Lot 1870
Hawaii "Honolulu, Oahu, May 5, 1837", dateline with additional "Per. Ship Hamilton via Manila & China" on folded blue letter addressed to W.S.W. Ruschenberger M.D., Surgeon U.S. Naval at Philadelphia, Pa., red "New York SHIP Jan 16" (1838) c.d.s. with manuscript 12½ rating at upper right, letter was in transit for eight months to New York where placed in the U.S. mails, Fine and interesting content.
Estimate 750 - 1,000
The enclosure is quite specific in condemming the numbers and fanaticism of the missionaries in the Islands. As an example: "The Catholic priests formerly sent from here have come back again, and are still ordered to leave. The spirit from which this order springs is the True Missionary Spirit of Intolerance…"
William S. W. Ruschenberger was a naval surgeon from August 10, 1826 until his retirement in September 4, 1869. He served many posts including fleet surgeon of the East India squadron in 1835-37 and 1847-50, the Pacific sqaudron in 1854-57, and later the Mediterranean squadron in 1860-61. In between cruises he was on duty at Philadelphia.
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