Lot 263
Mason, John Young (1799-1859) American politician, diplomat, and United States federal judge; he served as Secretary of the Navy under John Tyler (1844-45) and James K. Polk (1846-49) and as Attorney General (1845-46) under James K. Polk. Autograph letter signed ("J.Y. Mason") as Secretary of the Navy, 4 pages, 10 x 8 in., Navy Dept., Aug. 3, 1844. Addressed "To the President" (John Tyler), on the subject of buillding a dry dock or floating dock at Brooklyn, which was authorized by the 9th section of the Act of 1842. Mason discusses a Mr. Dakin's proposal for the construction of the floating dock, the stone basin, and "other appendages" and the price estimated by the department's engineer, which does not include continued dredging." He quotes at length the section of the act of June 17th pertaining to expanding the dock at Brooklyn under the direction of the Secretary of the Navy, and gives his conclusion. He had personally examined the ground at the Navy Yard and the floating docks and "without the least doubt…adopted the plan which had been already commenced." He then tells the President which officers and engineers he intends to put in charge of the project, along with their experience.
Estimated Value $300 - 500.
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| Realized $188 |
