Lot
592 
(War of 1812 Related) "M Head 23 Nov", manuscript postmark and red manuscript "SH 19" rating on folded letter datelined "at Sea - Halifax Nova Scotia Novr. 17 - 1805" (Halifax crossed out) and addressed to East Haddam Ct., interesting content reading, "Gentlemen I arriv'd off Sandyhook October 31st with 209 Hhds Sugars on board where I was boarded by the Cambrian Frigate and Ordered on board With my papers after they were Examind the Capt told me he should detain me and send me to Halifax. My mate and all my men except the Cook was taken out - a prize master mate & seven men put on board & made sail for this place I am not disappointed in being sent in." and postscript "N.B. I wrote this letter to send from Halifax we have been drove off 3 times & I am in hopes to get in shortly by a fighting ship", Extremely Fine and interesting Marblehead Mass. ship letter use. Estimate $750 - 1,000.
This letter is a first-hand account of events that lead up to the Embargo of 1807 and the War of 1812.
HMS "Cambrian" was a Royal Navy 40-gun fifth rate frigate. She served in the English Channel, and off North America. In 1805, "Cambrian" transferred to the Halifax station, where she harassed French and Spanish shipping, and captured several privateers and merchantmen.
Realized: $650