American admiral (1837–1917) best known for his fabled victory at the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War. TLS, one page, 8 x 10.5, Navy Department letterhead, October 31, 1910. Dewey writes to Katherine Woods in Washington, D.C. In full: “I acknowledge with thanks the copy of ‘Merit’ you sent me, and regret that as yet I have not had time to look closely into it. I send you herewith the smallest photograph I have of myself, and one which I value very much, as it was taken by Mrs. Arthur Lee, of this city, on board my flagship, the Olympia, at Manila, in the summer of 1898….” Accompanied by the photo Dewey mentions, which measures 5 x 7 on a 6 x 9 mount. The letter is in very good condition, with intersecting folds (touching signature) scattered soiling, toning, and wrinkling; the photo, save for a touch of subtle soiling and silvering, is clean and fine. R&R COA.
