11 July 1863

Porter, David Dixon, 1813-1891

Letter signed

Title: to John G. Walker

Written by Acting Rear Admiral Porter as Commander of the Mississippi Squadron to Lieutenant Command Walker in command of the USS "Baron de Kalb." Says when his escort ships are ready, he is to proceed up the Yazoo River and capture all the guns at Yazoo City. Walker is also supposed to inflict as much damage to the enemy as opportunity offers. Says General Grant will send troops with him. Says the expedition will be ready to proceed tomorrow morning. Wants him to capture steamers if possible and destroy effectively those that are sunk. The "Baron de Kalb" was sunk on this mission.

GLC03804.09

16 July 1863

Porter, David Dixon, 1813-1891

Letter signed

Title: to John G. Walker

Written by Acting Rear Admiral Porter as Commander of the Mississippi Squadron to Lieutenant Command Walker, the former commander of the USS "Baron de Kalb," which sunk on its recent excursion up the Yazoo River. Asks him to call on General Grant 24 hours before he is ready to start up the Yazoo River "for the purpose of raising the De Kalb." Porter wants to save the hull of the "Baron de Kalb" if possible. Tells him to get all the materials necessary to do this. Asks him to save the machinery and everything movable on board if he cannot save the hull. Says the "Champion" will be used for a…

GLC03804.10

12 August 1863

Porter, David Dixon, 1813-1891

Letter signed

Title: to John G. Walker

Written by Rear Admiral Porter as commander of the Mississippi Squadron to Lieutenant Commander Walker. Tells Walker that as soon as he is finished with the "Yazoo business" that he is to report to Cairo. Porter says he will be there.

GLC03804.11

22 August 1867

Porter, David Dixon, 1813-1891

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John G. Walker

Written by Porter as Superintendent of the Naval Academy to Commander Walker as a member of Porter's staff at the Academy. Tells him to not worry about returning quickly as little is happening. Congratulates him on the birth of his daughter. Makes reference to rumors about him in Annapolis (the handwriting is hard to decipher here), but he hopes Congress will work it out. Written on stationery of the U.S. Naval Academy.

GLC03804.12

28 July 1869

Anderson (professor), fl. 1869

Autograph letter

Title: to the officers and men of the USS "Sabine"

Invitation says that Professor and Mrs. Anderson have the honor to write to the captain, officers and men of the USS "Sabine" inviting them to see the play "Magic & Second Sight" at the Theatre Royal. The professor says he has always felt kindness toward the United States, especially because two of his daughters are natives there. Hopes they will accept because the season ends on Saturday night. Written on Anderson's personal stationery.

GLC03804.14

31 July 1869

Wainwright, John Howard, 1829-1871

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John G. Walker

Writes that he heard the USS "Sabine," under the command of Walker has just arrived at Spithead, England. Wants to know "of the working of the water machine which I put up on board." Asks for a note informing of his experiences with the machine. Trusts he will meet him at some point during his cruise. Wainwright asks that letters to him be sent to Paris.

GLC03804.15

5 August 1869

Hancock, George, 1819-1876

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John G. Walker

Royal Navy Flag Captain Hancock, commander of the HMS "Duke of Wellington" has written to Walker as commander of the USS "Sabine." Hancock says that it appears 3 bondsmen have deserted from the Royal Marines and have taken refuge on Walker's ship. Says that he is certain Walker would not have admitted the men if he knew that they were deserters, but that they probably presented themselves to the Americans falsely. Sends along a separate sheet describing the men (not included here). Asks if the men are indeed on his ship that they be put on shore where the police can apprehend them. Hopes…

GLC03804.16

11 October 1869

Prevost, James Charles, 1810-1891

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John G. Walker

Written by Rear Admiral Prevost of the Royal Navy to Captain Walker of the USS "Sabine." Writes that he is obliged for the honor "you did me in saluting me when I visited your ship - and I regret very much I have not the opportunity of returning it, except by thanking you which I now do." Says he is especially honored because his flag was not raised and Walker did not have to do it.

GLC03804.17

February 22, 1880

Telegram

Title: to the British consul in Nice, France

Appears to be sent to the British consul in Nice, France by an unknown creator. Asks for the consul to arrange for the Duke of Cambridge to pay a private visit to the American admiral and fleet next Tuesday (perhaps Walker's ship the USS "Sabine" was part of this fleet). On blue telegram form with date stamp.

GLC03804.18

19 August 1882

Porter, David Dixon, 1813-1891

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John G. Walker

Written by Admiral Porter to Captain Walker as Chief of the Bureau of Navigation. Marked "Private." It seems Walker was reporting about an experimental ship that was in need of repairs. Porter says repairs should be made and that is important to "find a vessel that will turn on her center, and go astern." Porter is not concerned about the repairs. Complains to Walker about the Board of Inspectors and hopes there are changes. Letter has very illegible handwriting.

GLC03804.19

5 May 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents, [brother-in-law], and sister

Writes that furloughs have begun and three men will be allowed to go from each company. His brigade will be kept in Gallatan for the time being, as Gallatan is a very important position to keep. Writes that there will soon be a fight at Murfreesboro and is confident that Confederate General Braxton Bragg's army is equal to and possibly stronger than Confederate General Joseph Wheeler's. Describes an incident in which an escorted mail delivery was attacked by rebels, but the escorts managed to drive the rebels back. Describes seeing an Indiana soldier being carried to his grave, followed…

GLC07460.027

30 September 1831

Gerry, James T., 1797-1854

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Ann T. Gerry

Sightseeing in Italy while on shore leave. Tells his family about his time spent in Florence, Pisa, Rome and other cities, and the famous sights he has seen. Details the great artwork he has admired, and briefly mentions politics and governance in Italy. Written on board the U.S.S. "Concord" at Port Mahon. Written to his family, addressed to his mother.

