March 25, 1859

Totten, Benjamin J., 1806-1877

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William McBlair

Forwarding papers describing the sentences of Thomas Connor and Frederick Breckendorf. Both men had been discharged from the Navy for bad conduct. Letter written on board the U.S.S. "Vincennes" at Porto Praya. Benjamin J. Totten, the commander of the U.S.S. "Vincennes," was later promoted to commodore, served as governor of the Naval asylum at Philadelphia for two years, and published a number of works regarding the Navy.

GLC00722.53

February 24, 1859

Totten, Benjamin J., 1806-1877

Document signed

Title: Case of Fredk Breckendorf, seaman

Breckendorf was court-martialed and dishonorably discharged after being found with marine drummer boy Edwin Donnohoe "under improper and suspicious circumstance." He was also placed in solitary confinement for thirty days for his "scandalous conduct." Signed twice by Totten.

GLC00722.54

March 25, 1859

Totten, Benjamin J., 1806-1877

Letter signed

Title: to William McBlair

Totten ordering McBlair to receive two prisoners, and to exchange drummer boys. He informs McBlair that he will receive on his ship "the men Connor and Breckendorf, sentenced by Summary Court Martial to be discharged from the Naval Services." He also orders McBlair to exchange drummers. Edwin Donnohoe, the drummer boy on board Totten's ship, is being sent to McBlair's ship because he "was implicated in an unnatural crime with the man Breckendorf, and perjured himself before the Summary Court Martial, and therefore should be discharged from the corps as soon as possible." Letter written on…

GLC00722.55