American Historical Ephemera & Photography Online

POWELL, Dr. William John (1811-1848). Lengthy letter addressed to his wife, Mrs. Angelica T. Powell of Charlestown, Massachusetts.  Acapulco, Mexico, 16 January 1845, then at sea and through arrival in Panama City 22 February 1845. 4pp. including integral address leaf, with crossed writing on pages 1-3, approx. 8 3/4 x 12 1/4 in. (toning, creases at folds). 

Powell opens the letter stating that "the turmoil excited by the Revolution is fast subsiding and the minds of all hands becoming settled...." He continues and describes the voyage from Acapulco to Panama, including the weather, interactions with other ships, Spanish and Panamanian native peoples, landscapes, and his own activities. He conducts weekly "religious meetings" on board on Sundays in addition to his regular surgeon's activities. He treats natives as well as sailors noting that the health on board is generally good at the time. He longs for letters and news from home, and remarks upon the recruitment of surgeons: "I am glad to see that the Secretary speaks of an increase in Surgeons; as to rank I am becoming very indifferent to that, although as a matter of common justice would advocate it strongly. An increase in the numbers of our corps would enable such of us as have seen long cruises to remain on shore a reasonable time with our families and this prove advantageous beyond measure." An interesting letter from a naval surgeon as the country was on the brink of war with Mexico.

Officers of the Continental and U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, 1775-1900 indicates that Powell's first date of service was 8 February 1832. He later served as a ship's surgeon aboard the sloop-of-war USS Warren which acted as a guardship at Monterey, California, during the Mexican-American War and eventually moved to San Francisco. Powell Street in San Francisco is named after the surgeon who established a sanatorium for sick sailors in the city ca 1847.