GLC09099.01

12 March 1839

Gerry, James T., 1797-1854

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Ann T. Gerry

Writing to his mother, discusses time spent with relatives and plans to sail soon. Describes his time with his cousins, and reports they are doing well. Gives news about his ship and his upcoming orders. Written on board the U.S.S. "Warren."

GLC09099.02

30 May 1839

Gerry, James T., 1797-1854

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Ann T. Gerry

Witnessing battle during a Mexican rebellion, low opinion of the Mexican army. From his ship Gerry has been watching the battle between the Mexican Government under Santa Anna and revolutionary forces led by Jose de Urrea, a former ally of Santa Anna's. General Urrea is defending the city of Tampico against the Mexican forces under General Arista. Arista has been bombarding the city from the water, and Gerry has been observing the action, and communicating with both commanding officers. He is also under orders to protect the well-being of all Americans in the vicinity. Arista would…

GLC09099.03

20 March 1850

Gerry, James T., 1797-1854

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elbridge T. Gerry

Instructions on how to act properly as a young man. Advises his nephew to study, especially history, act with respect and be the protector of his family. Also gives advice on how to act towards girls and reports news of other family members. Written on board the U.S.S. "Franklin" at Boston, Massachusetts.

GLC09099.06

20 June 1851

Gerry, James T., 1797-1854

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Ann Gerry

Friend badly burned when his office building catches fire. Writes to his sister, saying that his friend Gerry was badly injured in the fire, but hopes to continue his law practice. Written on board the U.S.S. "Albany" at Pensacola, Florida.

GLC09099.07

February 22, 1853

Gerry, James T., 1797-1854

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elbridge T. Gerry

Gives advice to his young nephew and relates stories from his travels at sea. Encourages Elbridge to read and learn in coming years to "lay a foundation which will influence all your future prospects." Describes the city of Pensacola, which he is not fond of, and its weather. Mentions his encounters with yellow fever, and inquires how the holidays went in New York.

GLC09099.08

January 28, 1854

Gerry, James T., 1797-1854

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elbridge T. Gerry

Tells his nephew about his various ports of call in Latin America. Says he went on official business in Caracas, gave his advice to the men working on the Panama railroad, and visited St. Thomas. Briefly describes some of his ports of call. Written on board the U.S.S. "Albany" at Greytown, Nicaragua, also known as San Juan del Norte.

GLC09099.09

February 24, 1854

Gerry, James T., 1797-1854

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Ann Gerry

Superior officer's jealousy, recent ports of call, and status of his officers. Believes his Commodore is jealous of him, and has therefore selected him for the most difficult missions possible. Many of his officers are sick. Of his voyage to Jamaica says "Jamaica is a wreck of what it formally was." Says the plantations are no longer functioning, which he blames on the emancipation of the slaves. "How any man in his right mind can advocate such a system of things perplexes me, and then to witness the general amalgamation of classes is too revolting to think of." Written on board the U.S…

GLC09099.10

29 April 1854

Gerry, James T., 1797-1854

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elbridge T. Gerry

Says he has been on important missions recently, including a trip to observe construction of the Panama railroad. Advises his nephew to study hard in college, build towards his future, and warns of what befalls those who do not apply themselves. Written on board the U.S.S. "Albany" off Pensacola.

GLC09099.11

12 May 1854

Gerry, James T., 1797-1854

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elbridge T. Gerry

Advises Elbridge to study hard while at college and says this is the best way to assure a bright future. Says he has not been receiving his newspapers, and is having trouble finding good carpenters to repair boats. Written on board the U.S.S. "Albany" at the Navy Yards in Warrington, Florida

GLC09099.12

28 May 1854

Gerry, James T., 1797-1854

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elbridge T. Gerry

Very pleased with praise he has received from the government for his recent actions as a Navy captain. The Navy Department has "sent me a highly complimentary letter approving most fully my official acts during my last cruise, many of which were exceedingly important, involving great responsibility, and requiring prompt decision, and firmness in execution." Says he is having trouble getting his ship fixed, but will sail again as soon as it is ready. Advises his nephew on how best to preserve his health as a young man.

GLC09099.13

20 June 1854

Gerry, James T., 1797-1854

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elbridge T. Gerry

Changing times have led to changes in American ways of life and religion. Marvels at the advances of the era, and how much life is changing and advancing. Worries that the "Romanists," meaning Catholics, are trying to take over the country, though he believes they will fail. His own Episcopal parish is building a new church. Hopes he will soon be able to return to sea.

GLC09099.14

1 March 1844

Sinclair, William, fl. 1844

Document signed

Title: [Check made out to James T. Gerry]

Check made out to James T. Gerry for one hundred and thirty seven dollars and eighty eight cents. Check was attached with a nail to a later note, explaining that the check was a Naval pay receipt.

GLC09099.15.01

12 September 1891

Bannerman, Francis, 1851-1918

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elbridge T. Gerry

Attaching a check from Gerry's uncle. States that the check attached to the letter by a nail is a pay receipt from James T. Gerry.

GLC09099.15.02