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Rodgers Family Collection

 At the Navy Department Library

Painting of Commodore John Rodgers by unknown artist, courtesy of Mrs. Robert Giles., Naval Historical Center Photographic Section #KN-13109
Painting of Commodore John Rodgers by unknown artist, courtesy of Mrs. Robert Giles., Naval Historical Center Photographic Section #KN-13109.

By Vice Admiral George W. Emery, USN (Retired)

Foreword

In 2004 the Booz Allen Hamilton Corporation bequeathed a grant to the Naval Historical Foundation to be applied in part to the identification, documentation and preservation of important, rare and unique volumes at the Navy Department Library. The initial project completed with these funds was the identification and cataloging of the many volumes donated to the United States Navy by Rear Admiral George Henry Preble in the late 19th century. That catalog was completed in 2006 and today serves as an on-line reference for scholars world-wide.

The second task, the subject of this work, was to bring together the volumes from the libraries of one of the most prominent family names in the history of the United States Navy, the Rodgers family. Commodore John Rodgers, his relatives and progeny, served their country as naval officers for nearly one hundred and fifty years. During that period many volumes once belonging to the Commodore, his son, Rear Admiral John Rodgers, his nephew, Rear Admiral Christopher Raymond Perry Rodgers, and his grandson, Vice Admiral William Ledyard Rodgers found their way to the Navy Department Library. This work identifies and catalogs those volumes.

Ensign (later Vice Admiral) William Ledyard Rodgers was the earliest significant Rodgers family donator recorded in the Library’s records. On 12 July 1888 nearly 100 titles were given to the Navy Department by Ensign Rodgers and are recorded in the Navy Department Library’s Accession Ledger. The great majority of these volumes were from the library of his father, Rear Admiral John Rodgers. A few are adorned with the signature of his grandfather, Commodore John Rodgers. Shortly before his death in 1944, Vice Admiral Rodgers donated several volumes from his own collection to the Library. Two years later Frederica Rodgers Giles, Rear Admiral John Rodgers’ daughter, gifted yet more of the family’s books to the Department. Over the past century these volumes became scattered among the Library’s holdings and lost their association with the Rodgers family. It is with pleasure and satisfaction that they are reunited in this catalog.

My thanks to Captain Todd Creekman, USN (Ret.), Executive Director of the Naval Historical Foundation, and Glenn E. Helm, Director of the Navy Department Library, for their support and encouragement in completing this project, and to the Library’s Technical Information Specialist, Davis Elliott, for his assistance in locating many of the volumes listed in this catalog.

George W. Emery
Vice Admiral, United States Navy (Retired)

10 October 2007

Engraving of Commodore John Rodgers from the Polyanthus, Boston, October 1813
Engraving of Commodore John Rodgers from the Polyanthus, Boston, October 1813

COMMODORE JOHN RODGERS

The naval dynasty of the Rodgers family in the United States Navy began with one of eight children born to a Scottish emigrant and his wife who settled near Havre de Grace, Maryland in the mid-eighteen century. Biographers agree that John Rodgers, the future commodore, was born to Colonel John and Elizabeth Rodgers on the 11th of July, but they do not agree whether the year was 1771, 1772 or 1773. Young Rodgers’ first association with the sea came on the merchant ship Maryland commanded by a friend of the Colonel, Benjamin Folger. He sailed to Europe with Folger in 1786 and 1787 and later to the West Indies with Folger in the schooner Pilgrim. It is to Folger that Rodgers’ skills as a master mariner are attributed. Rodgers’ first command was the brig Jane in which he sailed from Baltimore to European ports between 1793 and 1796. Rodgers left the merchant service in 1797 at age 24, eleven years of sea duty already under his belt.

In 1798 the new 36-gun frigate Constellation was fitting out in Baltimore under Captain Thomas Truxtun. Well acquainted with Truxtun and many other budding sailors including John Barry, Stephen Decatur Jr., William Bainbridge, David Porter and Edward Preble, Rodgers accepted a commission as second lieutenant on the Constellation, and his naval career was under way.

