American naval officer (1794–1858) who took a leading role in the establishment of international trade with the formerly insular nation of Japan. ALS signed “M. C. Perry,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 8 x 9.75, August 11, 1834. Letter to the children of his brother, Captain Raymond H. Perry. In full: “I have recently noticed in the public papers an account of the decease of your last surviving parent and as we sincerely condole with you in the affliction produced by this melancholy bereavement I write to communicate to you and your brother and sister the affectionate sympathies entertained by every member of my family for your late loss. Surrounded as you now are by friends & relatives able and willing to render you any advice and assistance it might seem superfluous for me to offer any thing more than my kind wishes for your welfare and happiness. But, if in the course of future events either of you may require the aid of me standing in the relation that I do, I hope you will not hesitate to call freely upon me. I cannot close this letter without expressing to you the high respect I entertain for the ‘estimable’ character of your excellent step father Genl Sumner from his unvaried and paternal care. You all owe him a debt of gratitude and love.” Reverse of second integral page is addressed in Perry’s hand to “Mr. James D. Wolf Perry, care of James D. Wolf Esq, Bristol, Rhode Island.” Page is also docketed in an unknown hand and retains most of its black wax seal. In very good condition, with intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, small separation to one horizontal fold, scattered toning and soiling, and paper loss to second page from seal. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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