[PACIFIC: Collection of 32 Autograph Letters Signed "Henry Bruce", Including 16 Complete, Addressed to his Daughter Jane, the wife of a RN Officer John Alexander, Discussing Bruce's Appointment to the RN Pacific Station, Crimean War, Various Naval Topics, South American Affairs, and Social News; with Four Original Envelopes and a Letter to Bruce from his Friends in Santiago Inviting him for Dinner]. by BRUCE, Sir Henry William, Admiral (1792-1863) - 1854

1854. Letter. Very Good. No Binding. London, Oxenford, Liverpool, HMS "Monarch" et al., ca. 1854-1859. Of those dated: 31 May 1858 - 20 December 1859. With four original envelopes, two with postal stamps dated '1848' and '1852'. 12mo. In total over 120 pages of text. Brown and black ink on different writing paper (white, pale blue, laid paper). With a large folded undated letter to Bruce from his friends in Santiago (ca. 1854-57). Sixteen of the thirty-two letters incomplete, fold marks, paper of some letters slightly age toned, otherwise a very good collection. Interesting collection of private letters written by Admiral Sir Henry William Bruce, KCB, a Commodore of the RN West African station in the early 1850s, Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific Station (25 November 1854 - 8 July 1857), and Commander-in-Chief in Portsmouth (since 1860). During his service on the West coast of Africa, Bruce took part in the Bombardment of Lagos (1851) and signed the Treaty between Great Britain and Lagos suppressing the slave trade (1 January 1852). When the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Navy Pacific Station, Bruce initiated the construction of a military hospital in Esquimalt which became the first on-shore establishment of the Esquimalt Royal Navy base; which in its turn became the headquarters of the Pacific Station in 1865. The collection includes Bruce's private letters to his daughter Jane Letitia Troubridge Alexander (nee Bruce) written during his service at the Pacific Station and after his return; the Admiral confides to Mrs. Alexander his plans and thoughts, and shares the latest news from the British navy and high society. The earliest letters written in 1854 announce Bruce's appointment to the Pacific Station: "I have got the Pacific Command and must go by the next W. Indies packet and over the Isthmus. The packets are now uncertain being taken up for Troops. The Brisk is to sail from Portsmouth in a few days; will Alexander [Jane's husband, a naval officer, see more below] like to go in her round the Horn or to accompany me? <...> The Indefatigable is to be my Flagship <...> Your loving father Henry Bruce Pacificus" (undated, incomplete). "I am to proceed on the 9 Decr. In the Cunard Steamer which goes direct to New York from Liverpool, where it is desirable that I should see Mr. Crampton (the English Minister) and thence to Panama, Alexander will accompany me..." (25 Nov. [1854]). The second letter also contains an interesting note on the Crimean War and the fate of Sir Thomas St. Vincent Hope Cochrane Troubridge, who was severely wounded during the Battle of Inkerman: "I send you Col. Egerton's account of St. Vincent. He was not with his Regt. Being Field Officer of the day on duty in a battery; he was sitting with his legs crossed, a round shot came and torn off both feet and part of one leg; he was operated on immediately under the influence of chloroform most successfully, and Graham saw him "so patient, so noble, and so brave, it brought tears to his eyes"; tho' just come from tending his own numerous wounds. <...> St. Vincent himself writes that one foot will be saved. <...> The Russians seem to have had enough for a time". Another letter relates to his service as the Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific Station: "The Trincomalee has gone on from Hilo bay; the Packet is expected on Tuesday, and is of importance for Public News; the Monarch will await the mail here and then proceed direct to Vancouver Is." (ca. 1855-1858). Several letters relate to various South American affairs - "Logan tells me that Loyd is reinstalled in the Railway &c. Which shews good sense on the part of the Chilean Govt. That [.?] Petrie managed to displace Roses; Logan went to the Comy. Here about it, and told them Rose was the most valuable servant of the two; he was told he came too late, but that Petrie must be at Callao, not Valpo. as he intended" (19 November 1858; regarding the Lima and Callao Railway Company)..