American Historical Ephemera & Photography

Quarter plate daguerreotype portrait of a grinning naval officer holding a walking stick, his insignia, vest, and coat buttons highlighted in gold. (Strong clarity and contrast, light tarnish to edges, resealed.) With period inked note glued to the right side of the cover glass, with much of the inscription indiscernible. It appears to partially identify the subject as "Hocker Howell," with information about his family. Housed in half leatherette case (surface loss and significant wear to edges, including partial separation along bottom edge). Accompanied by a 4pp. letter signed "George," presumably George Hocker Howell, to his mother. Philadelphia, PA, 2 October 1859. He writes about personal matters, including his health, family members, and land dealings (some sections fully separated at folds).

George Hocker Howell's naval career lasted approximately 12 years.  The Navy List shows him as Assistant Surgeon 8/11/1847, Passed Assistant Surgeon 4/22/1854, died in service (cause unknown) 10/7/1859. His shoulder straps (1852 Regulations) indicate the rank of Assistant Surgeon, dating the image to the 1847-1854 period.