Naval officer and writer (1816–1885) remembered for taking the first photograph of the Fort McHenry flag that inspired The Star-Spangled Banner. ALS signed “Geo Henry Preble,” four pages, lightly-lined on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 8, December 15, 1869. Letter to Benjamin Lossing. In part: “I glanced for the first time this A.M. at your notices of the Oreto affair in your ‘Civil War’ and thank you for your recognition of the ‘cruel injustice’ that was done me by my dismissal, and which has not yet been entirely rectified to my satisfaction—I think however you might injustice to me qualify one of your statements—that while ‘waiting a few moments to see what to do’—she escaped etc—It is not one of my traits. No my dear Sir, I gave her only what I considered proper warning ‘The rule of the War’ as I considered it then & do now, and which I should follow under similar circumstances again—I have always considered I was very prompt in firing into her in three minutes & indeed as you will see even sooner for the third shot was aimed at her forefast.” In fine condition. The English-built Oreto was christened the C.S.S. Florida, a commerce raider and blockade runner. Accompanied by an unsigned carte-de-visite. RR Auction COA.
