Sold For $541
*Includes Buyers Premium
American naval officer (1794-1858) who took a leading role in the establishment of international trade with the formerly insular nation of Japan. ALS signed “M. C. Perry,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 7.25, June 22, 1852. ALS signed “M. C. Perry,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 7.25, June 22, 1852. Handwritten letter to Captain Joseph C. Delano regarding a sailor allegedly shipwrecked and imprisoned in Japan, written during preparations for Perry's Japan expedition, in full: “A person from New Bedford, who represented himself as a former second mate of a whale ship wrecked upon the coast of Japan, called on b’d the Mississippi the other day and expressed a desire to go out with me. I had a note of his name, but have mislaid it. He stated that he was one of the several prisoners and gave to Captain McCluney of the Mississippi some account of his captivity. He is described by Captain McCluney as a fine-looking sailor, a man from New Bedford, having his name and address as a resident of that place. He was not willing to accept any situation inferior to that of Master Mate. If his representations are true, I shall probably be disposed to give him the situation he desires. He mentioned the name of the vessel in which he was wrecked, and his story made a favorable impression upon Captain McCluney, but I do not recollect to have heard of any such shipwreck. May I ask the favor of you to make some inquiry at New Bedford as to this man and his whereabouts, his character, etc.? I suppose if he is there, he can be easily traced as one who was a prisoner in Japan. The delays I have met with are very provoking, but I must submit to these with the best grace I can. The causes are the failure of the contractors to finish in time the Princeton's engine and the scarcity of men – the former the principal reason. I am collecting many interesting books, charts, etc., etc.” In fine condition, with trimming to the bottom edge.
Written just months before Perry embarked on his historic expedition to Japan, this letter finds him actively preparing for the mission that would culminate in the opening of the isolated nation to Western trade and diplomacy. Perry discusses a sailor who claimed to have been shipwrecked on the Japanese coast and held prisoner there, seeking verification of the man's story as a potential addition to the expedition. His references to collecting “books, charts, etc.” reflect preparations for the voyage, while his frustrations over delays caused by problems with the steam frigate Princeton correspond to difficulties surrounding a vessel originally intended to participate in the expedition. Perry's mention of Captain William McCluney of the USS Mississippi, coupled with his references to gathering books and charts and overcoming delays involving the Princeton, firmly anchors the letter to the planning stages of the celebrated 1852–1854 Japan expedition, one of the defining achievements of his naval career.
From the personal collection of a lifelong collector, teacher, and traveler with a passion for world history. His collecting years ranged from the 1970s to the present day, meaning that several of the premier pieces have not been on the market in decades.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
(inquire for price)
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
Third-party authentication service applies only to signatures and handwriting, and does not cover the addition of sketches, artwork, musical quotations, etc.
