War-dated partly-printed DS, signed by British Admiral “John Borlase Warren,” one page, 7.75 x 12.75, September 2, 1813. A British naval appointment issued to Paul G. Panton during the War of 1812, given by Warren while in American waters “onboard his majesty’s Ship San Domingo, Lynhaven Bay in the Chesapeake.” In part: “Whereas, His Majesty’s Ship Plantagenet is vacant of a Lieutenant and it is represented to me, that you are qualified to perform the Duties of the office: You are therefore hereby required…to repair on board his Majesty’s said Ship and there take upon you the Charge and act as Lieutenant of her…during the absence of Lieut. Faussett, taken prisoner by the Enemy.” In fine condition, with expected document wear, scattered creases, and a few small stains. Lieutenant Robert Faussett was later freed and returned to the Plantagenet, playing a large role in the Battle of Fayal in the following year. The engagement was fought between the US and Britain on September 26–27, 1814, which began when Faussett took a small boat from the Planagenet to ascertain the nationality of the stranger in port at the Portuguese colony of Fayal in the Azores, which turned out to be American privateer. The American ship opened fire on Faussett after his boat drifted too close, and in return three British warships and several smaller boats filled with sailors and marines attacked the American ship. After repulsing two British attacks and killing one of their commanders, the Americans won a tactical victory but scuttled their ship the following morning to prevent it from being captured. RR Auction COA.
