Naval officer and commander of the squadron sent to Japan to negotiate the treaty which opened up that country to commerce. ALS signed “M. C. Perry,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 7, June 22, 1837. Letter to a gentleman. In part, “A person from New Bedford who represented himself as former 2nd mate of a whale ship wrecked upon the Crash of Japan, called onbd the Mississippi the other day and expressed a desire to go out with me...He stated that he was one of the several prisoners...He is described by Captain McLuney as a fine looking sailor man from New Bedford.” In fine condition. R&R COA.
