Lot 1037
South Pacific Whaling Letters - 1850 and 1853. Autograph letter from Ezra Gifford to his aunt in Taunton, Mass., 1850 Dec. 24, 3 pp., written "At Sea on board Ship Phocion" telling her of the history of the South Pacific voyage which began in New Bedford on Nov. 18, 1849. He describes his "introduction to old Neptune in rather an uncivil manner…employed as whaleman usually are in getting all things ready for a successful attack on the monster of the deep. Dec. 25th the joyful cry of there she blows was heard which proved to be sperm whales…." Many details of his voyage and whaling. Small hole in left margain; light toning. With a one-page letter from Moses How, New Bedford, 1853, July 22, telling Dr. Beardsley of Willet, N.Y., of the last letter he received from Orondo (Beardsley's son) was in 1847, and it said that Orondo sailed from N. Bedford in (whaling) Ship Formosa and runaway from her at Talcahuano…Chile where he calculated to stop for a number of years & perhaps for life…." With 5¢ stampless cover postmark.
Estimated Value $400 - 600.
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| Realized $240 |
