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1885 William C Whitney US Navy Manuscript Letter Signed Howison Uniform Board:
$89.95
1885 William C. Whitney U.S. Navy Manuscript Letter SignedManuscript Navy Department letter signed by William Collins Whitney as Secretary of the Navy, dated April 15, 1885. Addressed to Captain Henry L. Howison, U.S. Navy, the order formally dissolves the board convened to consider and recommend a uniform for enlisted sailors. Howison, board president, is instructed to await further orders.
Written in black ink slightly faded to brown on a single sheet of ruled, laid-finish writing paper measuring approx 7.75 x 9.75 inches (197 x 248 mm). Backlighting shows crown and Royal Irish Linen / Marcus Ward & Co. watermark. Reverse carries a period docket reading, 'April 15th 1885. Dissolving Board on Uniforms of Enlisted Men,' together with a later circled '442', likely a collection or dealer notation.
The COA identifies and authenticates Whitney’s signature and though the body text and signature appear contemporaneous, the COA only supports the autograph. The term 'fountain pen' is probably used to reference the tip type, not necessarily a historical account of what was used.
Condition- Good condition for its age, with expected handling and storage wear
- Two horizontal folds, trifold config; short split is beginning at the lower-right end of one fold.
- The remaining fold ends are weakened at the edges but do not show comparable splitting.
- Light overall toning, somewhat warmer on the reverse, more pronounced toning around the sheet edges.
- Localized surface soiling along the upper reverse does not materially show through to the front. It's mostly just that one profile that was stored outward.
- Brown-black manuscript ink shows light fading but remains readily legible.
- Period reverse docket in another hand, later circled '442' notation, very unique intertwined ink monogram at top left
- No tape, repairs, major tears, or substantial paper loss observed.
- Unedited daylight photographs provide the closest representation of the paper’s actual color, toning, and contrast. The sheet hue is difficult to photograph perfectly under synthetic lighting.
Ships by USPS Ground Advantage in its archival sleeve, with additional rigid front and rear backers for protection. Typically ships within 1 business day. Rates to Alaska and Hawaii differ from continental US; please message for quote. International shipping available through 's Global Shipping Program.
Historical NotesWilliam C. Whitney entered office as Secretary of the Navy under President Grover Cleveland on March 7, 1885, placing this letter less than six weeks into his administration. He later became closely associated with the modernization of the post-Civil War fleet and the development of the steel “New Navy.”
Henry L. Howison had been promoted to captain on March 2, 1885, shortly before receiving this order. A Civil War veteran, he later commanded USS Vandalia and became the first commanding officer of the battleship USS Oregon. He ultimately made it to admiral.
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