The American Military Utilizes the Newly Invented Steamboat

Book Description

Bankhead was an American soldier known for his bravery in the war of 1812 and the Florida Campaign of 1836. ALS. 1pg. 8" x 10". June 23, 1821. Fort Johnson. An autograph letter signed "J. Bankhead" regarding the transportation of troops using steamboats: "I have received your letter of the 20th last. Captain Irving's company will not be sent to Savannah until further orders; I presume not until the next winter. Whatever public property may be on that station will of course be under your care until you are especially relieved. Captain Craig's company is under orders to go from this to Augusta, and at this season of the year I think the safest way will be to send them to Savannah and from there in the Steam Boat. Does the Steam Boat still run and will she be able to accommodate sixty men." Although invented in 1787, the steamboat was not of common use until 1812, at which point it quickly became the main source of transportation in inland America before being replaced by the locomotive. As such, this is a very early mention of steamboats. The document is in fine condition with light toning around the edges and a couple of short tears

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