Beardslee, Lester Anthony (1836-1903) to Napoleon Collins
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01920.02 Author/Creator: Beardslee, Lester Anthony (1836-1903) Place Written: Aboard the U.S. Prize Steamer Florida off St. Thomas Type: Letter Date: 31 October 1864 Pagination: 4 p. ; 25.3 x 20.2 cm. Order a Copy
Copy of letter written by Lieutenant Commander Beardslee to Commander Collins. Beardslee's signature is in a clerical hand. Is disappointed to learn that Collins thinks poorly of his conduct while in charge of the captured Confederate ship "Florida." The ship was captured on 7 October 1864 and was steaming north. Says he has given the ship undivided attention since the arrival of the "Florida" in Bahia, Brazil. Says they are undermanned because of the many prisoners on board. Says he has been on such vigilance that he has not even taken off his clothes, except to bathe. Collins was angry that Beardslee drifted away and lost contact with him on 29 October. Says on arrival to the United States nothing will be found wrong with his conduct, unless the capture itself is deemed illegal (which it eventually was). Signed by Acting Ensign Charles J. Barclay that this "is a true copy."
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