1819 US Navy Midshipman ALS Signed William Lee Ball 2 Senators Sec Navy Wm Jones

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1819 US Navy Midshipman ALS Signed William Lee Ball 2 Senators Sec Navy Wm Jones:
$1500.00

Rare 1819 U.S. Navy Midshipman Recommendation LetterSigned by Two U.S. Senators, a Congressman & Secretary of the Navy

Offered here is an exceptional original handwritten letter dated February 27, 1819, written from the U.S. House of Representatives, recommending a young Virginia gentleman, Catesby Ball, for appointment as a midshipman in the United States Navy.

This document is a clear and compelling example of the early American patronage system, where Congressional and military influence directly shaped officer appointments in the years following the War of 1812.

✍️ Signatures (All Period Ink)

James Pleasants (1769–1836)
U.S. Senator from Virginia at the time of writing; later Governor of Virginia (1822–1825)
William Lee Ball (1781–1824)
Sitting U.S. Congressman (VA), War of 1812 veteran; member of the prominent Ball family, related to the family of Mary Ball Washington
Abner Lacock (1770–1837)
U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania (1813–1819); influential in military and post-war federal policy
William Jones (1760–1831)
U.S. Secretary of the Navy (1813–1814) under President Madison; later President of the Second Bank of the United States
Colonel Roger Jones (1787–1852)
U.S. Army officer; later Adjutant General of the U.S. Army (1825–1852), one of the longest-serving in that role

⚓ The Candidate

Catesby Henry Ball (b. 1802, Northumberland County, Virginia)

Age 17 at time of recommendation
Likely a relative of Congressman William Lee Ball
Represents the classic early U.S. model of family-sponsored naval candidates

While he does not appear in later Navy registers, genealogical records indicate he relocated to Indiana circa 1820, suggesting he did not ultimately pursue naval service.

👉 This letter captures that exact moment—a young man on the threshold of a federal military career, backed by powerful political sponsors

📜 Historical Significance

Multi-Signature Rarity
Five prominent figures, spanning Congress, military leadership, and a former Cabinet-level official, on a single document
Direct U.S. Navy Connection
Signed by William Jones, the very man who oversaw the Navy during the War of 1812
Post-War of 1812 Context
Created during a period of naval expansion and institutional development, when midshipman appointments were highly competitive and politically influenced
Virginia Political Network
Strong ties to one of the most influential regions and family networks in early U.S. history

📄 Document Details

Dated: February 27, 1819
Origin: U.S. House of Representatives
Format: Folded letter
Ink: All signatures clear and legible

🖋 Condition

Original period paper, over 200 years old
Expected fold lines and light toning
No major losses affecting text or signatures
Displays extremely well

(Please review all photos for condition)

📈 Collector Appeal

Ideal for collectors of:

Early U.S. Navy and maritime history
War of 1812 and post-war military development
U.S. political autographs
Virginia historical material
Multi-signed early American documents

🧾 Provenance

Privately held and not offered publicly in over 70 years.

🔑 Final Note

A scarce and visually appealing multi-signed federal recommendation letter, combining political influence, military history, and early U.S. naval development in a single cohesive piece.

📜 Transcription

House of Rep.
27 Feby 1819

Sir,

We take the liberty of presenting to you as a candidate
for a midshipman’s warrant Catesby Ball, a native of Va.,
as we believe from the character & connections of this
young gentleman, that should he receive an appointment,
he will discharge the duties with credit to himself &
advantage to the service.

We are respectfully yr obt. svts

James Pleasants Jr
Wm Lee Ball
A. Lacock
W. Jones
Col. R. Jones
Adjt. Genl