Apr 13, 2023 - Sale 2633

Sale 2633 - Lot 130

Unsold
Estimate: $ 1,500 - $ 2,500
(NAVY.) Group of 3 letters regarding naval contracts for gunboats and supplies. Letters Signed from various parties to Robert Smith as Secretary of the Navy, various sizes; each with scrapbook mount remnants on final page. Various places, 1806-1808
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Additional Details

James Morrison. Negotiating a requested delivery of gunpowder and cannonballs to New Orleans. "Gen'l Dearborn (who is famous for making good bargains for the public) gives me by his late contract 36 cents per lb for powder and $90 per ton for cannon ball, delivered at the arsenal opposite the town of Cincinnati. . . . If you wish the ball cast in iron moulds, must beg you will engage Mr. Foxhall to make one mould of each size." Also discusses a potential order for one or two gunboats. Philadelphia, 13 May 1806.

Benjamin Smith. "There was no doubt of seasoned live oak timber to be obtained immediately from Cape Island for 15 gunboats & it is believed many more." Bearing a free-frank and an inked Fayetteville, NC postmark. Wilmington, NC, 4 February 1808.

James Morrison. Has "written to Gen'l Carberry to know whether the gun boat building at Charleston will be completed in all this or the ensuing month. . . . Sending the articles, viz powder, ball, scantling, plank, etc., preparing for your dep't to New Orleans by the earliest and safest conveyance." Also made a contract for "60 tons of 24 pound iron cannon ball." Bearing a free frank and an inked Lexington postmark. Lexington, KY, 10 May 1808.