Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Hancock, George (1819-1876) to John G. Walker

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03804.16 Author/Creator: Hancock, George (1819-1876) Place Written: Portsmouth, England Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 August 1869 Pagination: 4 p. ; 17.9 x 11.3 cm. Order a Copy

Royal Navy Flag Captain Hancock, commander of the HMS "Duke of Wellington" has written to Walker as commander of the USS "Sabine." Hancock says that it appears 3 bondsmen have deserted from the Royal Marines and have taken refuge on Walker's ship. Says that he is certain Walker would not have admitted the men if he knew that they were deserters, but that they probably presented themselves to the Americans falsely. Sends along a separate sheet describing the men (not included here). Asks if the men are indeed on his ship that they be put on shore where the police can apprehend them. Hopes Walker will not take offense for this note and says he is only following through on his duties. Says he regrets not calling on Walker earlier, but that he hopes to do so shortly. Written on stationery of the HMS "Duke of Wellington."

Hancock entered the Royal Navy in 1834 and became a Lieutenant in 1844, a Commander in 1850, a Captain in 1855, and a Rear-Admiral in 1872. He commanded the HMS "Duke of Wellington" from 1867 to 1872. From 1867-1869, the ship was a training vessel. From 1870-1872, the ship was the flagship of the Port Admiral. Hancock finished his career as the Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific from April 1876-August 1876, when he died.

Walker, John

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources