BIB_ID
125680
Accession number
MA 553.51
Creator
Nelson, Thomas, 1738-1789.
Display Date
1781 Feb. 8.
Credit line
Likely acquired by Pierpont Morgan before 1913.
Description
1 item (1 p., with address) ; 19.3 cm
Notes
Address panel with fragments of a seal to "Captain Joel / on Board the Dragon / Chickahominy."
Part of a two-volume set of autographs of Signers of the Declaration of Independence; see main record for MA 552-553 for more information.
The Dragon, a sloop of the Virginia Navy, was destroyed in battle on the Chickahominy River on April 20, 1781.
Part of a two-volume set of autographs of Signers of the Declaration of Independence; see main record for MA 552-553 for more information.
The Dragon, a sloop of the Virginia Navy, was destroyed in battle on the Chickahominy River on April 20, 1781.
Summary
Concerning the assignment to him of the ship Dragon; saying that when he "applied for a Vessel for the Purpose of executing your Design against the Enemy's Fleet, I did not conceive that you expected one of any considerable Value; & when I directed the Commissioner of the Navy to supply you, it was not my Intention, nor was I authorized by his Excellency the Governour, to risque what it would be an Injury to the State to lose. I have therefore heard with astonishment that you have fitted out the Dragon Ship for your hazardous Enterprize. This Vessel has been ordered by Government for a different Service, & must be returned to the Ship Yard. I shall write to the Commissioner of the Navy to appoint an officer to take Charge of her & carry her back, to whom you will deliver her up."
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