Lot 1 email save

John McIntosh Kell Signed Letter Pertaining to the

KELL, John McIntosh (1823-1900) Executive Officer of the Confederate cruisers Alabama and Sumter. After entering the United States Navy at the age of 17, he served in the Mexican War and in 1853 on Perry's expedition to Japan. Upon Georgia's secession from the Union, Kell was the first U.S. Naval officer to offer his services to the South. Manuscript Letter Signed, "Jno. McIntosh Kell Comdr. G.N." 1p. quarto, G.N. Steamer ‘Savannah’, Savannah, Georgia, March 5, 1861, addressed to Capt Boggs of the Georgia Army, and reads "Your communication of the 26th ult. was received on the evening of the 3rd inst. I learn from Capt. Smith, Comdg. in the absence of Col. Hardee that the guns are in the city and will be delivered tomorrow. The construction of suitable carriages for ship board would detain me here a week or two, while I have orders from Comdr. Morris to report the Steamer Savannah ready for service at the earliest day possible. I have therefore handed him your letter conveying the instructions from Governor Brown relative to the howitzers and hope to report the Savannah ready for service the day after tomorrow armed with 50 Maynard Rifles and Sword Bayonets which are now on board..." Fine.

View Raynors' Historical Collectible Auctions next auction.

Similar lots up for auction