Rodgers’ rise to the acknowledged leader of the infant Navy by the outbreak of the War of 1812 was meteoric. Enjoying the laurels of Truxtun’s victory over the French frigate L’Insurgente, Rodgers was assigned command of the 20-gun sloop Maryland in June of 1799 in which he served on the Suriname station before sailing for France at President Jefferson’s direction with the ratified treaty ending the Quasi-War with that country.

Following a brief service again in the merchant service Rodgers returned to Havre de Grace in 1802 where he met his bride-to-be, Minerva Denison. In August of that year he set sail with the Mediterranean squadron in command of the frigate John Adams to protect American shipping from plunder by the navies of the Barbary states. Returning to Washington in the fall of 1803, Rodgers was not long at home. He again sailed for the Mediterranean in the summer of 1804, this time in command of Congress, and subsequently assumed command of Constitution on that station in which he relieved Samuel Barron as commander of the Mediterranean Squadron. After an extraordinarily successful two years in that theater including negotiating a permanent peace and the release of 300 captive officers and seamen, he sailed home in the Essex in the summer of 1806. That fall he married Minerva. 1807 found him assembling a flotilla of gunboats on the New York station. Soon he assumed command of the Constitution, then the President, on board which he served as commander of the Home Squadron remaining in that capacity throughout the intervening years prior to the outbreak of War with England. Commanding the frigate President in 1811 he defeated HMS Little Belt in a controversial action that widened the chasm between the two countries.

Rodgers House, President Square, Washington DC.
Rodgers House, President Square, Washington DC. Built by John Rodgers about 1833 and occupied by him until his death. Sold by Mrs. Rodgers in 1861. The family anecdote is that this property was had from Andrew Jackson in exchange for an Arabian jackass., Courtesy of Adm. M.M. Taylor, USN circa 1962. Naval Historical Center Photographic Section #NH 79417

When war was declared with Great Britain in 1812, Rodgers, still commanding the frigate President, gave chase to the British frigate Belvidera for eight hours before she escaped. During the chase he was wounded when one of the President’s bow chasers burst killing a midshipman and wounding thirteen others. Returning to Boston, Rodgers assembled a squadron to cruise the North Atlantic in search of enemy naval forces and to harass his commerce. (His orders to the frigate Congress are reproduced below.) Although the cruise disrupted England’s deployment of its naval forces while they searched in vain for the President and its cohorts, it ended eight months later with few prizes and no action with the enemy’s navy. Fate failed to bring opportunities for Rodgers to distinguish himself in frigate actions during the war as it did for Hull, Decatur and Bainbridge, nevertheless he emerged as the clear leader of the officer corps and was the administration’s choice to assume the presidency of the Naval Board of Commissioners upon its creation in 1815. With the exception of a three year period between 1824 and 1827 when he commanded the Mediterranean Squadron with the 74-gun ship North Carolina his flagship, Rodgers remained the Naval Board’s uniformed president until he retired in May of 1837. He died in Philadelphia in 1838.

Few volumes in the following catalog are inscribed with Rodgers’ signature, but those that do, and those associated with family successors who followed his naval footsteps over the next century and a half, are the foundation of this work.

Rear Admiral John Rodgers, USN
Rear Admiral John Rodgers, USN - a c1870 photograph depicting Admiral Rodgers wearing the live-oak and acorn motif prescribed to Rear Admirals at the time, in lieu of stripes. Note also the elaborate figures on his belt. Naval Historical Center Photographic Section #NH 46930

