American Historical Ephemera & Photography

PORTER, David (1780-1843). Manuscript promissory note signed ("D. Porter"), issued to "John Rodgers(?)." Washington, 27 June 1820. 1 page, 8 x 3 1/2 in. Porter promises to pay $700 sixty days after the date of issue. Docketing on verso (few vertical tears at lower left, light edge wear). 

David Porter was a US Navy officer who commanded (among other ships) the USS Constitution. He served in the Quasi-war with France, the First Barbary War and the War of 1812. He later also commanded a squadron in the West Indies disrupting British shipping. Porter invaded the town of Fajardo, Puerto Rico to avenge the arrest of an officer but did not have orders to do so. He was court-martialed whereupon he resigned his position and went to Mexico. He became the commander-in-chief of the Mexican Navy from 1826-1829. He was then appointed US Minister to the Barbary States in 1829.

[With:] WILLIS, Nathaniel (1763-1851), Revolutionary war soldier, Major General in War of 1812. Autograph letter signed ("Nathan Willis"), to General Thomas Lincoln. Rochester, 9 May 1812. 1 page, on bifolium, old folds, toning and some spotting. Willis states that troops are needed in Rochester. -- JONES, William (1760-1831), Revolutionary War soldier and sailor, War of 1812 Secretary of Navy. Letter signed ("W. Jones") as Secretary of the Treasury, to G.A. Worth of Albany. Treasury Department, 25 September 1873. 1 page, old folds with some areas of separation, archival tae repairs on verso, slight loss to lower right corner. Jones discusses a proposal for a loan that could not be accepted . -- BALDWIN, Briscoe G. (1789-1852), General in War of 1812, Virginia political figure, Justice of the Supreme Court. Autograph letter signed ("Briscoe G. Baldwin"), recipient unknown. Staunton, 27 July 1816. 1 1/2 pages, folds, toning, chipping. Baldwin discusses legal case. -- DANA, Samuel W. (1760-1830), Connecticut lawyer and politician. Letter signed ("Saml. W. Dana"), to Isaac Hull, captain of "Old Ironsides, USS Constitution. Middletown, 4 December 1858. 1 page, on bifolium, old folds with some partial separation near folds. Dana discusses matters involving payment. 

[Also with:] COCKBURN, Sir James (1771-1852), British political future and Governor-General of Bermuda. Autograph letter signed ("Jas. Cockburn") as Governor and Commander in charge of Bermuda. Harrow, Middlesex, 8 May 1813. 1 page, on bifolium, old folds, soiling and wear near folds. Cockburn certifies that Rev. Willm. Herbert is proceeding to Bermudas...and officiating chaplain to the garrison of that station. 

Together, 6 autographed items.