GAGE (Sir William Hall, 1777-1864, Admiral)

Autograph Letter Signed to 'My dear Admiral', Sir Richard Thomas, (1777-1857), saying "the appointment of officers goes chiefly through my hands" but not "civil appointments, including Naval Instructor ... Lieut. Ins. Elliot was put into the North Star by particular desire of some friends ... and is gone to China ... Your squadron will be augmented: the Talbot takes this and I believe the Satellite follows also the Growler", he considers that documents from Admiral Ross to Thomas were "a private communication ... a senior officer may continue so long as he shall deem his presence absolutely necessary for the good of H.M. Service, any delay in obeying his orders to return home he is bound to report, and it is for the Admiralty to approve or otherwise of his conduct", he wishes his nephew "now just returned from a five years cruize in the Chinese seas had a ship under your command", 2 sides 8vo, Admiralty, 7th July

While C-in-C Pacific, 1841-1844, Thomas, on his own initiative, restored the Sandwich Islands to King Kamehameha III, to the great relief of the Americans resident there, as the island had temporarily been ceded to Lord George Paulet. The Admiralty and Foreign Office did indeed approve, and extended Thomas' policies to his successor.

Item Date:  1842

Stock No:  17010