Skip to main content Skip to footer site map
Nimitz Library
Nimitz Library

John H. Aulick Papers, 1809-1996 (bulk 1809-1874): Finding Aid

Published in 1998

Summary Information

  • Publisher: United States Naval Academy. Special Collections & Archives.
  • Publisher Address:
    589 McNair Road
    Annapolis, Maryland 21402-5029, USA
    Phone: 410-293-6917
    https://www.usna.edu/Library/sca/index.php
  • Call number: MS 336
  • Location: Special Collections & Archives Department - Manuscripts
  • Title: John H. Aulick Papers
  • Dates: 1809-1996
  • Bulk Dates: 1809-1874
  • Size: 5.02 linear feet
  • Container Summary: 6 manuscript boxes, 2 flat boxes
  • Creator: Aulick, John H., -1873
  • Language(s) of material: English
  • Abstract: John Henry Aulick was an officer in the United States Navy. The John H. Aulick Papers consist of personal and official correspondence, private journals, ships logs, letterbooks, signal books, and Navy commissions. The collection traces Aulick's naval career, including his service during the War of 1812, duties protecting commerce in Latin America, rescuing distressed seamen, protecting the American whaling fleet, advocating an expedition to Japan, and commanding the East India Squadron. Also included are papers related to Aulick's son Richmond, including Richmond's experiences at the Naval Academy.

Biography of John H. Aulick

Commodore John Henry Aulick was born in Winchester, Virginia in 1789. Aulick began his U.S. Navy career when he was appointed a midshipman in 1810 (warranted to 1809). During the War of 1812, Aulick was attached to U.S.S. Enterprise (Brig: 1812-1823), which was stationed off the east coast of the United States and in the Caribbean. While Aulick was aboard, Enterprise was responsible for the capture of a number of prize vessels, including the privateer Fly, the brig H.M.S. Boxer, and the privateer Mars, all three of which Midshipman Aulick was stationed aboard to command back to port.

Following the War of 1812, Aulick served aboard U.S.S. Ontario (Sloop-of-war) and U.S.S. Brandywine (Frigate), as well as at the Boston Navy Yard and Washington Navy Yard. In 1834, then a commander, Aulick received command of U.S.S. Vincennes (Sloop-of-war), which was assigned to patrol the waters of the South Pacific and the west coast of South America. Following a stint at the Washington Navy Yard, Aulick's next sea command began on September 29, 1840 when he was ordered to take command of U.S.S. Yorktown (Sloop-of-war).

Shortly before the outbreak of the War with Mexico, Aulick took command of U.S.S. Potomac (Frigate). During the war, Potomac took part in operations against Vera Cruz and Tobasco, with Aulick, at times, leading landing parties and commanding Naval batteries ashore. Following the cessation of hostilities, Aulick was ordered to duty as a member of a Board of Examination of midshipmen.

On February 11, 1851, having held the rank of Captain for nearly a decade, Aulick received command of the East India Squadron, to command from U.S.S. Susquehanna (Side wheel steamer). Among his tasks, Aulick was entrusted to transport communications from President Millard Fillmore and Secretary of State Daniel Webster to the Emperor of Japan for the purpose of establishing open commerce between the United States and Japan. However, due to friction between Aulick and his fleet captain, as well as allegations of improprieties in the entertaining of the Chevalier S. de Macedo, Minister from Brazil, Aulick was relieved of command on February 8, 1853, to be replaced by Commodore Matthew Perry.

On April 4, 1867, Aulick was commissioned a Commodore on the retired list. Six years later, on April 27, 1873, Commodore John Henry Aulick died in Washington, DC. Commodore Aulick and his wife, Mary, had three sons, Ralph, J. Wily, and Richmond, as well as two daughters, Julia and Virginia.

Back to Top

Description of Contents

The Commodore John H. Aulick Papers, 1809-1996 (bulk 1809-1874) consist of eight boxes of papers by and about Commodore John H. Aulick and his family. The Aulick Papers are composed of personal and naval correspondence, personal journals of Aulick's U.S. Navy voyages, Navy log books, letter books, a signal book, other Navy related volumes, and U.S. Navy commissions, as well as two photographs and a bust of Aulick.

The collection includes material relating to John H. Aulick's service aboard, travel aboard, or association with the U.S. Navy ships Brandywine (Frigate), Constitution (Frigate), Dale (Sloop-of-war), Dolphin (Schooner), Enterprise (Brig), Ontario (Sloop-of-war), Potomac (Frigate), Saranac (Brig), Susquehanna(Side wheel steamer), Vincennes (Sloop-of-war), and Yorktown (Sloop-of-war), as well as his tour as Commander of the East India Squadron.

The collection traces multiple facets of Aulick's Naval career, including his roles as: combatant in the War of 1812 and War with Mexico; eyewitness to the 1822 Greco-Turkish conflict; protector of U.S. interests among Latin American nations; observer and agent of the U.S. Navy in the Pacific, particularly in the Marquesas, Hawaiian Islands, and Tahiti; tester of relative qualities of the U.S. Ships Dale and Yorktown; protector of the U.S. whaling fleet; rescuer of distressed seamen from pirates, mutineers, and Pacific islanders; adjudicator of diplomatic problems with Zanzibar; and precursor to Matthew Perry as advocate for opening relations with Japan. The collection also documents the Macedo controversy and Aulick's often strained relationships with French Forrest, Thomas ap Catesby Jones, and William Inman.

Among John H. Aulick's family members represented in the papers are: Aulick's wife, Mary; Aulick's sons, Richmond and J. Wily Aulick; Aulick's daughter, Julia Aulick Stout and her husband, Edward C. Stout; and Aulick's granddaughter, Julia M. Stout. Commander Richmond Aulick, who graduated first among the Naval Academy's first graduating class, is represented by letters, including those regarding his passing the Naval School's final exams (July 1846), as well as by a journal kept aboard U.S.S. Yorktown.

Back to Top

Arrangement

The John H. Aulick Papers are organized into the following two series:

  • Series 1: General Files, 1809-1996
  • Series 2: Journals and Letterbooks, 1815-1853
Back to Top

Access and Use

Access

Access is unrestricted.

Copyright and Permission

The John H. Aulick Papers are the physical property of Nimitz Library. Copyright belongs to the authors or creators of the works, or their legal representatives. For further information, consult the Head, Special Collections & Archives.

