Details:

Winfield Scott Schley autographed letter (LS), dated August 23, 1882, on official "Office of Light-House Inspector, Second District" letterhead from Boston, Massachusetts. Addressed to Hon. C. B. Marchant, Collector of Customs at Edgartown, Massachusetts, the letter concerns reimbursement for telephone and telegraph communications connected with Lighthouse Service business.

Schley informs Marchant that expenses for telephone and telegraph messages can only be paid when the messages bear the address or signature of the Inspector. He suggests that the matter be referred to the Lighthouse Board for instructions in order to avoid further expense.

The letter is signed "W. S. Schley" at the conclusion above his designation as Commander, U.S. Navy and Lighthouse Inspector for the Second District. An interesting early document from Schley's service with the U.S. Lighthouse Service, more than a decade before his celebrated role in the Spanish-American War.

The letter measures approximately 8 x 10 inches. Fine condition with expected age toning, mailing folds, and light handling wear.

Winfield Scott Schley (1839–1911) was an American naval officer who served during the Civil War and rose to the rank of Rear Admiral in the United States Navy. He later commanded the 1884 Arctic expedition that rescued survivors of Adolphus Greely's ill-fated exploration party. Schley achieved his greatest fame during the Spanish-American War as commander of the Flying Squadron at the decisive Battle of Santiago de Cuba on July 3, 1898, which resulted in the destruction of the Spanish fleet. His role in the victory made him one of the most celebrated American naval figures of his era.

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

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Reference sku: 11705 1419266-1