An error has occurred while processing this page. The site administrator has been notified. We apologize for the inconvenience.
7
ORDERING A CAPTAIN TO "TAKE, SINK OR DESTROY" ENEMY SHIPS (AMERICAN REVOLUTION.) HANCOCK, JOHN. Autograph Letter Signed, with initials, a retained draft of a letter to Captain George Little, giving him his orders to command the armed Sloop Winthrop -- the last ship of the Massachusetts's Navy -- on a "cruise for the protection of the sea coast against the Enemies of these United States, whose vessels if not superior to you in force you will use your best endeavors to take, sink or destroy." 2 pages, folded tall 4to sheet with integral blank; a bit toned, separations at folds closed on verso. Boston, 8 July 1782
ORDERING A CAPTAIN TO "TAKE, SINK OR DESTROY" ENEMY SHIPS (AMERICAN REVOLUTION.) HANCOCK, JOHN. Autograph Letter Signed, with initials, a retained draft of a letter to Captain George Little, giving him his orders to command the armed Sloop Winthrop -- the last ship of the Massachusetts's Navy -- on a "cruise for the protection of the sea coast against the Enemies of these United States, whose vessels if not superior to you in force you will use your best endeavors to take, sink or destroy." 2 pages, folded tall 4to sheet with integral blank; a bit toned, separations at folds closed on verso. Boston, 8 July 1782
-
Notes: scarce war-date naval orders for a ship of the massachusetts's navy.
Although written after the fall of Yorktown and during the peace negotiations, Hancock still feared the superior British naval presence along New England coast. At this early stage in the peace negotiations, it was not certain that the war would truly end, as Britain initially refused to recognize American independence as a pre-condition of a peace treaty. The armed sloop Winthrop, commissioned by the Massachusetts's Navy, was commanded by Captain George Little with Edward Preble (of later American naval fame) as First Lieutenant. In this letter, Hancock orders Little to proceed with extreme caution and to avoid heavily-armed vessels, writing "You will be particularly careful not to fall in the way of a superior force, but avoid as much as possible even the hazard of being captured, and should you find that there are vessells of superior force to you in the Bay & you will be in danger of being taken you are directed immediately to return in to the port of Boston." Further, he orders that the Winthrop guard several ships carrying provisions for various American posts, including a schooner bound for Machias and the sloop Roxbury bound for Frenchman's Bay. In addition, the letter orders Little to escort back any "coasting vessels from the Eastward." After receiving these orders, the Winthrop cruised the Maine coast for about 2 months and captured 5 prizes, including two privateers. After two more sailings in 1783, the Winthrop was decommissioned as the last ship of the Massachusetts's Navy and sold.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
May 12, 2005 12:00 AM EDT
New York, NY, US
Swann Auction Galleries
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 0% and any applicable taxes and shipping.