It is the responsibility of the researcher to secure written permission to publish, reprint, or reproduce material from Special Collections & Archives. The researcher assumes responsibility for infringement of copyright or literary or publication rights. Please contact the Head, Special Collections & Archives for permission to publish and for further information.

Back to Top

Acquisition and Appraisal

Provenance and Acquisition

Gift of Alexandra F. Seman in July 1997. Accession No. 97-48.

Back to Top

Related Materials

Related Archival Material

A letter from Sidney Lee Smith regarding Aulick's conduct when in command of the naval battery at Vera Cruz during the Mexican War, MS VF 109, is also available in Special Collections & Archives, Nimitz Library. Aulick's experiences aboard U.S.S. Ontario in the Pacific Northwest are further detailed in John H. Aulick USS Ontario Ship's Log Extracts, 1818 July 1-1818 Oct. 23 at the Oregon Historical Society Research Library. One additional letter by Aulick regarding selling saltpeter and sulphur held by the Washington Navy Yard is available at Naval War College, Henry E. Eccles Library.

Materials Cataloged Separately

No materials have been removed from this collection.

Back to Top

Processing and Other Information

The following abbreviations are used throughout the Contents List: ALS - Autograph Letter Signed; LS - Letter Signed; L - Letter; DS - Document Signed; D- Document; MS - Manuscript Signed.

Preferred Citation

John H. Aulick Papers, MS 336

Special Collections & Archives Department

Nimitz Library

United States Naval Academy

Processing Information

This collection was processed by Mary R. Catalfamo in 1998. Finding aid written by Mary R. Catalfamo in 1998 and revised by David D'Onofrio in November 2013.

Back to Top

Subject Headings

Name and Subject Terms

  • Aulick, J. Wily
  • Aulick, John H., -1873
  • Aulick, Richmond, -1868
  • Brandywine (Frigate)
  • Constitution (Frigate)
  • Dale (Sloop-of-war)
  • Dolphin (Schooner)
  • Enterprise (Brig : 1812-1823)
  • Inman, William, 1797-1874
  • Macedo, Sergio Teixeira de, 1809-1867
  • Marquesas Islands
  • Mexican War, 1846-1848 -- Naval operations
  • Ontario (Sloop-of-war)
  • Potomac (Frigate)
  • Saranac (Brig)
  • Stout, Edward C., -1860
  • Stout, Julia Aulick
  • Stout, Julia M.
  • Susquehanna (Side wheel steamer)
  • United States -- History -- War of 1812 -- Naval operations
  • United States. Navy -- Communication systems
  • United States. Navy -- Sea Life
  • United States. Navy. East India Squadron
  • Vincennes (Sloop-of-war)
  • Yorktown (Sloop-of-war)
  • Zanzibar -- History -- To 1890

Genre Terms

  • Certificates
  • Correspondence
  • Diaries
  • Letter books
  • Manuscripts
  • Photographs
  • Ships' logs
Back to Top

Contents List

Series 1: General Files, 1809-1996 Boxes 1 and 7[OS] - 8[OS]

Series Description

Documentation of John H. Aulick's U.S. Navy career, including his commissions, command of the East India Squadron, and the Macedo controversy. The materials also pertain to the lives and careers of Aulick's family members, including the U.S. Navy career of his son, Richmond Aulick; the U.S. Navy career of his son-in-law Edward C. Stout; and the death of his daughter, Virginia.

Included in the series are letters, certificates, published articles, photographs, and a bust.

Series Arrangement

Arranged by primary correspondent or individual; thereunder arranged chronologically.

John H. Aulick - Miscellaneous, undated

Box 1 Folder 1 Item 1
Translation of a Spanish Hymn, undated
Box 1 Folder 1 Item 2
Notes on La Perouse, undated
Box 1 Folder 1 Item 3
John H. Aulick's memoir of his early years of service, undated
Box 8[OS] Folder 1

John H. Aulick - Bust, undated

Profile bust of John H. Aulick by sculptor William Barber.

John H. Aulick - Commissions and Oversize Documents, 1809-1867

Box 7[OS] Folder 1 Item 1
Commission as Midshipman, 1809 November 15

Signed by James Madison and Paul Hamilton. DS.

Box 7[OS] Folder 1 Item 2
Commission as Lieutenant, 1814 December 9

Signed by James Madison and B. W. Crowninshield. DS.

Box 7[OS] Folder 1 Item 3
Commission as Master Commandant, 1831 March 3

Signed by Andrew Jackson and J. Branch. DS.

Box 7[OS] Folder 1 Item 4
Commission as Captain, 1841 September 9

Signed by John Tyler and J. D. Simms. DS.

Box 7[OS] Folder 1 Item 5
Service Record of John H. Aulick, 1842 September 16

Signed by John H. Aulick. DS.

Box 7[OS] Folder 1 Item 6
From Millard Fillmore, President of the United States to His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of Japan, 1851 May 10

Duplicate copy of a letter to promote commerce and friendship between the United States and Japan.

Box 7[OS] Folder 1 Item 7
Commission as Commodore on the Retired List, 1867 March 12

Signed by Andrew Johnson and Gideon Welles. DS.

John H. Aulick - Miscellaneous Correspondence, 1810-1812

Box 1 Folder 2 Item 1
From Paul Hamilton to John H. Aulick, 1810 January 11

Letter of transmittal of JHA's midshipman warrant. LS.

Box 1 Folder 2 Item 2
From C. W. Goldsborough for Paul Hamilton to John H. Aulick, 1810 March 3

Permission for JHA to go on furlough for purpose of making a voyage in the Merchant Service. ALS.

Box 1 Folder 2 Item 3
From Paul Hamilton to John H. Aulick, 1811 March 18

JHA ordered to U.S. Schooner Enterprise. ALS.

Box 1 Folder 2 Item 4
From J. Blakeley to John H. Aulick, 1811 October 5

JHA's court-martial acquittal for neglect of duty. ALS.

Box 1 Folder 2 Item 5
From J. Blakeley to John H. Aulick, 1812 April 20

Blakeley's anxiety and his confidence in JHA's zeal and discretion. Possibly about recruiting. ALS.

John H. Aulick - Miscellaneous Correspondence, 1813-1817

Box 1 Folder 3 Item 1
From T. G. Tillinghast to John H. Aulick, 1813 September 18

Commendation of JHA's conduct in the action between the U.S.S. Enterprise and H.M.S. Boxer. L.

