Civil War Manuscript Orders from Commodore Charles Wilkes, West India Squadron aboard USS Wachusett off Bermuda October 2, 1862, to Commander T. H. Stevens of the USS Sonoma ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
USS Wachusett off Bermuda: 1862. Single sheet, folio. Single sheet measuring 15.75 x 12.5 inches, folded to four pages. Dark brown ink on cream wove paper. Wilkes orders on first leaf recto and verso, signed, "Charles Wilkes/Rear Admiral/Comdr. West Indian Squadron". With clerical handwriting on second leaf verso "Order of October 2nd, 1862..." Document had been folded thrice horizontally, as if to fit in a narrow envelope. Those creases now mellowed. Creases lightly toned, and with a one-inch closed tear along center fold, else Fine. Near Fine. Item #4808
On 8 September 1862 Wilkes was selected to command a "flying" squadron of seven ships to search for Confederate commerce raiders in the West Indies, most particularly the Alabama and the Florida. In these orders Wilkes refers Stevens of the USS Sonoma to previously issued orders as they hunt off Bermuda, adding that Stevens take care to avoid infringing the Queen's Proclamation regarding respect of Colonial Territorial waters, to keep friendly his intercourse with US Consul Allen, and hoping he will suffer nothing to escape him going in or out. And finally to allow Rodgers (of the USS Tioga) to read and copy these orders. Evidence of the calm, cultivated side of "Stormy Petrel" Wilkes, written in a graceful hand. Preserved in a clear archival sleeve with acid-free backing.
Price: $950.00