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Letter Book of Outgoing Correspondence Regarding Naval Operations and the U.S.S. Brandywine, 1847 July 13-1849 July 9

1 box

Collection Overview

Collection Description & Creator Information

Scope and Contents

Of particular note are Storer's mentions of his ship's encounters with other vessels believed to be engaging in the slave trade. Storer's letter of May 27, 1848, instructs the commander of the U.S. steamer Allegheny to follow a ship suspected of carrying enslaved Africans: "...the Barque 'Louisa'... cleared this day for the coast of Africa with a cargo consisting of various articles, and in sufficient quantities, to be deemed suspicious." In a letter and order dated September 5, 1848, Storer spells out the problem in clear language to John A. Davis, the commander of the U.S.S. Perry: "I have reasons for believing that vessels engaged in the slave trade under the American flag, sometimes land their cargos on the coast between Cape Frio and the latitude of St. Salvadore. You will therefore cruise with the U.S. Brig Perry under your command along that part of the coast outside the Abrolhos Banks for two weeks, keeping a good look out for suspicious looking vessels under American Colors...." He then relates specific instructions for search and seizure of such vessels, careful to make sure that such activities do not violate the jurisdiction of Brazil. Storer tells Davis to "use every effort to arrest, bring to well merited punishment all persons who on the open seas may disgrace the American flag by making it in any way subservient to the pursuit and protection of this most nefarious commerce."

The front flyleaf contains the ownership inscription of David Tod, U.S. Ambassador when the Brazilian-American Claims Treaty was signed on January 27, 1849. The inscription reads: "David Tod, esquire / Envoy Extraordinary / and Minister Plenipotentiary / of the United States / Rio de Janeiro." Indeed, David Tod was the American representative who signed the claims document along with the Emperor of Brazil. The United States received 530,000 milreis to cover indemnifications against American interests which in dollar equivalents of 1850 was over one million dollars at the time. This ledger was likely used as evidence and then returned to Storer.

While the entries are not in complete chronological order, the letter book contains an index towards the end.

Arrangement

Arranged alphabetically by genre of material.

Collection History

Acquisition:

AM 2018-94

Appraisal

No appraisal information is available.

Processing Information

This collection was processed by Holly Mengel in 2012. Finding aid written by Holly Mengel in 2012.

Finding aid updated by Kelly Bolding in April 2018.

Access & Use

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. No further photoduplication of copies of material in the collection can be made when Princeton University Library does not own the original. Inquiries regarding publishing material from the collection should be directed to RBSC Public Services staff through the Ask Us! form. The library has no information on the status of literary rights in the collection and researchers are responsible for determining any questions of copyright.

Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements

For preservation reasons, original analog and digital media may not be read or played back in the reading room. Users may visually inspect physical media but may not remove it from its enclosure. All analog audiovisual media must be digitized to preservation-quality standards prior to use. Audiovisual digitization requests are processed by an approved third-party vendor. Please note, the transfer time required can be as little as several weeks to as long as several months and there may be financial costs associated with the process. Requests should be directed through the Ask Us Form.

Credit this material:

Letter Book of Outgoing Correspondence Regarding Naval Operations and the U.S.S. Brandywine; George W. Storer Brazil Squadron Papers, C1433, Manuscripts Division, Department of Special Collections, Princeton University Library

Location:
Firestone Library
One Washington Road
Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
(609) 258-3184
Storage Note:
  • Firestone Library (mss): Box B-001186

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