Box 1 Folder 3 Item 2
From Isaac Hull to John H. Aulick, 1813 October 20

JHA's appointment as Acting Lieutenant. LS.

Box 1 Folder 3 Item 3
From James Renshaw to John H. Aulick, 1813 December 13

JHA to procure seamen for U.S.S. Enterprise. LS.

Box 1 Folder 3 Item 4
From J. O. Creighton to John H. Aulick, 1814 February 23

JHA directed to take charge of the prize schooner Mars. LS.

Box 1 Folder 3 Item 5
From J. H. Elton, U.S. Brig Saranac, to John H. Aulick, 1817 June 28

Regrets on parting with JHA, "an officer whose conduct has been so uniformly correct." ALS.

John H. Aulick - Miscellaneous Correspondence, 1831-1846

Box 1 Folder 4 Item 1
From J. Branch to John H. Aulick, 1831 March 12

Notice of JHA's appointment as Master Commandant. LS.

Box 1 Folder 4 Item 2
From Levi Woodbury to John H. Aulick, 1834 April 11

Notice that JHA's commission as Master Commandant is numbered nine for 1834. LS.

Box 1 Folder 4 Item 3
From unidentified to John H. Aulick, 1836 June 29

Congratulations on cruise. ALS.

Box 1 Folder 4 Item 4
Richmond's School Reports, 1840 October 9

Copy of B. Hallowell's school report on Richmond Aulick, submitted by JHA to SecNav Paulding in support of midshipman's warrant for Richmond, with JHA's holographic note on copy. MS.

Box 1 Folder 4 Item 5
From Mary Aulick to John H. Aulick, 1846 June 25

News re possible revocation of JHA's order to Pacific involving Bancroft and Conner, publication in Union of JHA's letter on the Mexican War, other naval/political matters, family matters. ALS.

John H. Aulick - Miscellaneous Correspondence, 1846-1862

Box 1 Folder 5 Item 1
From Richmond Aulick to John H. Aulick, 1846 July 10

Richmond Aulick's elation over passing exam and leaving Naval School, Annapolis, as Passed Midshipman, news of other students, etc. ALS.

Box 1 Folder 5 Item 2
From John H. Aulick to Edward C. Stout, 1852 June 11

JHA's recent U.S. Navy activities, death of JHA's daughter Virginia, Perry to relieve JHA, expected failure of Perry's "warlike expedition to Japan," Robert Browne piracy affair. ALS.

Box 1 Folder 5 Item 3
From John P. Kennedy to John H. Aulick, 1852 August 9

JHA ordered not to leave China Seas until regularly relieved by order. LS.

Box 1 Folder 5 Item 4
From John H. Aulick to Edward C. Stout, 1853 October 9

Family matters, U.S. Navy resolution of charges against JHA. ALS.

Box 1 Folder 5 Item 5
From James Buchanan to John H. Aulick, 1862 August 16

Re H. H. Young. ALS.

John H. Aulick - Miscellaneous Correspondence, 1864-1871

Box 1 Folder 6 Item 1
From John H. Aulick to Julia M. Stout, 1864 February 8

JHA's plan to travel to Florence [where his daughter died] to assist his granddaughter Julia M. Stout. ALS.

Box 1 Folder 6 Item 2
From Gideon Welles to John H. Aulick, 1867 April 4

Notice of JHA's appointment as Commodore on the Retired List. D.

Box 1 Folder 6 Item 3
From John H. Aulick to Gideon Welles, 1867 April 9

Acknowledgement of commission as Commodore on the Retired List. LS.

Box 1 Folder 6 Item 4
Piano Warranty, 1871 April 29

Piano warranty issued to JHA.

Box 1 Folder 6 Item 5
From S. P. Lee to George M. Robeson, 1871 September 30

Lee's support of JHA's claim to promotion to Rear Admiral. L.

Box 1 Folder 7

John H. Aulick - Real Estate Matters, 1849-1859

Box 1 Folder 8

John H. Aulick - Zanzibar, 1851 June 2-December 6

Correspondence among JHA, George J. Abbott, Prince Said Khalid of Zanzibar, John F. Webb regarding JHA's mission in Zanzibar: commercial matters, issue/resolution of Ward's complaint of Zanzibar's disrespect to U.S. flag, coal shortage, selection of John F. Webb as acting consul. 9 letters.

Box 1 Folder 9

John H. Aulick - Macedo Controversy (SecNavs), 1851 November 17-1853 September 10

Correspondence between JHA, Secretaries of the Navy William A. Graham and J. C. Dobbin, and S. de Macedo. Re Macedo controversy and complaints against JHA by H. Marshall, U.S. Commissioner to China. 6 letters.

Box 1 Folder 10

John H. Aulick - Macedo Controversy (Ward Room Officers Testimonials), 1852 February 13-17

From U.S.S. Susquehanna Ward Room Officers to JHA. Testimonials re Macedo Controversy. 12 letters.

Box 1 Folder 11

John H. Aulick - Macedo Controversy and Susquehanna Controversy (Aulick's Rebuttal), 1854 January 4

To Messers Gales and Seaton from JHA. Rebuttal of Robert C. Schenck's newspaper allegations of JHA's misconduct in Macedo controversy and Susquehanna repairs controversy in Rio. Draft of ALS.

Box 1 Folder 12

John H. Aulick - Photographs, 1862

Brady's National Portrait Galleries. Two copies of same image in different mountings.

Box 1 Folder 13

John H. Aulick - Investments and Distribution of Estate, 1870-1874

9 documents.

Box 1 Folder 14

John H. Aulick - Biographical Papers, 1873-1996

Biography, service record, obituaries, etc. 8 documents.

Edward C. Stout - Correspondence from Others, 1850-1853, undated

Box 1 Folder 15 Item 1
From unidentified to Edward C. Stout, undated

Initialed note re Pacific sailing distances, coaling stations. MS.

Box 1 Folder 15 Item 2
From J. F. England to Edward C. Stout, 1850 August 7

Re Julia A. Stout's luggage. ALS.

Box 1 Folder 15 Item 3
From A. H. Mulvany to J. F. England, 1850 August 13

Re luggage. ALS.

Box 1 Folder 15 Item 4
From Richmond Aulick to Edward C. Stout, 1852 July 23

Richmond Aulick's pleasure in Marion cruise, Perry's Japan expedition, JHA to be relieved by Perry and return from the East. ALS.

Box 1 Folder 15 Item 5
From Richmond Aulick to Edward C. Stout, 1853 March 23

Re Pacific routes and coaling stations. ALS.

Box 1 Folder 15 Item 6
From S. Tappan to Edward C. Stout, 1853 April 23

Refusal of ECS's offer of his services as commander of merchant ship. ALS.

Box 1 Folder 15 Item 7
From G. F. Cutter to Edward C. Stout, 1853 October 15

Statement of ECS's U.S. Navy account. ALS.

Box 1 Folder 15 Item 8
From J. H. Wright to Edward C. Stout, 1853 November 5

Re U.S. Navy mileage allowance. L.

Box 1 Folder 15 Item 9
From S. P. Todd to Edward C. Stout, 1853 December 3

Re payment of Stout's U.S. Navy pay. ALS.

Edward C. Stout - Correspondence to Julia M. Stout, 1860, undated

Box 1 Folder 16 Item 1
From Edward C. Stout to Julia M. Stout, undated

Advice and affection to daughter. ALS.

Box 1 Folder 16 Item 2
From Edward C. Stout to Julia M. Stout, 1860 January 17

Advice and affection to daughter. ALS.

Edward C. Stout - Miscellaneous, 1864, undated

Box 1 Folder 17 Item 1
History of Old Captain Jacob Stout - Grandfather of Edward C. Stout, undated

MS.

Box 1 Folder 17 Item 2
Receipt re J. Wily Aulick's administration of estate of the late Edward C. Stout, 1864 November 17

MS.

Box 1 Folder 18

Julia Aulick Stout - Correspondence to Edward C. Stout, 1849 October 26-1857 September 23

Julia Aulick Stout's letters to her husband Edward C. Stout re family and social matters, friction of Julia living in JHA's home. Includes a letter (1851 January 13) referring to rumors of ECS's "anti-American" sentiments. 11 ALS.

Box 1 Folder 19

Julia Aulick Stout - Miscellaneous, 1853-1863

Includes 1863 December 26 list of burial charges for Julia Aulick Stout.

Julia Aulick Stout - Correspondence from J. Wily Aulick and Richmond Aulick, 1862-1864

Box 1 Folder 20 Item 1
From J. Wily Aulick to Julia Aulick Stout, 1862 December 4

Re family matters, Julia's pension. ALS.

Box 1 Folder 20 Item 2
From J. Wily Aulick to Julia Aulick Stout, 1863 June 8

Re family matters, Julia's pension, JHA's concern for the possible neglect of his granddaughter's education while they are in Italy. ALS.

Box 1 Folder 20 Item 3
From Richmond Aulick to Julia Aulick Stout, 1864 January 3

Sympathy on Julia's illness, family matters. ALS.

Box 1 Folder 21

Mary Aulick - Correspondence to Julia Aulick Stout and Julia M. Stout, 1863 December 7-1864 January 25

Mary Aulick's letters to her daughter Julia Aulick Stout and her granddaughter Julia M. Stout Re Julia Aulick Stout's illness and death in Florence and condolences and advice to granddaughter. Includes 1863 December 7 letter re Julia's illness, family matters, JHA's failing health, news of Washington, DC. 6 ALS.

Box 1 Folder 22

George Lynn-Lachlan Davis - A Paper Upon the Origin of the Japan Expedition, 1860

A defense of John H. Aulick as originator of concept of Japan Expedition rather than Matthew Perry. Baltimore, Printed by John Murphy and Co.

Box 1 Folder 23

James Fallows - "After centuries of Japanese isolation, a fateful meeting of East and West", 1994

From Smithsonian, Volume 24, Number 4 (July 1994).

Box 1 Folder 24

Aulick-Stout-Jellison - Empty Envelopes, 1800s

Envelopes emptied prior to donation to Nimitz Library.

Box 1 Folder 25

Miscellaneous, 1896, undated

Includes fragments of notes re personal possessions, a newspaper clipping, and a program from an event aboard U.S.M.S. St. Louis. 3 Documents.

Back to Top

Series 2: Journals and Letterbooks, 1815-1853 Boxes 2-6

Series Description

Bound volumes documenting John H. Aulick's service aboard the U.S. Navy ships Brandywine (Frigate), Constitution (Frigate), Dale (Sloop-of-war), Dolphin (Schooner), Enterprise (Brig), Ontario (Sloop-of-war), Potomac (Frigate), Saranac (Brig), Susquehanna(Side wheel steamer), Vincennes (Sloop-of-war), and Yorktown (Sloop-of-war), as well as his tour as Commander of the East India Squadron.

Included in the series are letter books, log books, an atlas, and a signal book.

Series Arrangement

Arranged chronologically.

Box 2 Folder 1

Volume 1: Private Journal of J. H. Aulick on board the U.S. Brig Saranac, John H. Elton, Commander, 1815 August 2-31

Includes notations regarding Saranac's sailing from New York for the Mediterranean (August 3), news of Napoleon's recapture and Decatur's victory over the Dey of Algiers (August 24), and Gibraltar (August 31). Most of the volume consists of JHA's selection of essays, extracts, and quotations on ancient and modern history, explorers and exploration, astronomy, scurvy, Napoleon Bonaparte, Gibraltar, court-martial, gunnery, courage, philosophy of life, and lunar observation.

Box 2 Folder 2

Ink blotters found in Volume 1, undated

Volume 2: Private Journal of J. H. Aulick on board the U.S. Sloop Ontario and Frigate Constitution, 1820-1824

Box 2 Folder 3 Item 1
Private Journal of J. H. Aulick on board the U.S. Sloop Ontario, W. Chauncey, Commander, 1820 December 4-1823 January 3

Includes entries regarding Cape Francois, Haiti (1821 February 22); Port-au-Prince and President Jean-Pierre Boyer (1821 March 16); Chauncey's receipt of a green sea turtle (1821 April 4); a duel between Salter and Lt. Ward (1821 April 27); transport of Consul Mullowny to Tangiers (1821 May 17); Algiers (1821 May 24); Port Mahon (1821 May 31); Tunis and the Bey of Tunis (1821 June 16); Leghorn (1821 July 4); Napoleon's death (1921 July 17); quarantine at Harbor of Toulon and threat of French attack (1921 December 26-30); reception for Lord Byon at Leghorn (1822 May 21); the King of Italy, Pompeii, and Naples (1822 May 28); Vesuvius, Herculaneum and Austrian occupation of Naples (1822 June 1-2); Greek siege of Athens (1822 June 16); sea battle between Greece and Turkey (1822 June 19-22); Smyrna (1822 June 25); and end of siege of Athens (1822 July 1).

