Letter Signed

(1832-1903) Born in Jackson, Louisiana, he was appointed an Acting Midshipman on June 26, 1846, and served on the Ohio during the Mexican War. He entered the U.S. Naval Academy in 1851, and graduated the next year. At the outbreak of the Civil War he served on the steam sloop Lancaster and later became the executive officer of the Chippewa in the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. He later commanded the gunboats Chocura and Port Royal, and was commended for his gallant conduct in the battle of Mobile Bay, under Admiral David G. Farragut, on August 5, 1864. After the war he commanded the Colorado and Lancaster, and was present at the bombardment of Alexandria, Egypt. He served as President of the Naval Examining Board, as Governor of the Philadelphia Naval Asylum, and as Commandant of the New York Navy Yard. He was promoted to Rear Admiral, on August 25, 1887. In 1893, he was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Naval Review Fleet. He retired on November 10, 1894.

Letter Signed: 5 x 8, in ink, on imprinted letter sheet.

Commandant’s Office
Navy Yard, New York
April 13th, 1894

My dear Mr. Ralph,

A friend of mine who has a country place is desirous of improving its appearance by planting some trees upon it.

His attention having been drawn in a catalogue published by B.A. Elliott & Co. of Pittsburgh to the beautiful condition of Mr. Davis’ Dosoris Island, I venture to ask if you will kindly obtain a permit for myself and some friends, not more than four persons, to visit the Island.

Very Sincerely,
Bancroft Gherardi

Mr. J. Ralph
c/o The Sun
New York

Light age toning. Wear to the upper left corner of the letter sheet. Tiny tear at bottom edge.

Footnote: Dosoris Island, was first acquired in 1668 when Robert Williams purchased 1,000 acres from the Matinicock Indians, which included this island. It is located on Long Island Sound, New York, near the present day town of Glen Cove.