FRANKLIN
BUCHANAN. Autograph Letter Signed to John Boyle, Philadelphia,
PA, 12 December 1831. 1 page, 9½" x 7½", plus
address leaf.
A very scarce letter from Franklin Buchanan, the U.S., and later Confederate,
naval officer who enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1815 and went on to serve
as the first superintendent of the Naval Academy at Annapolis, in the
Mexican War, and in the Perry expedition to Japan. Joining the Confederacy
in 1861, Buchanan commanded the ironclad Merrimack (having
been wounded, he did not command in its battle with the Monitor).
Promoted to admiral in 1862, he oversaw the defenses of Mobile Bay,
but lost the August 1864 battle there to David Farragut.
In this letter, written early in Buchanan's career when he was a lieutenant
in the U.S. Navy, he seeks the aid of the Navy Department's chief clerk
in securing a post. "I have this day applied to the Secy. of
the Navy [Levi Woodbury] for orders to the Rendezvous at this place,
to fill the situation vacated by Lieut. Dale," Buchanan explains.
"[I]f long sea service will entitle an officer to any preference
in these matters, I hope to be successful. As the Secy cannot as yet
be acquainted with the services of officers, I shall be much indebted
to you for your influence in my behalf; & for the many marks of
friendship, previously shown to my brother McK & myself, I shall
always feel grateful to you. Captn. W. no doubt gave you a good account
of Junius, his old messmates in the Constellation parted with him with
much reluctance, he is a favorite with all who know him."
He has signed, "Frankn Buchanan."
The letter and its address leaf have been neatly mounted to each other,
and there are remains of prior inlay along the top and bottom margins.
However, the overall condition and appearance of the letter are very
good. $1250.00
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