Naval Lot (3) Signed by Thomas Tingey & Thomas M. Hardy, Plus USS Delaware

A naval lot of three items, including an autograph letter signed, a signed document, and a signed transmittal cover. The letter, written aboard the USS "Delaware" writes about the success of a Midshipman Richard L. Law and discusses "entanglements of the Government." The document, signed by Commodore Thomas Tingey, is a request for paper, and the transmittal cover has been signed by Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas M. Hardy. The letter has flattened folds, with mounting residue on verso and staining to the front. Soiling, staining, and toning to both the signed document and cover. All with bold signatures. Further details of each piece are as follows:

1. Autograph Letter Signed "Thomas." 2pp, measuring 7.5" x 9", Rio de Janeiro, USS Delaware, dated January 17, 1842. Possibly written by Commander Thomas C. Harris, addressed to John Law Esq., concerning his son, Richard Lyman Law's activities and issues with the government. Reading in part: "It gives me much pleasure to inform you that all I see & head of him from the officers is much in his favor. He is attentive to & makes good progress in his studies, and his other duties, & is very correct & gentlemanly in his conduct…Our occupation here presents but few incidents or subjects for remark, and we have time to dwell on the state of affairs in the U States. At our last dates, it was still undecided whether our differences with England were to be adjusted, whether we were to have any laws for collecting revenue, or whether the Government would be able to receive money fund enough to meet its current expenses. But notwithstanding the entanglements of the Government & the violence of revulsions, the mass of the people were secure of all the benefits to be desired from an abundant Harvest judging from the representation in the newspapers. Your great North west were more likely to be injured by superabundance than want, as there would be little foreign demand for your surplus articles. I presume however that foreigners continue to amass in great numbers from Europe…"

2. Document Signed "Thos. Tingey." 1p, measuring 6.25" x 4", No place, dated July 10, 1821. Addressed to Messers Davis & Force, requesting to "please send for the use of my office - one ream of paper & of this quality…" The slip is mounted to a backing slip.

3. Transmittal Cover Signed "T.M. Hardy." 1p, measuring 4.5" x 3", London, dated December 12, 1833. Addressed to Mrs. Ogden of Warwick Row, Coventry.

The USS "Delaware" was launched in 1820 and put to sea in early 1828. She was briefly decommissioned in 1830 but recommissioned three years later, receiving President Andrew Jackson aboard. In November 1841, the "Delaware" set sail for a tour of duty on the Brazil Station and patrolled the coasts of Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina and spent time in Rio de Janeiro. Commander Thomas C. Harris (1823-1875) was attached to the Brazil Squadron and the "Delaware" during her 1841-1843 tour. Richard Lyman Law (1824-1891), a native of Indiana, was appointed a midshipman in February 1841, and his first tour was on board the "Delaware" on the Brazil Station from 1841 to 1843. He was commissioned a lieutenant in 1855 and as a lieutenant-commander in 1862, commanding the steamer "Clifton" in the West Gulf Blockading Squadron during the Civil War.

Thomas Tingey (1750-1829) was a commodore of the United States Navy. Born in London, Tingey originally served in the British Royal Navy, but joined the Continental Navy during the American Revolution. Tingey would go on to serve with distinction during the Quasi-War and served as the Commandant of the Washington Navy Yard until his death.

Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas Masterman Hardy, 1st Baronet (1769-1839) was a Royal Navy officer who served as flag captain to Admiral Lord Nelson, and commanded HMS Victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. He is famous for being present at Nelson's death, when Nelson was shot as he paced the decks with Hardy. Hardy is memorialized in Nelson's dying words, "Kiss me, Hardy." Hardy kissed his cheek, to which Nelson responded "No I am satisfied…God bless you Hardy." Hardy would go on to become First Naval Lord in November 1830.

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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