Blair, James (b. 1819) to Elizabeth Blair
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03209.27.03 Author/Creator: Blair, James (b. 1819) Place Written: Callao, Peru Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 July 1839 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20.5 x 16.4 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to his sister from the United States Ship Peacock. States that Captain William L. Hudson of the Peacock supported him in an affaire d'honour. Informs Elizabeth that women he met at a Ball in Valparaiso, Chile perceive Americans as "the people who struck the first blow for Liberty in the New World." States that Captain Charles Wilkes, leader of the Peacock and other vessels on the expedition, wrote for his warrant. Requests Elizabeth to give his love to family and friends in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Norfolk, Virginia.
The Peacock was one of six vessels in an expedition established to provide accurate naval charts for the whaling industry. James and Elizabeth Blair were the children of Francis Preston Blair, editor of the Democratic Washington, D.C. newspaper, The Globe, 1829-1845.
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