Raynors HCA 2017-12
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/7/2017
William Story (1774-1864) was a Salem, Massachusetts merchant captain and once had a harrowing encounter with Sumatran pirates while captaining the Friendship. He successfully repulsed the attack, but it left him shaken and he sought an appointment in the Salem's custom house. Much to the chagrin of Nathaniel Hawthorne, Story appointed over him to the post of surveyor. Hawthorne vented his anger towards Story in the prologue of his well-known novel "The Scarlet Letter." He remained at the post for twenty-six years and retired at age 79. He was the half-brother of Supreme Court Justice Joseph Story. A rare Civil War era CDV, dated June 1863, showing Capt. William Story sitting at a table with cane published by D. W. Bowdoin, Salem, Mass. The verso of the card is inscribed: "Born August 18, 1774 Died March 17, 1864. ship Friend's Cup." Near fine.
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