July 2014 Auction Ends Thursday, July 31st, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/31/2014
Matthew C. Perry autograph letter signed as commander of the USS Shark. Dated 22 June, 1824, letter is addressed to his brother, Capt. Raymond H. Perry of the US Navy in New London, Connecticut. Correspondnece reads in part, ''...I have to congratulate you on the Receipt yesterday of a draft from the accountant on the Navy Agent here, for the sum of $83. 36/100 and the much large sum of $190. 51/100 Recd from Chs W Goldsborough Esq. as your proportion of Prize money for the Capture of the Schooner Falcon in 1813. The last sum I have recd as agent of Mr. Goldsborough, with my proportion (the same as yours) and that of Mr. Warner. I shall transmit to you, a full Statement. Send by the return of mail Triplicate receipts, of the following exact forms: New York, June 22d 1824. Received of Chs W Goldsborough Esq through the hands of Matthew C. Perry the sum of one hundred and ninety six dollars 51/100 Being my proportion of Prize money for the Capture of the Schooner Falcon as per sums of $17.875 awarded by the Commissioners, under the Treaty between the United States and Spain. Thus you see my dear brother, that the Ebb tide of your fortune has ceased to sun. The young flood has made your prospects begin to brighten, and it remains with yourself to disperse the gloom...'' He adds a fitting Shakespeare quote from ''Julius Ceasar'', uttered by Brutus, ''...There is a time, and tide, in the a[ffai]rs of men, when taken at the fl[ood] lead on to fortune...'' Runs 3pp. on a single sheet of card-style stationery. Measures 7.75'' x 12.75''. Creasing, tape repairs and scattered paper loss. In good to very good condition.
U.S. Navy Commodore Matthew C. Perry Autograph Letter Signed -- ''...your...Prize money for the Capture of the Schooner Falcon in 1813...dear brother...your fortune has ceased to sun...''
Click above for larger image.