Box 2 Folder 3 Item 2
Private Journal of J. H. Aulick on board the U.S. Frigate Constitution, Jacob Jones, Commander, 1823 January 26-1824 May 20

Includes entries pertaining to the English brig Picton(1823 April 11); damage from a heavy gale (1823 April 16); ship forced to leave Syracuse due to a quarantine (1823 June 5); sounding Leghorn Roads (1823 June 7); French seizure of St. Roque (1823 August 10); French attack on Green Island fort (1823 August 12-14); French in possession of Malaga (1823 September 9); French in possession of Cadiz (1823 November 3); ship enters the Gulf Stream (1824 May 15-16); end of JHA's cruise (1824 May 20).

Box 2 Folder 4

Volume 3: Personal Journal of J. H. Aulick on board the U.S. Frigate Brandywine and the U.S. Schooner Dolphin, 1826 August 1-1829 October 7

Includes entries regarding Valparaiso (1826 December 25); JHA's temporary command of Dolphin (1827 January 20); duty protecting U.S. merchants at San Blas, Mexico (1827 February 9); Island of Scorro (1827 March 19-20); visits with the governor of San Blas (1827 March 28); revolution in Ecuador (1827 May 11-June 5); return to Brandywine (1827 July 7); Vincennes ordered to remain at Guayaquil (1827 August 3); JHA ordered to temporary command of Dolphin to search for cutter Carmen (1828 February 7); death of Charge d'Affairs to Peru Cooley (1828 February 9); hanging of Henry Lancey for murder of C. Garrison (1828 August 29); running a blockade at Guayaquil (1828 October 24); relinquishing of command of Dolphin (1829 June 20).

Volume 4: Personal Journal of a Cruise to the Pacific Ocean Commenced on board the U.S. Frigate Brandywine and Continued on board the U.S. Sloop-of-War Vincennes, 1834-1835

Box 2 Folder 5 Item 1
Personal Journal of a Cruise to the Pacific Ocean Commenced on board the U.S. Frigate Brandywine, David Deacon, Commander, 1834 March 12-1834 October 3

Includes entries pertaining Aulick's orders to take passage on Brandywine (March 12); heavy squalls (June 7); delivery of scurvy medicine to Kingston (June 17); accurate charting of the location of St. Paul (July 12); Rio de Janeiro (July 24); ship damaged by snow squalls passing the meridian of Cape Horn (September 11-13); and arrival at Valparaiso (October 3).

Box 2 Folder 5 Item 2
Personal Journal of a Cruise to the Pacific Ocean Continued on board the U.S. Sloop-of-War Vincennes, J. H. Aulick, Commander, 1834 October 25-1835 August

Includes entries regarding Aulick's assumption of command (1834 October 27); Coquimbo, Chile (1834 November 23); Cobija, Bolivia described as a wretched place (1834 November 30); man drowning off of and incorrect charts for Pisco, Peru (1834 December 12-13); exiled Peruvian general Antonio Gutiérrez de la Fuente's passage to Chile (1834 December 27-1835 January 9); liberty at Lambayeque (1835 January 17); attempts to ascertain the actual location of the Island of Malpelo (1835 February 7, March 2); anchoring at Panama (1835 February 20); Island of Faboga (1835 February 24); Payta, Peru (1835, March 10); incorrect charting of Island of Lobos (1835 march 22); orders to cruise home by way of India, Fiji, and Pelelieu (1835 July 13); Marquesas Islands, its natives and culture, visit by Queen Pyateneh, attempts to capture the chief Par Cocoa for killing an American sailor (1835 August).

Volume 5: Remarks on board the U.S. Frigate Brandywine and U.S.S. Yorktown, 1834, 1840-1841

Box 2 Folder 6 Item 1
Remarks on board the U.S. Frigate Brandywine, David Deacon, Commander, 1834 June 2-October 4

Includes entries pertaining to assisting the British barque Kingston suffering from scurvy (June 17); reduction in water rations (July 10); Rio de Janeiro (July 23); gale damage to the tiller (September 13); and Valparaiso (October 4).

Box 2 Folder 6 Item 2
Remarks on board the U.S.S. Yorktown, J. H. Aulick, Commander, 1840 December 8-1841 January 14

Includes entries on sailing from Hampton Roads in company with U.S.S. Dale (1840 December 15); Dale's superiority as a sailor over Yorktown (1841 January 1, 7, 14); and the passage to Rio de Janeiro.

Box 3 Folder 1

Volume 6: Journal of a Cruise on board the U.S. Sloop-of-War Vincennes, J. H. Aulick, Commander, 1834 October 27-1835 October 23

Includes entries pertaining to the capsizing of two cutters in the Bay of Pisco (1834 December 12); court-martial duty (1834 December 30); a soldier revolt in Callao in support of General La Fuente (1835 January 1-2); U.S. sailors discharged to serve aboard whalers (1835 May 14); Payta and departing the coast of South America (1835 July 30); interactions with natives and attempts to arrest a native chief at Nuku Hiva (1835 August 18-27); Matavi (1835 September 7); receiving the Queen at Papeete (1835 September 13-14); missionary Mr. Pritchard and Queen of Tahita Pomare on board (1835 September 20); responding to distress call from whaler William Wirt at Port Refuge (1835 October 3); mutineers from William Wirt and Franklin (1835 October 5-7); burning of Chief Popotuno's property as punishment for "cutting off" two American whaling crews from William Penn (1835 October 11-12); Rotuma (1835 October 19); receiving a black crewman from Wiscasset accused of stabbing (1835 October 20); spotting of Halley's Comet (1835 October 22).

Box 3 Folder 2

Volume 7: Continuation of a Journal of a Cruise on board the U.S. Sloop-of-War Vincennes, J. H. Aulick, Commander, 1835 October 24-1836 June 6

Includes entries regarding Halley's Comet (1835 October 25); Guam (1835 November 19); anchoring off Corror (1835 November 30); the King presenting the ship with food at Corror (1835 December 3); receiving sole survivor of men left by the whaler Mentor at Lord's Island (1835 December 10-11); armed expedition to rescue men from Mentor at Corror (1835 December 17-21); loss of seaman William Williams after fall from top mast (1835 December 29); Lintin (1836 January 3); party of officers return from Canton (1836 January 23); Singapore (1836 February 3); natives and Rajah come aboard at Quallah Battu (1836 February 17-19); Cape Town (1836 March 31); Jamestown (1836 April 22); standing up for Norfolk (1836 June 6).

