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McBlair, William (d. 1863) to V. McBlair

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00722.59 Author/Creator: McBlair, William (d. 1863) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter Date: 12 February 1858 - 5 March 1858 Pagination: 4 p. ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy

Letter to his wife discussing life at sea and his visit to Liberia. Upon arrival in Liberia, McBlair's ship "Dale" gives the young nation a twenty-one gun salute. In Monrovia, the Liberian capital, McBlair meets with President Benson and former President Roberts, both of whom he speaks highly of. Discusses the "sleepy disease," which has killed one of his men. Also discusses family matters. Written on board the U.S.S. "Dale" at sea. Stephen A. Benson served as president of Liberia from 1856-1864. Joseph Jenkins Roberts was the first president of Liberia, from 1848-1856, and again served as president from 1872-1876.

William McBlair was a United States naval officer in command of the ship "Dale," responsible for catching illegal slave trading ships off the coast of Africa. Later served in the Confederate Navy.
Stephen A. Benson was the President of Liberia from 1856-1864.
Joseph Jenkins Roberts was the first President of Liberia, from 1848-1856, and again served as President from 1872-1876.

McBlair, V., fl. 1857-1859
McBlair, William, ?-1863
Benson, Stephen Allen, 1816-1865
Roberts, Joseph Jenkins, 1809-1876

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