Lot #4

John Adams Document Signed as President for Alexander Murray, One of the US Navy's First Post-Captains

Description

Rare, early naval appointment by John Adams for a highly decorated commodore—one of the Navy's first thirteen post-captains

Scarce partly-printed vellum DS as president, one page, 12.5 x 8.75, August 3, 1798. President Adams appoints Alexander Murray as "a Captain in the Navy of the United States." Neatly signed at the conclusion by President John Adams, and countersigned by Secretary of the Navy Benjamin Stoddert. The white paper seal affixed to the upper left corner remains intact. Mounted and double-matted with a portrait to an overall size of 27 x 16.75. In fine condition, with multiple vertical folds.

A distinguished American naval officer, Alexander Murray (1755-1821) served in the Revolutionary War, the Quasi-War with France, and the First Barbary War in North Africa. In 1798—by this appointment—Murray was commissioned as one of the first thirteen post-captains in the newly established United States Navy, and assigned to command the corvette Montezuma, with orders to protect American shipping in the Caribbean from French privateers. Murray was so effective in his charge that he was formally granted the 'Thanks of Congress.' He would subsequently rise to the rank of commodore, commanding a small squadron sent to blockade Tripoli during the Barbary War.

Auction Info

• Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts
• Dates: #680 - Ended December 06, 2023

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