Sold For $437
*Includes Buyers Premium
Commodore in the United States Navy (1774-1833) best known for his victory over the HMS Java in the War of 1812. ALS signed “Wm. Bainbridge,” one page both sides, 7.25 x 9.5, June 24, 1820. Letter to Albert Gallatin, then ambassador to France. In full: “I have the honor to inform you that I have been appointed to the command of the U. States squadron in the Mediterranean, and that I arrived in Gibraltar on the 31ust and was off Algiers on the 15th. I shall proceed from here off Tripoli and Tunis,—The object of maintaining the squadron under my command in the Mediterranean, is for—the protection of the persons and property of the citizen of the U. States from depredation by the Barbary powers—and to watch any hostile movements on their part—The President of the U. States has recommended me to keep up a regular correspondence with the resident minister from the U. States at foreign courts—with respect to our commercial affairs, generally. I shall have the honor of communicating to you from time to time such information as I may possess on our commercial relations—and shall receive with due attention any communication you may honor me with—I have not yet determined, in which port of the Mediter’n I shall winter the squadron under my command; I have thought of Toulon, will you be pleased to give me your opinion whether the US Squadron would be well received at that place, to winter.” Scattered wrinkling, a uniform shade of toning, some mounting remnants to edges and corners, and light cuts along horizontal folds, otherwise fine condition. Bainbridge, who had served in the Mediterranean during the first and second Barbary Wars, returned in 1820 aboard the 74-gun USS Columbus, as he writes here. Relations remained calm, and the ship saw no action. RRAuction COA.
