Auction # 58 - Winter 2014 Auction

(Naval) 1846 (Jun. 13) New York, N.Y. to Chardon, Ohio. Blue folded letter datelined "U.S. Schooner Bonita, New York, June 13th, 1846", entered mails with indistinct red "New-York '10cts' 13 Jun" cds, some interesting content concerning the war, "We are now detained for want of seamen. As soon as our crews are filled out, all three of the schooners will sail in company for Mexico. They are but 75 tons burthen instead of 90 & carry now a long 32 pounder on a pivot in place of the 24. They are beautiful craft and are like yachts (is that word right?) and no doubt will be clippers. Our service will be most arduous of that of any vessels in the Gulf, and from our light draft we will be able to go up all the rivers and co-operate with the Army…", Very Fine.
Estimate; $200 - 300.

The U.S.S. Bonita was built in 1846 by Brown and Bell, New York, N. Y. she purchased by the United States following the outbreak of the Mexican War and commissioned about May 30. Bonita reported to the Home Squadron at Anton Lizardo, Mexico on July 28th and saw very active service along the Mexican coast. She remained on the Mexican blockade until returning to Norfolk during the summer of 1848.