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Smith Thompson (1768–1843), Secretary of the Navy — Autograph Signed Letter, March 22, 1823.
An exceptionally interesting original manuscript letter signed by Smith Thompson, Secretary of the United States Navy under President James Monroe, concerning the estate of celebrated naval hero Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry and an alleged legacy Perry intended for the men who fought with him in the Battle of Lake Erie, September 10, 1813.
Written from the Navy Department on March 22, 1823, Thompson acknowledges receiving a letter asking for information concerning a purported legacy left by the late Commodore Perry “to the gallant men who achieved with him the glorious victory on Lake Erie.” Thompson replies that the Navy Department cannot provide the requested information because it has “no knowledge whatever of the private affairs of the late Commodore Perry.”
The letter provides a remarkable contemporary documentary connection between Smith Thompson and Oliver Hazard Perry, extending beyond Perry\'s lifetime. Thompson had served as Secretary of the Navy during Perry\'s final years and was directly involved in the arrangements for Perry\'s important 1819 diplomatic mission to Venezuela. Perry died of yellow fever during that mission on August 23, 1819.
Particularly intriguing is the reference to a private legacy for the men who served with Perry at Lake Erie. The Battle of Lake Erie was one of the decisive American victories of the War of 1812, resulting in the capture of the entire British squadron and establishing American control of the lake. This letter demonstrates that, several years after Perry\'s death, questions concerning such a legacy were still being pursued through the Navy Department.
The document is signed “Smith Thompson” at lower right and is addressed to a Mr. Jacob [surname unclear] at lower left. Further research into the recipient may reveal a direct connection to one of Perry\'s Lake Erie veterans, potentially adding additional significance.
Historical significance: An unusually specific Secretary of the Navy document concerning the private affairs and legacy of one of America\'s most celebrated naval heroes. A compelling War of 1812, U.S. Navy, Oliver Hazard Perry, and Smith Thompson manuscript.
Date: March 22, 1823
Place: Navy Department, Washington
Signer: Smith Thompson, Secretary of the Navy
Subject: Estate/legacy of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry; Lake Erie veterans
Condition: Significant age-related wear, folds, staining, edge losses and tears, but with the principal text and Thompson signature clearly preserved.
A fascinating primary-source document linking the Secretary of the Navy, Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, and the surviving heroes of the Battle of Lake Erie.
An important manuscript for collectors of the War of 1812, early American naval history, presidential-era documents, and material relating to Oliver Hazard Perry.
