"O.H. Perry (Oliver Hazard Perry) Commander of the U.S. Frigate Java." .... "Baltimore."

It was postmarked in red "New York Jul 25" and stamped with red "PAID" with postage written in at "51" cents.

Note: Perry and his ship, Java, setsail eleven days after the postmark date, 5 August 1815.

There is a message near where the red seal is torn, in what I am confident is the handwriting of Oliver Hazard Perry.

The note begins with the date that was probably written on the letter itself.

"New York 20th July 1815" ... "William Green" ... "Respecting his son who had obtained a warrant without his father's knowledge."

Note: A "warrant", as it pertains to the navy is "an official certificate of appointment issued to an officer of lower rank than

a commissioned officer."The bottom writing appears to be the return address of "W. Green" the rest being difficult to read.

Historic Background: The name, Oliver Hazard Perry, is legend in American Naval History. His ship, U.S.S. Java, was a wooden-hulled sailing frigate with 

44 guns. She was built at Baltimore in 1814/15. Commanded by Perry, it left Baltimore on 5 August 1815. The Java picked up spare rigging at Hampton Roads and New York, and sailed to Newport, Rhode Island, to fill out her crew. The frigate was ordered to the Mediterranean to serve in the Second Barbary War. I will leave it to the

interested parties to complete the research on this historic mission.

Postage: The item will be mailed by Priority Mail Letter with tracking.  Insurance over $50.00 may be requested by purchaser for an extra

fee (USPS) based on the final winning bid.

As I do on all my items, I guarantee authenticity and satisfaction. As to the note attributed to Perry, I am not a handwriting expert, but am 

fairly certain it was written by Perry. Having said that, if for any reason the purchaser is not satisfied with the item, I will provide a 

full refund upon its return to me via Priority Mail letter.