Wells (1759-1811) served in the Royal Navy during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars. In 1800 he was promoted to Rear-Admiral of the White fleet. In 1801 he was Captain of the HMS Glory. In 1808 he carried his flag aboard the HMS Namur. In 1810 he was promoted to Vice-Admiral of the Red. In 1812 he was promoted to be Rear-Admiral of the Red.

Price : £65.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

WEST‚ Admiral of the Fleet Sir John. 13871

Naval Order Signed‚ to Captain Mitford of HM Arm’d Ship Duchess of Bedford‚ ordering him to avail himself of the next Easterly Wind and proceed to Tangier Bay‚ take in the usual number of Oxen and proceed with them to the Squadron off Cadiz. 1 page 12 x 8 inches‚ left margin ragged‚ some marginal staining‚ folds. On board His Majesty’s Ship Excellent in Gibraltar‚ 5 January 1808. Admiral of the Fleet Sir John West (1774-1862) joined the Royal Navy in 1788. Promoted to Lieutenant in 1793‚ he fought in HMS Royal George at the Glorious First of June in 1794 and the Battle of Groix in 1795 during the French Revolutionary Wars. He commanded HMS Excellent from 1807 and then HMS Sultan from 1809. He was appointed Commander-in-Chief‚ Plymouth in 1845. While in command of HMS Excellent (74 guns) in 1807-08‚ West co-operated with the Spaniards on the coast of Catalonia‚ rendering important service to the patriot cause.

Price : £75.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

WILLIAMS‚ Rear-Admiral Sir Thomas. 7487

Document Signed ‘Thos.Williams’‚ partly printed‚ possibly a wrapper for an order‚ to the Lieutenant of the Kangaroo‚ and the Masters of the Raisonable and Kangaroo. 6 x 7½ inches‚ old repair at lower edge. Given on board the Namur‚ at the Nore‚ 27 June 1813. Rear-Admiral Sir Thomas Williams (1761/2–1841). After distinguished service in the American War of Independence and the Napoleonic Wars‚ Williams was appointed Commander-in-Chief at the Nore in October 1811.

Price : £45.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item

WREN‚ Matthew. 13539

Letter Signed ‘I am Your most humble Servant‚ M.Wren’‚ to the Principal Officers and Commanders of His Majesty’s Navy‚ following the order by His Royal Higness‚ commanding the Treasurer of the Navy to collect £4000 “for a supply of Contingent Money for Sir Thomas Allin”. 1 page 12 x 7 inches‚ with the address leaf‚ the whole in a fragmentary state with blank areas torn away‚ but professionally conserved and inlaid‚ and in clean condition. 23 December 1669. At the time of this letter Sir Thomas Allin (1612-1685) was the Commander in Chief in Mediterranean‚ engaged against Barbary pirates. Matthew Wren (1629–1672)‚ political writer and politician. In 1660 Wren was appointed secretary to Edward Hyde‚ first earl of Clarendon and lord chancellor. He was probably a founder member of the Royal Society in November 1660‚ serving on the council in 1662–3 and 1666. As secretary to the Duke of York‚ Wren came into close contact with naval affairs and Samuel Pepys. He was active in the Commons on naval business. Wren accompanied York and the fleet to sea in the spring of 1672. He was wounded at the battle of Sole Bay on 6 June 1672‚ died at Greenwich on the 14th‚ and was buried in Pembroke College chapel‚ Cambridge.

Price : £150.00

Top of Page | Email About This Item