#5009 • Letter to Commander USS Enterprise Regarding Medal For Tripoli Action in 1804

Part of Fine and Decorative Arts | Day 3 | September 29, 2022 at 10:00 AM (live auction by Alderfer Auction)

High bid $275.00

Status: Sold

Historic letter of conveyance to the commander of the USS Enterprise for copy/impression of medal issued by Congress for actions against Tripoli during the Barbary Wars in the Mediterranean during the early 19th century. Letter from Robert Smith (1757-1842) second United States Secretary of the Navy (1801-1809) and United States Secretary of State(1809-1811). Letter to Thomas Robinson, Master Comdr, Chester Pennsylvania dated April 30, 1808 stating "Sir, I herewith transmit to you an impression of the medal presented to the late Commodore Edward Preble in pursuance of the Resolution of Congress of the 3rd March 1805. This is given you as one of the officers of the Navy who honorably participated in the gallant achievement the memory of which it is intended to preserve. I have the honor to be respectfully sir your most obedient servant, R. Smith". Letter measure 11" x 8.25" and exhibits wrinkles and folding. Thomas Robinson Jr. was made a Midshipman on November 30, 1798, promoted to Lieutenant on July 12, 1799. He was Retained under Peace Establishment and made a Master Commandant on September 10, 1804. He resigned on December 20, 1809. During the Mediterranean actions Robinson commanded the USS Enterprise. The medal that was sent to Robinson was a copy/impression of the gold medal given by Congress to Preble for his and his command's actions during the attack on Tripoli in the Barbary Wars of 1804. Provenance: Charles Lekites Collection.