2008-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2008
An intregueing 1p. letter from the British arms dealer, Cumming Beaver & Co., ... Singapore, Nov. 20th, 1863, to “Capt.Semmes, Conf. Gov. “Alambama,” in part “We represent your government’s interest at this port and hearing you are outside take opportunity of advising you that we are prepared to furthur your views in any way you may point out. ... if you require any outfit or supplies we will send them to you & a letter given to the bearer will reach us safely ...” The letter was never received by Semmes. By some error, the letter was sent to the Union ship Wyoming as indicated by a period note which is included in this group, “This letter was sent off by Cumming and Beaver & Co., an English firm at Singapore, to the USS Wyoming (Capt. McDougal) which was supposed to be the Confederate steamer Alabama.” The US Wyoming received orders June 16,1862 to proceed immediately to the Far East in search of "armed piratical cruisers fitted out by the rebels." On October 26th, Semmes wrote confidently in his journal that "Wyoming is a good match for this ship," and "I have resolved to give her battle.” Although the Alabama and the Wyoming never met, in his book, “The Cruise of the Alabama and the Sumter,” Semmes writes, “...Saturday, December 26th, At 6A.M. got under way, and stood out forthe light ship, and soon made a couple of American-looking ships ahead, at anchor; steamed up to the first, which refused to show colours. Sent a boat on board, when she proved to be the American ship Senora, from Singapore. Captured her, and steamed to the second, which in like manner refused to show colours. Upon sending a boat on board, she proved to be the American ship Highlander, also from Singapore. Captured her.”
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