REAR ADMIRAL JOHN RODGERS

John Rodgers, the first born of Commodore John Rodgers and Minerva (Denison) Rodgers, was reared in his father’s hometown of Havre de Grace, Maryland in August of 1812 while the senior Rodgers commanded the frigate President scouring the Atlantic for British prizes. His incredible naval career ended 70 years later following 54 years of naval service. Rodgers was appointed midshipman in 1828 and was assigned to the frigate Constellation on duty with the Mediterranean Squadron. After a year studying mathematics and natural philosophy at the University of Virginia, and a short tour with the Coast Survey, Rodgers was assigned to the brigantine Dolphin with the Brazil Squadron. During the Seminole War between 1839 and 1842, Rodgers was intensely active, commanding the schooner Wave and the brig Jefferson. He was next assigned to duties as First Lieutenant of the 10-gun brig Boxer, Lieutenant Oscar Bullus commanding, sailing primarily to the West Indies and Florida Coast. Following duty in the city of Pittsburg constructing the steam-frigate Allegheny, Rodgers was ordered to the frigate United States and the sloop-of-war Marion off the African coast and subsequently the Mediterranean. Three years with the Coast Survey were followed by command of the screw-steamer John Hancock and second-in-command of the North Pacific Ocean and China Seas Surveying Expedition led by Cadwalader Ringgold. Rodgers relieved Ringgold of command of the Expedition in 1854 shifting his command to the sloop-of-war Vincennes.

Commodore John Rodgers, USN
Commodore John Rodgers, USN. Served in the Seminole Wars during 1840s. Also surveyed Florida. At his death he was superintendent of the Naval Observatory, Washington, DC. (1882) Engraved by A.H. Ritchie. Naval Historical Center Photographic Section #NH66662

On assignment in Washington, Rodgers met and married Ann Elizabeth Hodge in 1857. Their first son, William Ledyard Rodgers, “Little Willie” to the family, later a Vice Admiral, was born while Rodgers commanded the side-wheel gunboat Water Witch with the Home Squadron. Following the outbreak of Civil War, Rodgers was ordered to supervise the creation of a river gunboat squadron with which to control the Mississippi River, an assignment that he accomplished with remarkable success although the laurels would be garnered by his successor Andrew Foote. He took part in DuPont’s victorious attack on Port Royal, and commanded the converted merchant steamer Flag on the South Atlantic Blockade before being assigned command of the armored gunboat Galena on the James River where he led a successful attack on Drewry’s Bluff in support of General McClellan’s Peninsula Campaign. Rodgers returned to the blockade as commander of the monitor Weehawken in which he engaged and captured the Confederate ironclad Atlanta, for which he was promoted to Commodore. For much of the remainder of the war Rodgers commanded the new monitor Dictator whose mechanical problems kept him out of mainstream action. The war ending, Rodgers was assigned command of a Special Service Squadron, the fast side-wheeler Vanderbilt as flagship, with which he sailed to San Francisco to serve as a reserve force for protection of the West Coast. In 1869, while commanding the Boston Navy Yard, he was promoted to Rear Admiral and ordered to command the Asiatic Station, the screw-frigate Colorado as flagship. In 1871 he successfully attacked Korean forts in retaliation for unprovoked attacks on his forces while attempting to negotiate a treaty to protect shipwrecked mariners. Returning to Washington as President of the Examining and Retirement Board he soon recrossed the country with his family to assume command of the Mare Island Navy Yard in July 1873. He finished his career as Superintendent of the Naval Observatory in Washington. Rodgers died in that office in May 1882, the senior Rear Admiral on active duty.

Commander Christopher Raymond Perry Rodgers, USN
Commander Christopher Raymond Perry Rodgers, USN, carte de visite photo by Brady, 1864-66. Courtesy of Dr. Walter B. LaBerge, Under Secretary of the Army, 1978. Naval Historical Center Photographic Section #NH 88508

REAR ADMIRAL CHRISTOPHER RAYMOND PERRY RODGERS

Rear Admiral Christopher Raymond Perry Rodgers was born in 1819, the son of Commodore John Rodgers’ brother, Captain George Washington Rodgers, U. S. Navy, and Ann Maria (Perry) Rodgers whose brothers included Matthew Calbraith Perry and Oliver Hazard Perry. He was appointed midshipman in 1833, making his first cruise on board the Brandywine in the Pacific, followed by duty on Fairfield with the Brazil Squadron. Rodgers saw action during the Seminole War commanding the schooner Phoenix, before assignments in the anti-slave trade African Squadron on board Saratoga, and in the Mediterranean on board Cumberland. During the Mexican War he participated in the siege of Vera Cruz, and the capture of Tabasco and Tuxpan by Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry. After three years with the Coast Survey he returned to the Brazil Station on board the frigate Congress, followed by duty on the Constitution with the African Squadron, another two years with the Coast Survey and a tour on board the screw-frigate Wabash in the Mediterranean.

