A vivid and highly engaging Autograph Letter, dated September 22, 1829, written from Gibraltar and addressed to “My Dear Mary,” offering a dramatic firsthand account of an Atlantic crossing and early 19th-century Mediterranean travel. Highlights: Dramatic sea voyage narrative: The writer recounts a violent Atlantic storm in striking detail—“a furious gale in which we all expected to go to the Devil”—with evocative descriptions of crashing seas, panic among passengers, and the chaos aboard ship. Maritime and naval context: References to Cape St. Vincent, Trafalgar, and the legacy of Admirals Jervis and Nelson, situating the letter within the maritime heritage of the Napoleonic era. Classical and geographic insight: Description of the Straits of Gibraltar and the famed “Pillars of Hercules” (Calpe/Gibraltar and Abyla/Ape’s Hill), blending classical mythology with contemporary observation. Mediterranean world view: Observations on Gibraltar as an international hub, noting the mix of English, Spaniards, Jews, Moors, and Italians, each maintaining distinct dress and customs—an excellent snapshot of early global trade culture. Military/consular mission: Mentions onward travel to Algiers and Port Mahon (Minorca), suggesting connection to a naval or diplomatic expedition. Condition: Complete letter with fold lines, toning, and areas of wear including minor losses at edges; still highly legible and visually appealing as a display piece. Summary An attractive and content-rich early 19th-century travel letter combining maritime drama, classical geography, and international observation. Particularly desirable for collectors of naval history, Mediterranean travel, and pre-Victorian correspondence.
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My Dear Mary, I commenced a letter to Ma—part at sea which I was obliged to send in rather an unfinished state for I heard of an opportunity before I had finished it. Shortly the vessel was obliged to return in consequence of contrary winds. I have a chance to redeem myself by being extremely agreeable. The most signal events of our passage across the Atlantic were an occasion to write home—a furious gale in which we all expected to go to the Devil. As to the first, I trust that father received the letter & wrote him. I that you have had curiosity enough to look out my place upon the map, for which I gave you the latitude & longitude. I must say something about the second, for it was too important an occasion to be passed over without remark. She had boisterous weather for the week preceding which had gradually strengthened, but so gradually that we were prepared to meet it if it was nothing else. But on the afternoon of the 11th we were thrown down by a sudden blast of wind. The ship was perfectly calm in a moment, the sea rolling over the deck—then came the rushing of the waters & the terrific scenes which I shall remember forever. The screams of the passengers mingled with the savage roaring of the sea—the shrill whistle of the wind—the hoarse sound of the officers orders—the rushing of the waters & the terror of confusion composed a scene which I shall remember forever. We recovered from our immediate danger by a successful manoeuvre but were kept by a continuance of the gale two hours in a state of anxious suspense. But we weathered the old Cape St. Vincent which with all this coast is very barren & desolate. On the edge of St. Vincent is a monastery built in older times to which tradition says the enterprising Prince John of Portugal, one of the first promoters of navigation in the 15th century, was accustomed to repair to mature his plans of discovery. These are other subjects of interest attached to this Cape & Trafalgar. With them are associated the names of Jervis & Nelson—especially the latter, who completed a career here which had excited the admiration of naval glory. In 22 hours more we had passed the entrance of the Straits & reached the fabulous Pillars of Hercules. The scenery is all of the grandest character. “Gloomy & peculiar.” The Pillars of Hercules are situated about 20 miles from the entrance of the Straits. On the Spanish side stands the ancient Calpe, now the rock of Gibraltar. That on the African side was the Abyla of old & is now distinguished by the undignified & unclassical name of Ape’s Hill. It is related that Hercules piled up these rocks by single stones to commemorate his victory over the giants. The scenery of the harbor & surrounding country is very striking. It is composed of the lofty mountains about which are scattered numerous white villages in the valleys, whose effect upon the scene is picturesque. I am afraid of tiring you, nor would I give you the history of the rock which has been the constant subject of contention since the beginning of the 6th century both with Moors & Christians. Upon every height in the harbor & every point of the Spanish coast which looks toward Africa, were erected watch towers during the long Moorish wars to give notice of invasion and alarm the country. Converted now into works for more peaceful purposes or remaining decayed monuments of history only visited by the curious stranger. The inhabitants of Gibraltar are as multiplied as the nations of the world. They all congregate here for the purposes of trade. English, Spaniards, Jews, Moors & Italians are seen here each retaining the peculiar apparel of his country & preserving their national distinctions. From here we expect to go to Algiers to land our Consul & thence to Port Mahon in the island of Minorca, the head quarters of the squadron. Give my best love to John, Brother & the boys—I am very well. Remember me to Mr. Phipps & tell Helen & remember me to Miss Moore & Major when they write—do not fail to place me at the feet of every lady who inquires my fate, & for yourself believe me ever your truly affectionate Uncle Henry.