Volume 8: Personal Journal of J. H. Aulick, Commander, on board the U.S.S. Yorktown and U.S. Frigate Potomac, 1840-1841, 1846

Box 2 Folder 7 Item 1
Personal Journal of J. H. Aulick, Commander, on board the U.S.S. Yorktown, 1840 September 29-1841 September 17

Includes entries on Aulick's assignment to command Yorktown (1840 September 29); orders to sail in company of U.S.S. Dale to compare the two vessels (1840 November 26); Dale appears to be the better ship (1840 December 12-16); meets up with Dale (1840 December 28); reasons for Dale's superiority and Yorktown's barometer unsatisfactory (1840 December 30); arrival at Rio de Janeiro (1841 January 23-24); looked up with suspicion by other nation's sailors (1841 February 2); alterations to Yorktown's masts and sailing for Valparaiso (1841 February 5); rounding Cape Horn (1841 March 5); Valparaiso (1841 March 20); meets squadron at Callao (1841 April 4); Ellis Group of Islands mischarted (1841 June 16); Marquesas Islands (1841 June 25); description of island and natives of Nuheva [Nuku Hiva?], relations between Americans and natives, and Aulick's refusal of gift of a girl (1841 June 26); Aulick arbitrates between Consul Blackler and natives of Tahiti (1841 July 5); smallpox outbreak aboard (1841 July 23); abandons plans to stop at New Zealand due to smallpox outbreak aboard (1841 July 31); Aulick criticizes British takeover of New Zealand and meeting with Captains James Ross and Crozier of South Polar Exploring Expedition (1841 August 15); Bay of Islands, New Zealand, requested to leave New Zealand due to smallpox, additional visits with Ross and Crozier (1841 August 21); illnesses and deaths aboard (1841 August 27-29); ship cleaned and fumigated at Tahiti (1841 September 9); views of morals of Tahitians (1841 September 17); notes on magnetic North Pole as determined by Captain Ross (final page of volume).

Box 2 Folder 7 Item 2
Personal Journal of J. H. Aulick, Commander, on board the U.S. Frigate Potomac, 1846 February 23-April 1

Includes entries regarding Aulick receiving command of Potomac, of Commodore Connor's squadron (February 23); getting underway from Hampton Roads (March 14); sighting St. Domingo and Tortugas (March 21); heaving to off Grand Cayman Island, price of turtle too high for Aulick (March 24); Vera Cruz (April 1).

Box 3 Folder 3

Volume 9: U.S.S. Yorktown Letter Book, 1840 November 26-1842 June 14

Includes entries pertaining to poor priming tubes (1840 December 2); relative quality of Yorktown and Dale (1841 January 23-29); planned route (1841 February 1); serious inadequacy of crew (1841 February 3-4); passage and effect of Yorktown's improvements (1841 March 28-30); defects of Yorktown (1841 April 28); Commander Gauntt's reputed flouting of Aulick's authority over Dale (1841 May 3-5); Aulick's charge against Lt. Burrit Shepard (1841 May 15); salted beef and pork fraud (1841 May 21); Consul S. Blackler's complaints against Tahiti (1841 July 13-October 13); King of Hawaii aboard to work out rule for American seamen in Hawaii, matter of William Conner who left wife for a native (1841 November 5); Aulick's investigation of U.S. citizen claims against Mexican government for property loss (1841 December 14); report of Yorktown's activities in Sandwich Islands and Upper California, Mexico (1841 December 15); Aulick appointed Senior Officer Commanding U.S. Naval Forces in the Pacific Ocean (1842 February 23); sails to Callao over Peru-Bolivia war (1842 March 27); dispute over French Forrest's claim to rank as Commander in Chief, Pacific Squadron (1842 April 15-17); French Navy's covert expedition to take possession of Tahiti (1842 April 20); Aulick-Forrest dispute (1842 April 22); Aulick's opinion that Marquesas and Hawaii require constant presence of a ship of war (1842 April 23); A. F. Warley's violent attack on fellow seaman (1842 May 9); Aulick "mortified" to be relieved of command by Thomas ap Catesby Jones (1842 May 27-June 14).

Box 4 Folder 1

Volume 10: Journal of a Cruise on board the U.S.S. Yorktown, J. H. Aulick, Commander, 1840 November 29-1841 July 31

Includes entries on sailing with U.S.S. Dale (1840 December 13); the remediation of compass problems (1840 December 28); a fire in Yorktown's dispensary (1841 January 15); arrival at Rio de Janeiro (1841 January 24); improvements to Yorktown (1841 January 27-29); standing in for Valparaiso (1841 March 20); fitting of wooden stocks to anchors and visit from Governor of Callao (1841 April 7-9); directions for entering Port Anna-Maria from Commodore Porter's journal found to be correct (1841 June 20-27); natives visit the ship (1841 June 28); Papeete, Tahiti (1841 July 6); deserters from Yorktown apprehended and returned (1841 July 12-13); and a smallpox case (1841 July 22).

Box 4 Folder 2

Volume 11: Journal of a Cruise on board the U.S.S. Yorktown, J. H. Aulick, Commander, 1841 August 1-1842 May 31

Includes entries pertaining to injuries sustained by James McDonald in a fall (1841 August 12); Bay of Islands, Harbor of Kororareka and a solar eclipse (1841 August 16); arrival of Erebus and Terror of the South Polar Exploring Expedition under Captain James C. Ross (1841 August 17); deaths from smallpox and scarlatina (1841 August 27-29); Matavai Bay, Tahiti (1841 September 11); Honolulu (1841 October 10); receiving the King of Hawaii (1841 October 19); transporting the King of Hawaii and John Young to Maui (1841 November 1); conference of whaling captains to discuss American whaling interests in Hawaii (1841 November 5); Monterey (1841 November 24); Mazatlan (1841 December 10); Harbor of Payta (1842 January 23); Valparaiso (1842 February 22); Callao (1842 April 8); Lt. Eagle detached to command U.S.S. Shark (1842 April 21); Port of Pisco (1842 May 15); return to Callao (1842 May 23); Aulick relieved of command of Yorktown by Commodore Thomas ap Catesby Jones (1842 May 31).

