McBlair, William, ?-1863 to V. McBlair
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00722.60 Author/Creator: McBlair, William, ?-1863 Place Written: Porto Praya, Cape Verde Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1858 Pagination: 4 p. : Height: 25 cm, Width: 20 cm Order a Copy
Writing to his wife, he discusses British pressure regarding American suppression of the slave trade, as well as his daily operations at sea, family affairs, and religion. He hopes to return to the United States by the first of December and believes "The worst of our work however is over on this coast." William McBlair signs with his initials. In part: "Dined yesterday ashore with our Consul...I am very busy making up my reports &c to leave here for the Commodore; I shall sail this afternoon for the Canaries...The Secretary has posstively promised that we shall be in U States by 1st December, but this...must not be whispered abroad, it might have a contrary effect - as the English have been pushing our government to keep up the number of guns required by treaty...Kennard also writes me that he has it from the best source that we are to be home by 1st December. Do not fail to interest Ingraham and Wilkes in sending me a certified copy of the orders...My beloved wife I am very, very anxious to hear that your health has been restored...."
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