1 December 1839

Gerry, James T., 1797-1854

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Emily L. Gerry

Slave trade to Cuba and the evils of the slave traders. Details the methods used by traders who bring slaves to Cuba, and the horrible acts they have committed. Also discusses personal and family affairs, events in his daily life, and happenings in the Navy. "The Slave Trade is carried on openly from the port to a very great extent and that altogether in American built vessels and thru the agency of Americans...vessels arrive and depart daily, that are known to be Slavers...The horid barbarities committed by these fiends of darkness upon the poor Africans after they are taken on board…

GLC09099.04

December 1839

Gerry, James T., 1797-1854

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Ann T. Gerry

Desires to be a captain, and believes he may soon attain the role, though the Commodore, whom he dislikes, is making matters difficult for him. Describes Havana, Key West and the local flora, discusses slave traders and their evil ways. Believes he already does much of the work of a captain, and believes he should be promoted to the roll soon, though the Commodore may prevent this. Written on board the U.S.S. "Warren."

GLC09099.05

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

1831-1891

Gerry, James T., 1797-1854

Header Record

Title: Collection of James T. Gerry, United States Navy Commander [Decimalized .01-.16]

Fourteen letters by Gerry to his family, accompanied by an etching of Gerry, a pay receipt made out to him, and a letter from a collector describing the receipt. Letters to his family are written mostly to his mother, sister and nephew. They discuss his life in the navy, his ports of call, and his thoughts on slave traders. The letters to his nephew also include advice on how a young man should behave. Includes some of the last letters know from the U.S.S. "Albany." Also includes a December 1839 account of the chase and capture of a slave ship.

GLC09099