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1824 Letter from British Admiral William Lawrence Halsted to Commodore David Porter

A letter from British Admiral William Lawrence Halsted to Commodore David Porter, dated 14 May 1824, regarding a perceived insult offered by the British at Port Royal to the American Squadron under Porter's command. The letter is signed by Halsted, a British veteran of the American Revolution, as well as the Napoleonic Wars, who commanded British forces in the Caribbean. When the American Squadron under Porter entered Port Royal, the British gave an inadequate salute, offering insult to the American flag, and to Porter personally. This letter is in response to Porter's letter of protest. Halsted insultingly refers to Porter as a "junior flag officer," and had slighted him by two guns. This was part of an on-going custom of minor hostility and insults offered by the British to American forces. Porter had very successfully commanded the US Frigate Essex in the Pacific during the War of 1812 when he captured or destroyed 12 British whaling ships. He also captured the British warship HMS Alert. With the latter is a 1782 hand colored lithograph picture of Port Royal and Kingston Harbor. Dimensions: 11H x 8.75W inches. Processing and shipping within the continental U.S. $30.00 plus 1.5% replacement cost insurance. Discounts given on combined lot shipping.

Condition:

The letter is very good plus, entirely legible, with folds and minor yellowing. The water color colored print is very good, with folds and s little staining at the edges. Please see photos.

Estimate: $100 - $250
Price Realized Including Buyer's Premium
$125
06/01/2023

 

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Annex Auctions strives to provide as much information and photographs as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Condition statements are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Annex Auctions. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms and Conditions. Methods of payment are cash, check, money orders, card or wire transfer for foreign payments. This auction has a buyer's premium of 25%.