American naval officer (1794-1858) who took a leading role in the establishment of international trade with the formerly insular nation of Japan. Unique manuscript requisition book signed throughout 24 times by Matthew Calbraith Perry, "M. C. Perry," 24 pages, 7.75 x 12, captioned on the front cover: "U. S. Ship Constitution Requisitions, From the 24th Oct. 1825 to the 1st Jan'y 1826, U. S. Ship Brandywine Requisitions, From the 6th Dec'r 1825 to the 25th Jan'y 1926." The unusual naval folio contains sixteen requisition orders for the USS Constitution—nicknamed 'Old Ironsides' and perhaps the most famous of all early American ships—and sixteen requisition orders for the USS Brandywine, during its refitting at Port Mahon, Minorca, often with multiple orders to a page.
Among the supplies listed are various foodstuffs such as beef, pork, beans, flour, raisins, cheese, molasses, vinegar, bread and butter, clothing for crews, carpenter and surgeon supplies, money for the purser's department, and general supplies for the ships (including a "23-inch new hemp cable" and "six barrels of tar" for the Constitution). Perry signs 24 times as "superintending the duties of Capt'n of the Fleet," while serving as the Executive Officer of the USS North Carolina, the flagship of the Mediterranean Squadron. In fine condition, with light soiling to the covers. Accompanied by a handsome custom-made blue cloth presentation folder, lettered in gold.
Perry served as a longtime aide to Commodore John Rodgers, acting as fleet captain for Commodore Rodgers in 1826–1827. Interestingly, Perry would assume command of the USS Brandywine in 1832 for a diplomatic voyage to Naples, as documented in Matthew Calbraith Perry: A Typical American Naval Officer by William Elliot Griffis. However, he is most celebrated for his diplomatic exploits of the 1850s—remembered as the 'Perry Expedition'—which opened diplomatic contact with isolationist Japan, establishing a new era of international trade.
