British sailor and navigator (1787–1834) who in 1823 sailed to 532 statute miles south of the Antarctic Circle and into a region of the Southern Ocean that later became known as the Weddell Sea. ALS signed “Ja. Weddell,” one page, 5 x 8, August 18, 1826. Letter to J. Huntsman. In part: “I have rec’d a letter from Mr. Casey informing me that he had handed you the proof sheets of my pamphlet. He mentions having made some little alterations which I will thank you to attend to…I wrote you a short time since concerning the second edition of my book [A Voyage Toward the South Pole] and when you send me copies of that now in the press. I shall be glad to hear your ideas on the matter.” Reverse of second integral page is addressed in another hand to Huntsman in London. In very good condition, with scattered toning and soiling, some stray ink flecks, and paper loss to one corner of second integral page.
Upon his return to England in July of 1824, Weddell was encouraged to detail his record-setting southerly voyage aboard his ship the Jane. Though filled with tales of hardship, strong bonds formed between crew members, and dangerous encounters with other ships, the book became much more than just an adventure story; it also featured detailed scientific measurements, lengthy observations of wildlife, and descriptions of previously unknown islands and coasts, making it a valuable source of information. A Voyage Towards the South Pole, Performed in the Years 1822-1824, was first published in 1825, followed by a second enlarged edition, to which Weddell here refers, in 1827, incorporating information from the Jane’s companion ship Beaufoy. A rare handwritten letter from a key figure in Antarctic exploration—the only Weddell piece we have ever offered! RRAuction COA.
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