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Letters written by Perry discuss personal finance issues, duties at home, and naval news. Collection contains a letter of appointment to Perry written by John Adams, a book called "Presentation of the Relics of Matthew Perry" from Japan, letter to John Rockefeller from the US Naval Academy about Matthew Perry, a biography of Matthew Perry, a personal account written about Perry's visit to Japan by a native, and a printed booklet summarizing the Japan trip. Also contained in the collection is a book of illustrations of Newport, newspaper clippings about Matthew Perry and his family, genealogical material, and a deed of sale to Matthew Perry of Peel Island for $50.00. There is also a letter containing information of the Perry family coat of arms.

Includes the draft of an address, ca. 1857, by Perry on American expansion in the Far East, two letters from Oliver Hazard Perry to Caroline (Perry) Belmont, and a letter from Christopher (Perry) Rogers to August Belmont.

Contains letters to Perry, many pertaining to naval affairs and letters to him from U.S. presidents concerning his expedition to Japan and his 3 volume published report on it; and copies of presidential documents of appointment and on international treaties that reflect the work of Perry and his relatives who also served as naval officers and diplomats. Also includes the correspondence of family members August Belmont, Caroline Slidell (Perry) Belmont, and Jane Slidell Perry among other items.

Written aboard the U.S.S. Mississippi, Perry discusses visiting Captain George E. Lambert of HMS Endymion regarding two prisoners who were taken aboard the Palsot for attempting to reconnoiter the enemies' powder magazine and brought to Vera Cruz. Perry mentions the departure of the Morris, a ship carrying provisions for Connor's ship, the McLane, and suggests he stock up on water while in Tampico, Mexico. The war with Mexico brought Perry the principal wartime command of his career. He was initially sent to the Gulf of Mexico as vice commodore of the American squadron with orders to relieve the ailing Commodore David Conner.