Box 4 Folder 3

Volume 12: Journal of a Cruise on board the U.S.S. Yorktown, J. H. Aulick and John S. Nicholas, Commanders, 1841 March 21-1842 August 8

Journal possibly kept by Midshipman Richmond Aulick. Includes entries regarding Valparaiso (1841 March 21); Callao Bay (1841 April 6); Payta (1841 June 1); Port Anna-Maria [Nuku Hiva?] (1841 June 27); using Commodore Porter's journal for navigating Port Anna-Maria (1841 July 1); "The Dangerous Archipelago" (1841 July 3); Papeete Bay, Tahiti (1841 July 6); a total lunar eclipse (1841 August 2); serious injuries sustained by a crew member falling from the yard (1841 August 12); Bay of Islands (1841 August 16); arrival of the South Polar Exploring Expedition under Captain James Ross (1841 August 17); smallpox deaths (1841 August 27-28); catching a porpoise (1841 September 2); Matavai Bay, Tahiti (1841 September 11); Honolulu (1841 October 10); receiving the King of Hawaii (1841 November 1); Mazatlan (1841 December 10); Harbor of San Blas (1841 December 21); Valparaiso (1842 February 21); Callao (1842 April 8); Port of Pisco (1842 May 15); Aulick's resignation at commander of Yorktown (1842 May 31); entry signed as examined by J. H. Aulick (1842 June 1); Valparaiso (1841 June 23); shock of earthquake felt at Coquimbo (1842 July 4); standing in to Callao (1842 August 8).

Box 4 Folder 4

Volume 13: U.S. Frigate Potomac Letter Book, 1846 February 25-1847 July 25

Includes entries on Aulick's assumption of command of Potomac (1846 February 25); officers' mess and quarter demands (1846 February 28); crew "inferior" (1846 march 4); serious defects with Potomac (1846 (March 6); destruction of property aboard steamer Herald (1846 March 9); ship's magazine too small (1846 March 14); Marine deserter (1846 May 14); charges brought against Purser Bryan (1846 July 21-August 1); scurvy problem on board (1846 September 10-11); crew convalescence at Pensacola (1846 September 21); recommendation of MIDN Somerville for Naval School (1846 October 21); death of two "colored" seamen (1846 November 24); mental illness of Purser Edward Bissell (1847 January 1-3); Spanish brig Orbe and blockade off Vera Cruz (1847 February 17-18); Potomac's decayed condition (1847 march 20); battle off Sacrificios (1847 March 25-30); expectations of further battles (1847 April 13); Army's need of animals (1847 April 17); transfer of medical officer to Flotilla at Alvarado (1847 April 22-29); Perry's order to move Potomac to an unsafe mooring near Vera Cruz (1847 April 28-29); ordnance used against Vera Cruz (1847 May 6); detachment from Potomac to attack Tabasco (1847 June 7); storeship Relief ordered to Vera Cruz (1847 June 20-21); Potomac's activities and war news (1847 June 30); Potomac arrives at Hampton Roads (1847 July 20).

Box 5 Folder 1

Volume 14: Log Book of the U.S. Frigate Potomac, J. H. Aulick, Commander, 1846 February 25-November 23

Includes entries pertaining to Aulick's assumption of command (February 25); orders to officer to not engage in duels (March 11); demotion of James Burns (March 30); stationing in Vera Cruz and Sacrificios (April 1-May 4); support of General Taylor's army at battle of Palo Alto, Potomac's forces sent ashore, armed expedition up Rio Bravo-del-Norte (May 8-21); U.S.S. Princeton in fire fight (July 9-10); Mississippi hauls flagship off reef (July 29-30); battle preparations off Alvarado (August 8); English steamer Arab lands General Santa Ana at Ver Cruz (August 16); U.S.S. Truxton runs aground and crew captured (August 24); Pensacola Bay (September 17); scuttling of General Taylor (October 11); capture of Tampico (November 23).

Box 5 Folder 2

Volume 15: Log Book of the U.S. Frigate Potomac, J. H. Aulick, Commander, 1846 November 24-1847 July 23

Includes entries regarding sending a Marine guard under LT Garland ashore at Tampico (1846 November 28); transport of munitions and troops to Tampico (1846 November 30-December 1); news that Somers capsized with loss of 30 crew (1846, December 13); Spanish brig Orbe and blockade (1847 February 17-18); Revenue Cutter Walter Forward's boat sent to castle at Vera Cruz under flag of truce (1847 February 19); Albany runs aground (1847 march 4); all transports sail for Anton Lizardo with troops (1847 march 5-6); castle fires on U.S. steamer (1847 march 7); landing of troops (1847 March 8-9); fire fight between Mexicans and Spitfire, General Taylor's victory at Tampico (1847 March 10-22); Aulick leads armed party ashore (1847 March 23); Navy shore batteries engage enemy batteries, battle continues (1847 March 24-26); flag of truce flown, MIDN Shubrick buried (1847 March 27-28); surrender of Vera Cruz (1847 March 29-31); mutiny aboard Diadem investigated (1847 April 14); men sent to join expedition against Tabasco (1847 June 8); Potomac anchors at Norfolk (1847 July 23).

Box 5 Folder 3

Volume 16: Personal Journal of J. H. Aulick, Commander of the U.S. Squadron East India and China Seas, 1850 December 9-1851 October 15

Includes entries on Aulick's appointment to command U.S. Naval Forces in the East Indies, Steam frigate Susquehanna flagship (February 12); direction to touch at Zanzibar (June 4); transporting American and Brazilian officials to Rio de Janeiro (June 6); shipboard ball and supper at Funchal, Madeira (July 4); Aulick crossing the equator for the 27th time (July 18); Rio de Janeiro (July 26); Susquehanna repairs at Brazilian navy yard in Rio (August-September); putting out to sea (September 27); rounding the Cape of Good Hope after a stormy passage (October 15).