Rodgers was named Commandant of Midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy as the Civil War loomed, and was instrumental in the relocation of the Academy to Newport, R.I. for the duration of the war. He was then assigned command, successively, of Samuel DuPont’s South Atlantic Blockading Squadron flagships, Wabash and New Ironsides. During the last two years of the war he commanded the screw-sloop Iroquois on an independent world-wide assignment to capture Confederate raiders. After the war Rodgers was promoted to captain, commanded the ship-of-the-line Franklin in the Mediterranean and, promoted to Commodore, assigned as Chief of the Bureau of Yards and Docks. Following promotion to Rear Admiral in 1874 he served twice as Superintendent of the U. S. Naval Academy sandwiched around a two-year tour as Commander of the Pacific Squadron. During his first term as Superintendent he directed and approved the publication of a history of the Academy, specifically for the Department of Education at the 1876 International Exhibit. The history, Historical Sketch of the United States Naval Academy, written by Naval Academy Professor James Russell Soley, was published in the same year as the Exhibit. Rodgers was placed on the Retired List in 1881 and died in Washington, D.C. in 1892.

Rear Admiral William Ledyard Rodgers
Rear Admiral William Ledyard Rodgers, courtesy of Naval Institute Photo Collection, Naval Historical Center Photographic Section #NH 93036

VICE ADMIRAL WILLIAM LEDYARD RODGERS

Vice Admiral William Ledyard Rodgers was the third generation of Rodgers to pursue the Navy as a career. The grandson of Commodore John Rodgers and son of Rear Admiral John Rodgers, he was born in 1860, graduated from the U. S. Naval Academy in 1878 and fought in the Spanish American War on board the torpedo boat Foote. He was assigned to the battleship Kentucky (BB-6) in 1900 and after service with the Training Squadron was assigned to the Naval War College Staff. From the War College he received orders as Executive Officer of the battleship Wisconsin (BB-9) with the Asiatic Fleet, followed by command of gunboat Wilmington in the same theater. In 1909 after another tour at the War College, Rodgers assumed command of Georgia (BB-15), relinquishing that assignment in 1911 to return to the War College as its president. 1913 found him once again at sea, this time in command of the new battleship Delaware (BB-28), returning to Washington in 1915 to serve on the Navy’s General Board. In 1916 Rodgers was ordered to assume command of the training and service force (“Train, Atlantic Fleet”) to both train sailors, and replenish and repair ships of the Atlantic Fleet, a position he held, with the repair ship Vestal, and subsequently the store ship Supply, his flagships, until the end of the war. For his superior performance in this assignment he was awarded the Navy Cross.

In December 1918 Rodgers was rewarded with command of the Asiatic Fleet and promotion to Vice Admiral. He returned to the United States in 1920 as the Senior Member of the General Board, a job he held for his last four years of active duty. During this period he was also a member of the Advisory Committee to the Conference on the Limitation of Armaments. Rodgers was transferred to the Retired list in 1924.

In retirement Vice Admiral Rodgers pursued his life-long love of naval history authoring Greek and Roman Naval Warfare, A Study of Strategy, Tactics, and Ship Design from Salamis (450 B.C.) to Actium (31 B.C.) in 1937, and Naval Warfare under Oars 4th to 16th Centuries in 1939. He wrote many articles for publication in magazines and journals, as well as the introduction to Captain Dudley Knox’s classic, A History of the United States Navy, New York, 1936. In addition to donating much of his father’s collection to the Navy Department, the department was also the beneficiary of numerous fine volumes from his own library. Many volumes from both libraries are recorded herein. Vice Admiral Rodgers was the president of the Naval Historical Foundation from 1933-1943. He died in 1944 in Washington, DC.

