ALS from Edmund Fanning to Amos Holbrook dated 27 June 1803.
New York: 1803. Ephemera. An autograph letter signed from Fanning to Dr. Holbrook, concerning the well-being of Holbrook's son Samuel, who had accompanied Fanning or Fanning's brother on a journey to Canton.
Edmund Fanning was renowned American sea captain known as the "Pathfinder of the Pacific." He spent a profitable life at sea, making a fortune in the China trade, killing seals in the South Pacific, trading their skins with China for silks, spices and tea, and in turn selling them in New York. He discovered three South Pacific Islands - Fanning, Washington and Palmyra. Acting for American investors, Fanning was agent for more than 70 commercial voyages. In 1829 he was instrumental in sending out the first American naval exploring expedition, and was greatly responsible for Congress's authorizing of the Wilkes Expedition. Fanning's memoirs, Voyages Around the World, were published in 1833.
Dr. Amos Holbrook [1754-1842] was a pioneer in the propagation of smallpox inoculations as a means of improving public health. He had three wives and 11 children. (The Chapin Tree, Ancestry.com) Samuel [1773-1802] was the oldest child and the only son who survived into adulthood. He is the unnamed subject of the letter, as he accompanied Fanning or Fanning's brother on a journey to Canton. The letter is dated June 27, 1803. Holbrook's concern for his son was well founded; in fact, it was likely that his son was already dead at the writing of this letter. Fortunately, Holbrook had five daughters that survived into adulthood.
7.5 x 9", handwritten, 4 page self mailing letter, written on front, with original red wax seal and oval cancellation stamp. Original folds, some marks not affecting text.
A sad reminder of the effect of the immense time lag in communications in the early 19th century. Otherwise very good condition. Item #23734
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