Raynors HCA 2017-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/7/2017
Original mimeographed copy of a dispatch from Admiral GEORGE DEWEY (1837-1917), 1pp. 4to., Manila, Feb. 14, 1899, to George F.F. Wilde, commander of the protected cruiser U.S.S. BOSTON, congratulating him on the capture of an insurgent stronghold in the Philippines: "The Commander-in-Chief begs to acknowledge the receipt of your communication... announcing the capture and occupation of Iloilo... He desires to express his admiration for the skill, promptness, and bravery displayed by the officers and men of the BOSTON... which has reflected so much credit upon the Naval service." On this copy, Wilde has, in his own hand, added a letter to his wife, Holly, giving further information in a boastful tone: "This is pretty fair for an 'old chap' like myself, and the splendid young fellows under my command. 2500 soldiers... had been here since Dec 28th... I came on Feb 8th, with 80 men, I landed and took the town and held it till the army landed... The Navy is 'right there' 'first, last and all the time'..." He continues in the margin: "...There were 1500 insurgents in city armed with Mausers & exploding bullets..." A fine eyewitness account, which readily captures the sense of zeal and righteousness felt by many towards the successes of the Spanish-American war. Folds, with some minor splitting, else VG.
Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).
Click above for larger image.