Captain William L. Rodgers, USN
Captain William L. Rodgers, USN; a circa 1909 photograph. The ship may be the USS Georgia to which he was assigned that year as Commanding Officer. Naval Historical Center Photographic Section # NH 46935

REFERENCES

The compiler acknowledges the following sources for the above biographical sketches:

Brown, Stephen D. “Christopher Raymond Perry Rodgers: Mentor of the New Navy,” in Naval History: The Sixth Symposium of the U.S. Naval Academy. Daniel Masterson ed. (Wilmington, DE: Scholarly Resources Inc., 1987): 291-301.

Cogar, William B. Dictionary of Admirals of the U.S. Navy, Volume 1, 1862-1900. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 1989.

Cole, Allan B. ed. Yankee Surveyors in the Shogun’s Seas: Records of the United States Surveying Expedition to the North Pacific Ocean, 1853-1856. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1947.

Hamersly, L. R. ed. A Naval Encyclopedia: Comprising a Dictionary of Nautical Words and Phrases; Biographical Notices, and Records of Naval Officers. Philadelphia, PA: L. R. Hamersly & Co., 1881.

Johnson, Robert Irwin. Rear Admiral John Rodgers, 1812-1882. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 1967.

Luce, Stephen B. ed. “Archaeological News and Discussions: Necrology.” American Journal of Archaeology 48, no.3 (July-September 1944): 274-302. [See pages 274-275 for information on William Ledyard Rodgers.]

Vice Admiral W. L. Rodgers ZB file, Navy Department Library.

Paullin, Charles Oscar. Commodore John Rodgers: Captain, Commodore, and Senior Officer of the American Navy, 1773-1838. Cleveland, OH: Arthur H. Clark Company, 1910.

The Rodgers Family Collection

Abel, Clarke, Chief Medical Officer and Naturalist to the Embassy. Narrative of a Journey in the Interior of China, and of A Voyage to and from that Country, in the Years 1816 and 1817; Containing an Account of the most interesting Transactions of Lord Amherst’s Embassy to the Court of Pekin, and Observations on the Countries which it Visited. Illustrated by Maps and other Engravings. London: Printed for Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown, 1818.

Quarto; xvi & 420pp. With several folding maps and engravings, some of which are brilliantly hand-colored. Bound in modern black library cloth. Penned on the title is “U.S.S. Vincennes,” flagship of the North Pacific Squadron that RADM John Rodgers commanded from 1854-1856.

Artiñano y de Galdácano, Gervasio de. La Arquitectura Naval Española (en Madera), Bosquela de sus Condiciones y Rasgos de su Evolución. Madrid, por el Autor, 1920.

Folio; 427, (171) & 80 plates. Bound in publisher’s gilt decorated quarter vellum and cloth boards, and illustrated endpapers. Copy number 207; signed by the author. A magnificent production. Presented to the Navy Department Library by Vice Admiral W(illiam) L(edyard) Rodgers.

Baïf, Lazare de. Lazari Bayfii Annotationes in legem II De Captiuis & Postliminio reuersis, in Quibus Tractatur De re Navali, per Autorem Recognitae. Basileae Anno 1537.

8vo; 299, 305-323 & (8)pp. Bound in early full calf with gilt decorated spine. Numerous wood engravings within the text. Presented to the Navy Department Library by Vice Admiral W. L. Rodgers. Protected in a custom box.

Barnard, Frederick Lamport, R.N. Three Years’ Cruize in the Mozambique Channel, for the Suppression of the Slave Trade. London: Richard Bentley, 1848.

8vo; half title, xiii & 319pp. Bound in slate blue library buckram. With RADM John Rodgers’ signature on the title page.

Barringer, D. M. Description of a New Form of Rear Rifle Sight. (Philadelphia, PA, 1893.)

16mo; 10pp. With a folding blue paper illustration of the Barringer Sight pasted to the front pastedown. Bound in the original publisher’s leather with title in gilt on the front cover. Front cover detached. Inscribed on the front flyleaf, “With the compliments of D. M. Barringer, Sept. 1893,” and a second inscription on the same flyleaf, “Naval Historical Foundation 1940, Presented by Mrs. Alexander Rodgers.” Pocketed in a modern protective stiff gray marbled paper wrapper.

