Modern transcription and vendor's catalog description: Autograph letter signed, dated Sept. 9, 1880 on board the USS Alaska, describing a visit to the Samoan Islands

Abstract

In addition to the original, eight-page handwritten letter and mailing envelope, a modern, typed transcription (with handwritten notes in margin) and vendor’s catalog description are also included. Thomas Hiland, born in New Hampshire, was a surgeon assigned to the USS Alaska towards the end of a naval career that began in 1861. In addition to remarks on Samoans, Hiland comments on recent political developments in the period leading up to two decades of Samoan civil war.