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Benjamin Stoddert Autograph Letter Signed....
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$1,437.50
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Description
Benjamin Stoddert Autograph Letter Signed. One page, 8 x 10 inches, "Navy Department," [Philadelphia]; October 5, 1798. A letter to "HB Smith, Esq," in which Stoddert discusses the purchase of the USS George Washington. In part:"I have sent to Jno Brown, a copy of your letter to me of the 2nd ult. requesting him to settle with you for your proportion of the George Washington. At the time I purchased, I knew no owner of that ship, but Jno Brown, & have remitted to him lately 10,400$ being the cash payment. The certificate part, the Secy of the Treasury informs me, cannot be settled till the offices get back to Phila. For want of form, this will I hope be no inconvenience, as interest will be going on." Signed, "Ben Stoddert."
The George Washington was originally built as a merchant ship in 1793 and owned by John Francis and John Brown of Providence, Rhode Island. On October 12, 1798, during the build-up to the Quasi-War with France, the U.S. Congress purchased her for $10,400 in cash and $30,000 in 6% Navy stocks, and had her refitted for naval service. Commissioned into the U.S. Navy, she spent the next several years escorting U.S. merchant convoys to the West Indies during the conflict with France, and later operating in the Mediterranean along the Barbary Coast.
Condition: Evenly age-toned with flattened folds. Remnants from previous mounting and a bit of loss at the left edge, not affecting text. A few very small chips at the right edge. Docketed on the verso.
Auction Info
2025 November 8 Historical Manuscripts including Texana Showcase Auction #30152 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
November, 2025
8th
Saturday
Internet/Mail Bids: 26
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 163
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