ROYAL NAVY – DACRES, James R. (1749-1810). Manuscript letter signed ("Ja. R. Dacres") as Rear-Admiral of the White, to his commanding officer Sir John Thomas Duckworth, aboard Theseus, Port Royal Harbor, 15 September 1804.

A vivid and heartfelt description of a 74-gun ship nearly capsized in a hurricane off San Domingo, as reported on the very day the ship straggled into Port Royal harbor. The hurricane struck both the HMS Theseus and the HMS Hercule and both were badly damaged. Not only was the Theseus dismasted, but "two of the Chain Pumps, and one of the hand Pumps being rendered unserviceable, there was five feet six inches water in her, and the other Pumps, for a considerable time, were unable to throw out so much as she made. She is greatly strained in every part ... In short, the preservation of the Ship was entirely owing to the extreme exertions of Captain Hawker, her Officers, and Men; to whom, for their conduct, too much praise cannot be given. I feel myself greatly indebted to them."

Three and a half pages recto and verso, folio, ribbon-tied to docketing leaf. Fine condition.

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