1819 US Navy Midshipman ALS Signed William Lee Ball 2 Senators Sec Navy Wm Jones For Sale

Offered here is an exceptional original handwritten letter dated February 27, 1819, written from the U.S. House of Representatives, recommending a young Virginia gentleman, Catesby Ball, for appointment as a midshipman in the United States Navy.

This document is a clear and compelling example of the early American patronage system, where Congressional and military influence directly shaped officer appointments in the years following the War of 1812.

• James Pleasants (1769–1836)
  U.S. Senator from Virginia at the time of writing; later Governor of Virginia (1822–1825)
• William Lee Ball (1781–1824)
  Sitting U.S. Congressman (VA), War of 1812 veteran; member of the prominent Ball family, related to the family of Mary Ball Washington
• Abner Lacock (1770–1837)
  U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania (1813–1819); influential in military and post-war federal policy
• William Jones (1760–1831)
  U.S. Secretary of the Navy (1813–1814) under President Madison; later President of the Second Bank of the United States
• Colonel Roger Jones (1787–1852)
  U.S. Army officer; later Adjutant General of the U.S. Army (1825–1852), one of the longest-serving in that role

Catesby Henry Ball (b. 1802, Northumberland County, Virginia)

• Age 17 at time of recommendation
• Likely a relative of Congressman William Lee Ball
• Represents the classic early U.S. model of family-sponsored naval candidates

While he does not appear in later Navy registers, genealogical records indicate he relocated to Indiana circa 1820, suggesting he did not ultimately pursue naval service.

👉 This letter captures that exact moment—a young man on the threshold of a federal military career, backed by powerful political sponsors

• Multi-Signature Rarity
  Five prominent figures, spanning Congress, military leadership, and a former Cabinet-level official, on a single document
• Direct U.S. Navy Connection
  Signed by William Jones, the very man who oversaw the Navy during the War of 1812
• Post-War of 1812 Context
  Created during a period of naval expansion and institutional development, when midshipman appointments were highly competitive and politically influenced
• Virginia Political Network
  Strong ties to one of the most influential regions and family networks in early U.S. history

• Dated: February 27, 1819
• Origin: U.S. House of Representatives
• Format: Folded letter
• Ink: All signatures clear and legible

• Original period paper, over 200 years old
• Expected fold lines and light toning
• No major losses affecting text or signatures
• Displays extremely well

(Please review all photos for condition)

Ideal for collectors of:

• Early U.S. Navy and maritime history
• War of 1812 and post-war military development
• U.S. political autographs
• Virginia historical material
• Multi-signed early American documents

Privately held and not offered publicly in over 70 years.

A scarce and visually appealing multi-signed federal recommendation letter, combining political influence, military history, and early U.S. naval development in a single cohesive piece.

House of Rep.
27 Feby 1819

Sir,

We take the liberty of presenting to you as a candidate
for a midshipman’s warrant Catesby Ball, a native of Va.,
as we believe from the character & connections of this
young gentleman, that should he receive an appointment,
he will discharge the duties with credit to himself &
advantage to the service.

We are respectfully yr obt. svts

James Pleasants Jr
Wm Lee Ball
A. Lacock
W. Jones
Col. R. Jones
Adjt. Genl