2005-03
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/28/2005
Autograph Letter Signed, “J.D. Fox” 1-1/4p. quarto, January 13, 1864, on Navy Department lettersheet, addressed to George Blunt, and reads “...The charges against the Navy Department for building slow steamers is best answered by a comparative public trial, and I am authorized by the Secretary to make arrangements to run one of our vessels against the fastest sea-going side-wheel steamer in the country - foreign or American. The Ardiatic, Illinois, Fulton, Eagle, and some of the Cunard line are I believe in New York at this time. The Eutaw, one of the only class of side-wheel steamers constructed by this Department and known as a double-ender is now at the Washington Navy Yard and will be sent around to New York if a race can be arranged. Her tonnage is 974 and her draft 8 feet 6 inches, and she will run against the same tonnage and draft in any weather. If her competitor is much larger the race to take place in smooth water...” VG.
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