Beschreibung:

Partially printed Boston Marine Society certificate of membership for Henry Skinner, dated December 4, 1781, approx. 8.5 x 14.5 in., housed in original frame, 10.75 x 16.75 in. Signed by William Furness as secretary and James Scott as president of Boston Marine Society. Original seal present. Original paper backing in place with the following inscription from Henry Skinner: Presented by Henry Skinner to his son Charles William Skinner of United States Navy, Norfolk Virginia 1st Jany 1834, aged 84 years, Henry Skinner of the revolutionary navy. Although thought by some historians to be the Capt. Skinner in George Washington's "Secret Navy," Henry Skinner was officially added to the Supplementary List of Continental Navy Captains in September 1779. He saw a long career on the seas - first in the Continental Navy during the Revolutionary War and later in the Merchant Service. In the year of his death [1834], he inscribed this certificate to his third son, Charles William Skinner, with whom he had taken up residence a few years prior. Charles followed his father's footsteps by joining the US Navy where he quickly rose up the ranks. After succeeding Matthew Perry as Commodore towards the end of 1844, Commodore Charles William Skinner held command over the US naval vessels attempting to suppress the slave trade off the western African coast using the USS Jamestown as his flagship in 1845. President James K. Polk appointed Charles Skinner to head the Navy's Bureau of Construction, Equipment, and Repair in 1847. Provenance: Property of Another Consignor Condition: Certificate considerably toned, but still clear and legible. Frame scuffed and scratched. Some stains and tears to backing. A scarce piece.