Begat, Pierre. Traité de Géodésie a L’Usage des Marins. Paris: Imprimerie Royale, 1889.

8vo; 288pp & three terminal engraved folding plates. Bound in modern brown library buckram. With RADM John Rodgers’ signature dated June 1857 in Washington on the title page.

Image showing RADM John Rodgers' signature dated June 1857 in Washington on the title page
Image showing RADM John Rodgers' signature dated June 1857 in Washington on the title page of "Traite de Geodesie a L'usage des Marins du Methodes et Formules Trigonometriques Relatives au Leve et a la Construction des Cartes Hydrographiques," par P. Begat

Belair, A. P. Julienne de. Elements de Fortification. A Paris, Chez Firmin Didot, libraire pour l’artillerie, le genie, les mathématiques et l/art militaire, rue Dauphine, no. 116, 1792.

12mo; two volumes. Vol. I: xvi & 775pp, vol. II: thirty superb folding engraved plates of various fortifications. Uniformly bound in modern dark green library cloth.

Bello, Andres. Principios de Derecho Internacional. Tercers Edition, Correjida Y Considerablemente Aumentada. Valparaiso: Imprenta de la Patria, 1864.

8vo; xvi, 350 and (1) pages. Bound in modern blue buckram. With RADM John Rodgers’ signature penned while at Valparaiso on the title page.

Blafius, J. S. Reife im Europäifchen Rukland in den Jahren 1840 und 1841. (Two volumes.) Braunfchmeig, Berlag von George Meftermann, 1844.

8vo; two volumes. Vol. I: half title, x, errata &364pp; vol. II: half title, x, errata & 408pp. The two volumes bound alike in quarter green morocco and marbled boards. Volume I with the printed bookplate of RADM John Rodgers, U.S. Navy on the front pastedown.

(Board of Navy Commissioners.) Rules, Regulations, and Instructions, for the Naval Service of the United States: Prepared by the Board of Navy Commissioners of the United States, with the Consent of the Secretary of the Navy; in Obedience to an Act of Congress, passed Seventh February, 1815, entitled “An act to Alter and Amend the Several Acts for Establishing a Navy Department, by adding thereto a Board of Commissioners.” Washington City, DC: Printed by E. de Krafft, Pennsylvania Avenue, 1818.

12mo; 150pp and 23 folding forms and tables. Bound in modern black cloth. This is the so-called “pocket” edition of the 1818 rules and regulations published for distribution to members of a ship’s wardroom. The forms and tables were not originally published with this edition and have been added from the Congressional printing of 20 April 1818. Signed on the title page, “John Rodgers, Washington Aug 22nd 1860”.

----------. Rules, Regulations, and Instructions, for the Naval Service of the United States: Prepared by the Board of Navy Commissioners of the United States, with the Consent of the Honorable the Secretary of the Navy; in Obedience to an Act of Congress, passed Seventh February, 1815, entitled “An Act to Alter and Amend the Several Acts for Establishing a Navy Department, by Adding thereto a Board of Commissioners.” Washington City, DC: Printed by E. de Krafft, Pennsylvania Avenue, 1818.

Quarto; 75pp, (23 pages of tables and forms), (1) & (ii, index). Contemporary full calf and leather label. The naval rules and regulations as prepared by the Navy Commissioners and approved by the President. Printed in large paper format and distributed to commanding officers of the Navy’s ships. The instructions for officers, both commissioned and non-commissioned, from salutes and honors, to stores, provisions, discipline, cleanliness and recruiting, are set forth in minute detail. The forms and tables include lists of every sort of provision for five different classes of vessels from brigs and frigates, to 74 gun ships of the line. Printed on page 75 are the “Regulations Relatively to the Broad Pendant.” The following notice “To all officers, agents and others, belonging to the Navy of the United States” is printed on the verso of the final page of tables and forms:

Notice of regulation
"Regulations Relatively to the Broad Pendant"

"Navy Department, September 17, 1817. The Board of Navy Commissioners having submitted to me the aforegoing Rules and Regulations, and the same having been approved by the President of the United States, are to be respected and obeyed, until altered or revoked by the same authority. By command of the President, B. W. Crowninshield, Secretary of the Navy. To all officers, agents and others, belonging to the Navy of the United States.”

