2004-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2004
Original "Navy Department / General Order / October 17, 1863." Single sheet, both sides. Printed official notification that "…at a General court martial…convened at Navy Yard, Mare Island, California August 20, 1863 CAPTAIN DAVID M. COHEN and 1'st Lieut William B. McKean of the Marine Corps…were tried on the following charges…scandalous conduct tending to the destruction of good morals." Details of the trial and the findings, indicating that Capt. Cohen "…sent a written message in the nature of a challenge to E. A. Selfridg, Clerk of the Commandant of the [Navy] Yard" and that Lt. McKean "…acting as a friend or second of Capt. D. M. Cohen of the Marine Corps was the bearer of the written message in the nature of a challenge…" Found guilty of one of the charges they were both "sentenced to be reprimanded…" but upon review by Gideon Wells, Sec'y of the Navy, the sentences were "…not confirmed and the proceedings of the court disapproved…" with reasons for same. Cohen had a very long and commendable record with the Marine Corps, rising to the rank of major (at the time high rank, the Marine Corps' commandant being a colonel !). Pages 3 and 4 blank. Full, wide margins. 5½ x 8½ . A fascinating piece of American military Judaica.
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