American Naval officer (1800–1874) who commanded the CSS Virginia (formerly the USS Merrimack) during the Civil War. Manuscript DS, signed “Frankn. Buchanan, Commander,” one page both sides, 7.5 x 12.25, October 1842. A page from a “Journal of a Cruise in the U.S. Steamer [Mississippi] in September–October, 1842, noting weather conditions, crew activities, work done on the ship, and the like. Of unusual interest is a section titled “Punished with the cats [o’nine tails] the following men,” including “6 lashes each for drunkenness” and “12 lashes each … for desertion.” Mild toning and faint show-through of ink, otherwise fine condition. R&R COA.