Neither this notice nor the regulations for use of the Broad Pennant are published in other (later) versions of the 1818 rules and regulations. Further, in other 1818 editions the table of the provisions allowed the crew has been corrected to replace the daily allowance of 3 and ½ pounds of “Beer” with the same quantity of “Beef,” probably to the dismay of the sailors.

Commodore John Rodgers’ copy. The following is penned in his hand on the front flyleaf:

Pursers in the fulfillment of their accounts ought to produce for every article purchased the requisitions which authorized the purchase Signed by his Capt. & approved by the Com’d’g officer (of) the Squadron when he is present. All supplies ought to be furnished if possible through some accredited agent.”

Botta, Carlo. Storia Della Guerra della Independenza degli Stati Uniti di America. Volume Terzo. Milano, Per Nicolò Bettoni, 1820.

8vo; 516pp and a large terminal folding map of the mid-Atlantic American coast. Bound in full tree vellum; rebacked. With RADM John Rodgers’ signature on the title page. Volume 3 only.

Bougainville, Lewis de, Colonel of Foot, and Commodore of the Expedition, in the Frigate La Boudeuse, and the Store-ship L’Etoile. A Voyage Round the World. Performed by Order of His Most Christian Majesty, in the years 1766, 1767, 1768, and 1769. Translated from the French by John Reinhold Forster, F.A.S. London: Printed for J. Nourse, and T. Davies, 1772.

Quarto; xxviii, 476pp & five folding charts. Bound in modern simulated tan leather. With the signature of William L. Rodgers dated 1881 on the front fly leaf.

Boyd, John M’Neill, Captain R.N. A Manual for Naval Cadets. London: Longman, Brown, Green, Longmans, & Roberts, 1857.

12mo; half title, xvi, errata slip, 471 & 24 terminal advertisement pages. With numerous illustrations within the text. Bound in the publisher’s embossed blue cloth with the title in gilt on the spine. With the signature of C. R. P. Rodgers dated March 1858 on the front flyleaf.

Brannan, John, (Editor.) Official Letters of the Military and Naval Officers of the United States, During the War with great Britain in the Years 1812, 13, 24, & 15. With some additional Letters and Documents Elucidating the History of that Period. Washington City, DC: Printed by Way & Gideon, for the Editor, 1823.

8vo; 510pp. Bound in contemporary calf; rebacked. Inscribed on the title page, “H. K. Hoff to his friend John Rodgers.” Henry Hoff was a naval surgeon commissioned in 1831. With RADM John Rodgers’ printed bookplate on the front pastedown. Presented to the Navy Department Library by Vice Admiral W. L. Rodgers.

Brasil, Thomaz Pompeo de Sousa. Ensaio Estatistico da Provincia do Ceará. Tomo II. (N.p.), 1864.

8vo; 330pp. Bound in 19th century beige cloth with two leather labels. Signed on the title page by RADM John Rodgers at Ciaea, Brazil, December 14th, 1865.

(British Military.) Manual of Field Artillery Exercises. 1881. London: Printed under the Superintendence of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, (1881.)

8vo; (xxiv), 376 & (2)pp. Interleaved throughout with blank sheets for note-taking. With numerous plates, many folding and several printed in multiple colors. Bound in crimson library buckram. With the signature of William Ledyard Rodgers on the title page dated 13 July 1886 at Newport, Rhode Island.

(Buddhist Religion.) Diamond Sutra. Sacred Teaching – Lotus Flower Classic. Vol. II. (N.d., n.p.)

10 x 3¾ inches; a single folded sheet of many pages several feet long written in both Chinese and Japanese characters. Signed on the third folding sheet by RADM John Rodgers, on board “U.S.S. Vincennes, Simona, Japan, May 20th 1855.” The NHC web-site notes the following:

The Diamond [Cutter] Sutra is a Mahayana Buddhist work, one of 18 texts with commentaries that are part of the larger Prajnaparamita. The original text was in Sanskrit, and subsequently translated into Chinese, circa 400 A.D. Structurally it is a dialog in which Buddha answers questions of a disciple, with monks and others in attendance."

