1822,1831 ALS John Rogers, Naval Commander, Navy Yard, Philadelphia
Two separate and desirable autograph letters signed by Commodore John Rodgers (1773–1838), the senior officer of the U.S. Navy during the War of 1812 and one of the founders of the modern United States Navy.
1. John Rodgers ALS – Navy Commissioners Office
Identification
Author: Commodore John Rodgers (1773–1838)
Date: February 23, 1824
Place: Navy Commissioners' Office, Washington
Recipient: J. P. Davis, Boston
Format: Autograph Letter Signed (ALS), one page.
The letter reads:
"The duty of the Board of Navy Commissioners requires that they should take measures for the recovery of the amount due by you to the public. I beg leave to be informed in what way it would be most convenient to you to pay it."
Signed:
John Rodgers
Historical Context
At the time of this letter Rodgers was serving on the Board of Navy Commissioners, created in 1815 to administer procurement, finance, ship construction, and naval infrastructure.
Rather than routine correspondence from a ship at sea, this is an official administrative letter concerning collection of debts owed to the United States Government, illustrating the day-to-day operation of the post-War of 1812 Navy.
Condition
- Complete letter
- Strong signature
- Original folds
- Minor edge wear
- Small archival edge notch
- Good-Very Good
A scarce official letter from one of the most important officers in early U.S. naval history.
2. John Rodgers ALS with Free Frank
Identification
Author: Commodore John Rodgers
Date: April 13, 1831
Place: Navy Commissioners Office
Recipient:
Commanding Officer
Navy Yard
Philadelphia
Free-franked by Rodgers.
Contents
Rodgers orders repairs following storm damage.
He writes:
"You will have the tin replaced upon the roof of the Ship House over the Pennsylvania, which was blown off by the gale of wind on the night of the 8th..."
This concerns maintenance of the USS Pennsylvania, one of the largest and most powerful sailing warships ever constructed by the United States Navy.
Historical Importance
This letter has considerably stronger historical content than the 1824 debt letter.
It concerns:
- USS Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia Navy Yard
- storm damage
- Navy infrastructure
- official repairs
- signed by America's senior naval officer
It also retains:
- free-franked address panel
- Washington postal marking
- complete letter
Collectors strongly prefer naval letters discussing actual ships.
Condition
Very Good
Original folds
Excellent signature
Free frank
Postal markings intact
Matching address leaf present
Two separate and desirable autograph letters signed by Commodore John Rodgers (1773–1838), the senior officer of the U.S. Navy during the War of 1812 and one of the founders of the modern United States Navy.
1. John Rodgers ALS – Navy Commissioners Office
Identification
Author: Commodore John Rodgers (1773–1838)
Date: February 23, 1824
Place: Navy Commissioners' Office, Washington
Recipient: J. P. Davis, Boston
Format: Autograph Letter Signed (ALS), one page.
The letter reads:
"The duty of the Board of Navy Commissioners requires that they should take measures for the recovery of the amount due by you to the public. I beg leave to be informed in what way it would be most convenient to you to pay it."
Signed:
John Rodgers
Historical Context
At the time of this letter Rodgers was serving on the Board of Navy Commissioners, created in 1815 to administer procurement, finance, ship construction, and naval infrastructure.
Rather than routine correspondence from a ship at sea, this is an official administrative letter concerning collection of debts owed to the United States Government, illustrating the day-to-day operation of the post-War of 1812 Navy.
Condition
- Complete letter
- Strong signature
- Original folds
- Minor edge wear
- Small archival edge notch
- Good-Very Good
A scarce official letter from one of the most important officers in early U.S. naval history.
2. John Rodgers ALS with Free Frank
Identification
Author: Commodore John Rodgers
Date: April 13, 1831
Place: Navy Commissioners Office
Recipient:
Commanding Officer
Navy Yard
Philadelphia
Free-franked by Rodgers.
Contents
Rodgers orders repairs following storm damage.
He writes:
"You will have the tin replaced upon the roof of the Ship House over the Pennsylvania, which was blown off by the gale of wind on the night of the 8th..."
This concerns maintenance of the USS Pennsylvania, one of the largest and most powerful sailing warships ever constructed by the United States Navy.
Historical Importance
This letter has considerably stronger historical content than the 1824 debt letter.
It concerns:
- USS Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia Navy Yard
- storm damage
- Navy infrastructure
- official repairs
- signed by America's senior naval officer
It also retains:
- free-franked address panel
- Washington postal marking
- complete letter
Collectors strongly prefer naval letters discussing actual ships.
Condition
Very Good
Original folds
Excellent signature
Free frank
Postal markings intact
Matching address leaf present
