1891 DC Letter About An Interesting Naval Gift (Transcribed)

Washington Friend Ferguson, I send you by same mail with this letter a basket made of steel from the tube of the first 12 inch gun made for the Navy known as No 1 12 inch gun and which is expected to throw a shot or shell and do great execution at distance of 15 miles this steel is a turning as it came from. The tool in the lathe? and is in one piece and plaited in the form of a Turks head of what is called "smoh" in Naval parlance.  The lining is a piece of the flush from the white house and the bottom is covered with a piece of the drapery from the inspectors office in the Navy Yard which makes it quite an interesting little relic. Now I am going to give you the size of that frame for the Old Guard which they are going to send to Marblehead, Mass and for the mat which you promised me some of the white house silk the matt will be 4 in  (Small picture drawn- see pics) wide on 3 sides and 9 inches on the bottom the ribbon on the bottom  Pick up in James Island near folly beach. Comes in a protector sleeve and backing board. Shipping is turned on.

Condition

Used (normal wear)

Type

Letter