ADMIRAL WILLIAM EDGAR LE ROY (1818-1888). Autograph Manuscript Letter Signed by Civil War Hero Admiral Le Roy to Junior Officer Concerning Greek and Ottoman Turk Tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean. An autograph manuscript letter signed by the famous Navy Admiral William Le Roy aboard the U.S. Flag-ship Irenion based at Villefranche-sur-mer, to Commander F. J. Higginson aboard the U.S.S. Despatch off the coast of present day Greece near Volos. Le Roy served for forty-eight years in the U.S. Navy and saw action in the Mexican War, on the African Slave Patrol, and most prominently in the American Civil War. This letter, written near the end of his career, was during his assignment as Commander-in-Chief of the European squadron, and consists of some fatherly advice to his younger officer, warning him not to interfere in the situation that had recently arisen between the Ottoman Turks and their subjects, the Greeks, in the city of Volos. The crisis occurred as a result of an uprising by the Greeks against both their Ottoman rulers and a small group of Protestant missionaries who had settled in Volos and began to missionize among the populace. This incurred the wrath of some of the locals, who badly treated the missionaries. The recipient of the letter, Commander Higginson, is tempted to intervene and protect the missionaries from further abuse, but is warned by Le Roy not to do so, as this could be considered an act of war against the Turks, since landfall would be encroaching on their territorial sovereignty. A fascinating letter that weaves interesting elements of Ottoman occupation, Greek unrest, and Protestant missionary work abroad. Dated 21st of October, 1878. 4 pages. A few small split at folds. Size is 25.5 x 20cm. 

$250.00