Marchand, John B. (1808-1875) to Thomas Ap Catesby Jones
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02680.02 Author/Creator: Marchand, John B. (1808-1875) Place Written: San Francisco, California Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 8 October 1849 Pagination: 4 p. ; 31 x 19.9 cm. Order a Copy
Marchand states his desire to be detached from his ship and copies an earlier letter of his to support his case. Since he has served three years and his ship is about to "almost circumnavigate the globe," believes he is entitled to instead return to the United States. Also displeased with his current rank and treatment in relation to other officers. On the last three pages of the letter, copies other letters of his own that support his case. Many of these involve Jones' accusation against Marchand of insubordination and being involved in "gold mania," which Marchand denies. Written on board the U.S.S. St. Mary's.
Thomas ap Catesby Jones was commander of the United States Navy in the Pacific. Jones would later be court martialed for oppressing his junior officers.
John B. Marchand was an officer in the United States Navy. He captained the steamer "Memphis" during the Paraguay expedition, served as Captain of the U.S.S. Lackawanna during the Civil War, later promoted to Commodore.
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