The Collected Library, Including Americana and Early Photography

Pensacola Bay, U.S. Frigate Constellation, August 7, 1838. Two bifolium sheets, each 10 x 8 in. (254 x 203 mm.) Letter signed by James M. MacIntosh transmitting a report from Captain Rufus Durham of "suspicious vessels" off the coast of Florida. The letter from Durham to Alexander J. Dallas II, dated July 5, 1838, also included, reads in part: "During our passage from New York to this place saw a very suspicious sale off the Lookey, was attempted to be boarded by a Boat while a long cackish Schooner was bearing down upon us. the Boat attempting to Board us had the appears of men invested under a sail which she did not hoist until after getting out of our sight. The schooner continued on her course...and hoisted her sail three times in succession...It is my opinion as well as all my passengers that she was a pirate and the intention of the boat to board us...concluded not to do so..." Both with creasing from old folds, scattered foxing.

Interesting report of piracy off the gulf coast of Florida, sent to Commander Hiram Paulding of the USS Levant while attached to the West Indies Squadron.

The West Indies Squadron operated from 1822-42 with the main tasks of protecting American merchant ships, and combatting piracy and the slave trade that originated in Mexican, Cuban, and other South American ports. While the practice of piracy declined into the 1830s, there were still isolated incidents in the regions as seen here.

Hiram Paulding (1797-1878) was a career U.S. Naval Officer who served with distinction from the War of 1812 through the American Civil War, eventually attaining the rank of Rear Admiral.