1) RODGERS. Autograph letter signed ("Jn Rodgers"), Tripoli, aboard the U.S.S. Constitution, 18 April 1805. 2pp. on bifolium, 8vo (254 x 203 mm), retaining original wax seal, old folds, toning, some spotting, section of blank adjacent to address fold missing.

In part: "...that the Barbary is desirous of a conciliation? Yet I do not believe he will accede to what you will consider equal terms, until he is more sensible of our force, and demonstratively convinced of our capacity to use it - Not knowing what communications you may receive by the Ketch (which altho still at Tripoli, I have been expecting out every day for these ten days past); permit me to say that I cannot discover their strength is in any way augmented since I was here last; and that I feel more than ever confident our pursuit force, with an addition of two mortars and two guns boats, will enable us to give you the opportunity of negotiating peace perfectly to your wishes..."

2) RODGERS. Autograph letter signed ("Jn Rodgers"), Boston, 13 April 1813. 2pp. on bifolium, 8vo (254 x 216 mm), retaining portions of original wax seal, toning, minor marginal splits along folds, lower third of blank adjacent to address fold missing.

In part: "I notice what you say respecting my disappointment in my two long cruises, and you are perfectly right in supposing that I felt no small degree of chagrin; I do not despair, however, flattering myself as I do, that if the war continues a little longer, I shall still be enabled to give you a good account of things - I am more preparing for a long cruise, and expect to sail about this day [next] week - There are two British frigates (the Shannon and Tenedos) before this port, which it is said intend waiting for this ship and the Congress..."

COMMODORE JOHN RODGERS WRITES TO TOBIAS LEAR, PERSONAL SECRETARY TO GEORGE WASHINGTON AND PEACE ENVOY DURING THE BARBARY WARS.

Commodore John Rodgers was an American naval officer who served in the Quasi War, the Barbary Wars, and the War of 1812. Rodgers arrived off of Tripoli in command of the USS John Adams in 1801 and remained there until the end of the war, and was named commodore of the Mediterranean Squadron by Thomas Jefferson three weeks after sending the first letter in this lot for his valor in battle. When the War of 1812 erupted, the United States Navy found itself in a dire state, with many ships in need of repair and lacking full crews. Upon receiving news of the declaration of war Rodgers, who had been berthed in New York aboard the flag USS President and fearing that all ships would be confined to port, immediately left New York Harbor with his full squadron in tow, ready to do battle. He would serve once again during the Second Barbary War before retiring in 1827.

Among Rodgers's close friends was Tobias Lear, personal secretary to George Washington. Lear was at Washington's bedside when the nation's first president drew his last breath, famously writing in his journal a touching account of their last conversation and overseeing Washington's funeral arrangements. In 1803, Thomas Jefferson appointed him Consul General to the North African coast, and he was one of the chief negotiators for the Treaty of Tripoli, which ended the First Barbary War.