Search for Sailor One Year After Sinking of the USS Hornet

Autograph Letter Signed, “Benj. Cox”, 2pp, 7.75" x 12.25", Salem, December 25, 1830. Folds with separation and paper loss, some with tape repair; tears at left edge; scattered foxing; else, good to very good condition.

Benjamin Cox’s letter regards the disappearance of the unknown recipient’s brother, and the sinking of the USS Hornet. He writes, in part, “Your enquiries would that I could give a different answer from that which I am now obligated to: He was on board of the Hornet when she was driven out of the harbour of Tampico by a hurricane on the 9th of Sept. 1829 - not the slightest doubt...but that she floundered near the coast on the next day as the storm then raged with its greatest violence - with her lamented friends & all on board must have perished. That she sunk at sea is probable had she been driven ashore some part of the wreck would undoubtedly have been discovered...If we should be so fortunate as to learn any thing...we will immediately requaint you of it..."

Benjamin Cox (1779-1863) was a shipping merchant who also rented property. He was born in Salem, Massachusetts, the son of Benjamin (1743-1788) and Elizabeth Very (1727-1820) Cox. In 1803, he married Sarah Smith (1785-1873) and they had nine children. 

The USS Hornet was a sloop of war built in 1805 that carried eighteen 32-pound carronades and two 12-pound long guns. It saw action in the War of 1812 and was the first ship in the war to capture a British privateer. It was then assigned to patrol the West Indies until it disappeared with 145 lost in the Caribbean, reportedly sinking in a gale off Tampico on September 29, 1829.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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