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Benjamin Stoddert as the First United States Secretary of the Navy Autograph Letter Signed Financial & Military Matters

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BENJAMIN STODDERT (1751-1813). First Secretary of the Navy of the United States, serving from 1798 to 1801, building new ships, and improving naval operations. He established naval shipyards, including the Washington Navy Yard, was successful in management of the Quasi-War with France (1798-1800), an undeclared naval conflict between the United States and France.

February 10, 1799-Dated Federal Period, Autograph Letter Signed, “Ben. Stoddert” at the end of a 2-1/2 page letter, measuring 9.75” x 7.75”, from Trenton, NJ, Very Fine. Small paper loss and repairs where the wax seal was opened and at the point where the paper attached to it, near, but does not affect, Stoddert’s signature. Two 2” sealed tears on the bottom of the second leaf affect some of the text of the handwritten postscript. Written with an Integral Transmittal Address Leaf sent to General Smith in Baltimore, also “Free” Franked in red ink by Stoddert.

Here, Stoddert discusses financial matters, then lapses into various military and political matters. As the First Secretary of the Navy, Stoddert soon found himself dealing with an undeclared “Quasi War” with France (1798-1800). After his time as Navy Secretary, Stoddert himself went into financial decline, losing heavily in various land speculations. The very financial difficulties that are mentioned within this letter may have been his beginning of the end. A rare historic Naval signature and much better as an Autograph Letter Signed.

Provenance: Collection of Ambassador J. William Middendorf II
Benjamin Stoddert (1751-1813) was the first Secretary of the Navy of the United States, serving from 1798 to 1801. Born in Maryland, Stoddert became a successful merchant and businessman before entering public service.

Stoddert's tenure as Secretary of the Navy coincided with a period of significant expansion and development for the United States Navy. He played a crucial role in organizing and expanding the fledgling navy, which had been established just a few years earlier in 1794.

During his time in office, Stoddert focused on strengthening the Navy's infrastructure, building new ships, and improving naval operations. He established naval shipyards, including the Washington Navy Yard, which became key centers for shipbuilding and maintenance.

Stoddert also worked to professionalize the Navy by implementing regulations and standards for training, discipline, and operations. He recruited experienced naval officers and sailors, many of whom had served in the Continental Navy during the Revolutionary War, to help build and lead the new Navy.

One of Stoddert's most significant accomplishments was his successful management of the Quasi-War with France (1798-1800), a period of undeclared naval conflict between the United States and France. Under Stoddert's leadership, the Navy played a vital role in protecting American merchant ships and defending U.S. interests at sea.

After leaving office in 1801, Stoddert retired from public service and returned to private life. He continued to be involved in business and civic affairs in Maryland until his death in 1813.

Benjamin Stoddert is remembered as a pioneering figure in the early history of the United States Navy. His leadership and vision laid the foundation for the development of the Navy into a formidable maritime force that would play a crucial role in defending American interests and projecting power around the world.
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