Details:

Robley D. Evans autographed handwritten letter (ALS), dated February 21, 1902, on official U.S.S. Illinois letterhead. Written across two pages of a single folded sheet, the letter is addressed to E. K. May and concerns a request to obtain the autograph of Prince Henry of Prussia, who was visiting the United States at the time.

Evans expresses regret that he cannot secure the Prince's autograph, explaining that he has been compelled to decline similar requests because of their number. He suggests that the recipient might have better success contacting Prince Henry directly, writing, "I think you will be more likely to get what you want by addressing H.R.H. personally."

The letter is signed "R. D. Evans" at the conclusion. An interesting association between a prominent American naval commander and Prince Henry of Prussia, a German admiral and brother of Kaiser Wilhelm II, during the Prince's highly publicized 1902 visit to the United States.

The folded sheet measures approximately 5 x 6.25 inches. Fine condition with light age toning and original folds.

Robley D. Evans (1846–1912), popularly known as "Fighting Bob" Evans, was an American naval officer who served from the Civil War through the Spanish-American War and rose to the rank of Rear Admiral in the United States Navy. Wounded during the Civil War at the Second Battle of Fort Fisher in 1865, Evans later became one of the Navy's most recognizable commanders. He commanded the battleship USS Iowa during the Spanish-American War and achieved his greatest fame as commander of the Great White Fleet, leading its historic 1907–1908 voyage from the Atlantic to the Pacific via the Strait of Magellan. The fleet's global deployment became a landmark demonstration of American naval power and the United States' emergence as a major international force.

Authentication:
Includes a full letter of authenticity from JG Autographs, Inc.

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Reference sku: 11705 1419271-1