Lot
599 
(Naval) 1815 (Sep. 4) U.S.S. John Adams, Norfolk Va. to Philadelphia Pa., datelined folded letter with "Norfolk Sep. 4" cds and ms. "90" triple the 30¢ war rate for 301-500 miles, letter concludes by stating "We are off to the Meditteranean tomorrow", F.-V.F. Estimate $150 - 200.
The USS "John Adams" was a light frigate built in 1799 at Charleston S.C. She was a 28 gun rated vessel, and performed well during the Quasi-War with France. The voyage of 1815 referred to in the letter was against the Barbary pirates, the John Adams returning in early 1816. After making several cruises against Caribbean pirates, the "John Adams" was broken up in 1829, being replaced by a sloop of war of the same name.
Realized: $250