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Autographs
Scarce Commodore Matthew C. Perry Autograph Letter
MATTHEW C. PERRY (1794-1858). Commodore and “Father” of the U.S. Steam Navy, who compelled the “Opening of Japan” to the West with the Convention of Kanagawa in 1854.
December 10, 1832-Dated, Autograph Letter Signed, "M. C. Perry", one page, 10” x 7.75”, aboard the U.S. Ship Concord, Portsmouth Lower Road, Choice Extremely Fine. To Commander William Crane, Commander of the Naval Station at Portsmouth, N.H., it reads in full:
“Sir I have the honor to transmit under cover to you two reports (not present) addressed to the President of the Board of Navy Commissioners - I am Sir Very Respectfully - Your Obi. Serv. - M. C. Perry.”
There is also a Docket on the Integral Leaf. The finely written ink appears slightly light yet it is easily and clearly readable. The paper is fresh, bright and clean with a superior appearance. A very scarce Commodore Matthew C. Perry Autograph Letter Signed.
Matthew C. Perry was born on April 10, 1794 in South Kingston, Rhode Island. He commanded the first U.S. navy steamship, the Fulton and led naval forces in the Mexican War. President Millard Fillmore sent Perry to head a naval expedition to Japan. Perry's efforts concluded the first treaty between Japan and the U.S. and opened the Far East to U.S. influence. He followed his brother Oliver Perry into the navy and commanded the first U.S. navy steamship, the Fulton (1837–40). He led naval forces in the Mexican War and assisted Winfield Scott at Veracruz.
In 1852 Pres. Millard Fillmore sent Perry to head a naval expedition to induce Japan to establish diplomatic relations with the U.S. Concluding that the country's centuries-old policy of isolation would be ended only by a show of force, Perry led four ships into the fortified harbour of Uraga (1853) and convinced the Japanese to accept his message. In 1854 he entered Edo (now Tokyo) Bay with nine ships and concluded the first treaty between Japan and the U.S., which granted the U.S. trading privileges and opened the Far East to U.S. influence.
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| Estimate | $800 - $1,000 |
| Starting Bid | $600 |
