Man Writes Sloop John Adams (1 results)

Man Writes From Sloop Of War John Adams, Guarding Against Slave Trade, Protecting American Citizens The U.S. Sloop of War John Adams was an American naval vessel that served through much of the 19th century and, in 1859, was active as part of U.S. naval operations abroad, specifically on foreign stations protecting American interests. Her primary mission was suppressing the Atlantic slave trade while patrolling the West African coast. She also protected American citizens and commerce in volatile regions. 4 pp, 7 1/4 x 9 1/4, written at sea, on board the John Adams from Rio De Janeiro, Aug. 2, 1859, by B. Frank Gibbs, who writes to his friend Joseph G. Jones of Philadelphia. Gibbs had participated in the James Buchanan administration's failed Paraguay Expedition. The situation was eventually settled diplomatically. Gibbs writes, "You would hardly expect me to write you a letter?but I am anxious to hear from you?You may have received a letter from me while in South America before, when connected with the "Paraguay Expedition." Of course you deemed it prudent to withhold a letter to me when at the same time I was homeward bound? "After my arrival in the U. States from the last cruise, my detachment from the 'Memphis' was accompanied with orders to proceed without delay to Norfolk and report for duty on the U.S. Sloop of War John Adams. I did not have an hour's leave of absence; but my whole attention turned to speed in travel, knowing the vessel was under sailing orders, and at the same time, by neat calculations on my part, and long calculations of the part of the government in executing the orders to obtain a day to visit by relations at Pemberton, NJ. The stay was short but quite long enough? "You no doubt will say this is really a privation from friends and society, and all other endearments that contribute so materially to the comfort and happiness of man. Certainly it is; but this there is about, Joe. I am bound for a station and a country that I have long desired to visit and now am about to. No doubt the two years we will be out there will afford me ample opportunity to see all the customs of the Chinese, study their language, and elucidate many confused ideas of the celestials. "Another thing. I think if that might assist in making this sudden departure agreeable, which is, that a long absence from one's native soil among savages and cannibals, impresses in the most exaggerated colors the worth of home, compared with the dangers of the sea; the value of intelligent society compared with that of uncouth Portuguese and piratical Chinamen; as well as the fact that one cannot appreciate the comforts of home, with due weight until he is deprived of them that of home, with due weight, until he is deprived of them. However, we have as pleasant messmates as ever trod the deck of a ship and Capt. Mason is perfect warm hearted? "In China direct thus: B.F. Gibbs? Hong kong China Sloop John Adams & Rio de Janiero, 1859" Folds, light toning. A few ink burns. Comes with original cover Everything we sell is guaranteed authentic forever to the original buyer. We also offer a 30-day return policy. If you discover a problem or are dissatisfied with an item, please contact us immediately. Our goal is to please every customer.  We are pleased to be members of The Manuscript Society, Universal Autograph Collectors Club, The Ephemera Society, the Southern New England Antiquarian Booksellers and the Preferred Autograph Dealers and Auction Houses [M 137].