Box 5 Folder 4

Volume 17: Letter Book of J. H. Aulick, Commander of the U.S. Squadron East India and China Seas, 1851 May 19-December 8

Includes entries on the deficient crew complement of Susquehanna (May 19); orders to touch at Zanzibar (June 6); Funchal Bay, Madeira (June 26); sprung masts (July 26); conflict between Aulick and Susquehanna's commanding officer Captain Inman (August 2); substandard masts (August 5); Inman-Aulick conflict (August 9); Aulick's negative opinion on the prohibition of flogging (August 20); Brazilian assistance with repairs (September 15); Inman-Aulick conflict (September 19); Captain Inman relieved of command of Susquehanna (September 21); Table Bay, Cape of Good Hope, remarks on Captain Pearson of U.S.S. Dale and mission to Comor Islands (October 17-18); stowaways (October 15); investigations of U.S. Consul Charles Ward's charges of Sultan of Zanzibar's refusal to salute U.S. flag and Sultan Selim's imprisonment of Captain Mores over debt (December 3-8).

Box 6 Folder 1

Volume 18: Letter Book of J. H. Aulick, Commander of the U.S. Squadron East India and China Seas, 1851 May 19-1853 July 30

Includes entries pertaining to settlement of Consul Charles Ward's charges against the Sultan of Zanzibar, U.S. merchants in Zanzibar, unfounded charges that Sultan Selim of Johanna Island imprisoned Captain Mores, fuel shortages aboard Susquehanna (1851 December 3-26); questionable postal levy by British colonial authorities in Ceylon (1852 January 3); coal shortages and obtaining sugar cane cuttings and tea plants in Hong Kong (1852 January 24-November 22); charges against Aulick for claiming the Chevalier de Macedo of Brazil as his personal guest (resulting in Aulick being relieved of command) (1852 February 13-18); revolt aboard the ship Challenge (1852 February 24-25); Aulick's refusal to aid the deserter James Phillips (1852 March 30-April 15); request for aid for Walter M. Gibson who was imprisoned at Batavia (1852 April 18-December 16); American ships at Mulmein under threat of Burmese attack (1852 April 19); shipwrecked Japanese sailors brought to Hong Kong (1852 April 19-September 8); tardiness of Aulick's replacement (1852 April 23); piracy by Chinese coolies aboard Robert Browne (1852 May 1-July 12); conflict between Chinese and crew of Huntington (1852 August 17-September 8); U.S.S. Saratoga engaged with pirate junks off Hainan (1852 September 8-Novemer 18); conflict between Aulick and Chief of Bureau of Construction over state of Susquehanna (1852 September 22); President's approval of Aulick's handling of Zanzibar mission and Aulick's recall order (1852 September 26); Aulick's refusal to move Squadron headquarters to Hong Kong (1852 September 28); Franklin Buchanan named new commander of Susquehanna and crew petition in support of Aulick (1852 November 16-18); request for aid by Acting Consul C. W. Bradley at Amoy and riots in Amoy (1852 December 10-1853 January 12); Aulick illness and plans to return home (1853 January 16-March 10); and Aulick's request of court of inquiry into Macedo charges (1853 June 20).

Box 6 Folder 2

Volume 19: Order Book of J. H. Aulick, Commander of the U.S. Squadron East India and China Seas, 1851 March 29-1853 March 11

Orders include Aulick's assumption of command of U.S. Naval Forces in the East Indies (1851 march 29); plans for National Salute (1851 July 1); requirement for officers to avoid debt (1851 July 26); squadron signal regulations (1852 February 6, page 8); general instructions including education of midshipmen (1852 January 1, page 10); detachment of Captain Inman from Susquehanna (1851 September 20, page 24); detachment of Midshipmen Thorburn, Blake, Cummings, and Flusser to attend Naval School (1852 February 20); conveyance of prisoners from ship Challenge (1852 February 24); piracy by Chinese coolies aboard Robert Browne (1852 May 1-August 2); Dutch seizure of American ship Flirt and her master Walter M. Gibson (1852 May 24); response to disorder aboard American ship The West (1852 June 5); pirate junks at Hainan (1852 September 6); relief for Coquiette and other typhoon effected vessels (1852 November 24-27); court-martial and acquittal of Commander William Walker of Saratoga (1853 February 4-9); and Aulick's retirement from command of the squadron (1853 March 11).

Box 6 Folder 3

Volume 20: Journal of the U.S. Steam Frigate Susquehanna, W. Inman and F. Buchanan, Commanders, 1851 June 7-1853 February 20

Possibly kept by J. Wily Aulick. Includes entries regarding transporting Minister from Brazil to the U.S. Chavalier S. de Macedo, U.S. Minister to Brazil R. C. Schenck, U.S. Charge d'Affaires to Argentina Honorable J. S. Pendleton, and Secretary of Legation to Brazil F. H. Clack to Rio de Janeiro (1851 June 7); engine repairs at Funchal, Madeira (1851 June 25); shipboard celebration and ball (1851 July 4); coal shortage (1851 July 5); arrival at Rio de Janeiro (1851 July 26); work on ship's mast and machinery (1851 July 31); Cape Town (1851 October 16); Port Louis, Isle de France (1851 November 14); visit from King of Johanna Island (1851 November 29); salute from the Sultan of Zanzibar (1851 December 3); Prince of Wales Island (1852 January 13); Singapore (1852 January 20); Hong Kong (1852 February 5); mutiny aboard American ship Challenge (1852 February 12-14); Marines sent to American barque Ohio (1852 May 3); receiving Chinese coolies in piracy case from the ship Robert Browne (1852 June 1-August 18); Japanese aboard Susquehanna (1852 August 19-20); Commander Franklin Buchanan's assumption of command of Susquehanna (1852 November 10); Manila Bay (1853 January 1); and return to Hong Kong (1853 February 1).

Box 6 Folder 4

Volume 21: Signal Book, U.S. Navy Yard, Washington, 1843

Includes sections on night signals, fog signals, signal flags, directions for making flags, battle and evolutions, compass signals, general signals, and signals to the Admiral or Communications. Includes diagrams and illustrations.

Box 6 Folder 5

Volume 22: Rules, Regulations, and Instructions, for the Naval Service of the United States, 1818

Subtitle reads: Prepared by the Board of Navy Commissioners of the United States, with Consent of the Honorable the Secretary of the Navy; in Obedience to an Act of Congress, passed Seventh February, 1815.

Box 6 Folder 6

Volume 23: A New General Atlas, Chiefly Intended for the Uses of Schools and Private Libraries; also, Calculated to Accompany Modern Geographies and Gazetteers, 1820

Published by James V. Seaman, New York.

Back to Top