Jones, Thomas ap Catesby (1790-1858) to John B. Marchand
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02680.03 Author/Creator: Jones, Thomas ap Catesby (1790-1858) Place Written: San Francisco, California Type: Letter signed Date: 10 October 1849 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 31.5 x 19.9 cm. Order a Copy
Denying Marchand's request to be relieved of his post and return home. "I can see nothing in your situation oppressive or even unusual in the naval service...It is a great innovation upon usage, and the obligations of Commissioned officers to their country to suppose, that they, like enlisted persons engage for a limited term and at the expiration thereof have a right to go home, no such right exists while their services are required abroad." Written on board "Flag Ship 'Savannah.'"
Thomas ap Catesby Jones was commander of the United States Navy in the Pacific. Jones would later be court martialled for oppressing his junior officers.
John B. Marchand was an officer in the United States Navy. He captained the steamer "Memphis" during the Paraguay expedition, served as Captain of the U.S.S. Lackawanna during the Civil War, later promoted to Commodore.
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