Accompanied with a typed memorandum by Ensign J. B. Bernadou, U.S.N. which reads, in part:

The work is entitled ‘Sacred Teachings—Lotus Flower Classic’, Vol. II. It is one of the Buddhist’s sacred works; is given in both the Chinese and Japanese characters. It consists of a narrative of certain acts of Budetta and of his disciples; and a collection of hymns.”

Tied between two half black morocco and marbled boards. Protected in a custom box entitled “Manuscript Collection, Japan, Opening of, Diamond Sutra.”

Image of Rear Admiral C.R. P. Rodgers, USN printed bookplate
Image of Rear Admiral C.R. P. Rodgers, USN printed bookplate

Burney, C., Staff-Commander, R.N. The Young Seaman’s Manual. Approved by the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. Jersey: C. Le Feuvre, Printer, 1869.

Small 8vo; vi, four pages of brilliantly colored flags, (10), 432pp, and unpaginated appendices and index. Bound in publisher’s pebbled blue cloth with title in gilt on the spine. Rear Admiral C. R. P. Rodgers’ copy with an inscription on the front flyleaf presenting this book to him compliments of the author at Greenwich Hospital on March 23rd, 1871. With both Rodgers’ printed bookplate and that of the Naval Historical Foundation on the front pastedown, the latter with the inked signature of Mrs. Alexander Rodgers.

Image of Naval Historical Foundations' bookplate
Image of Naval Historical Foundations' bookplate with Mrs. Alexander Rodgers signature and opposite inscription on the front flyleaf presenting this book to Commodore CRP Rodgers United States Navy with the author's compliments at Greenwich Hospital on March 23rd, 1871

Butts, I. R. Laws of the Sea. The Seaman’s Assistant: Coaster’s & Fisherman’s Guide; and Master’s and Mate’s Manual: including the Passenger Laws of 1819, ’47, ’48 and ’49; Seamen’s Wages Tables for the Day and Month; Navy Ration; Scale for Victualling Vessels; Ready Reckoner; Rules for Dunnaging Vessel, &c. Boston, MA: I. R. Butts, (1849).

Small 8vo; vi, (7)-108 pages, bound with:

-----. The Merchant Shipper’s Assistant and Common Carrier’s Guide: Containing the Liabilities of Ship-Owners, Shipmasters, Railroad and Steamboat Companies, Insurers and Insured, Consignors and Consignees; Ferrymen, canal-Boatmen, Express-men, Stage-coachmen, Hackmen, Cabmen, Truckmen, Carmen, Handcartmen. Boston, MA: I. R. Butts, No. 2 School Street; New-York, H. Long & Brother 43 Ann Street, (1850).

Small 8vo; viii & (5)-108 pages. The two bound together in half black morocco and marbled boards. With RADM John Rodgers’ signature on the title page of the first work.

Cà da Mosto, Alvise. Il Consolato del Mare. In Venetia, Apresso gli Heredi di Francesco Rampazetto, 1584.

8vo; engraved title page, (14), 230pp. Bound with:

-----. Cà da Mosto, Alvise. Il Portolano del Mare. In Venetia, Apresso gli Heredi di Francesco Rampazetto, 1584.

8vo; engraved title page, (2) & 30pp. Bound together in the original publisher’s vellum. Presented to the library by Vice Admiral W. L. Rodgers. Protected in a custom box.

Callan, John F., and Russell, A. W. (Compilers.) Laws of the United States Relating to the Navy and Marine Corps, From the Formation of the Government to 1859: to which are prefixed the Constitution of the United States, (With an Index thereto,) and a Synopsis of the Legislation of Congress, Respecting Naval Affairs, during the Revolutionary War. Baltimore, MD: Printed and Published by John Murphy & Co., 1859.

8vo; half title, 464pp. Bound in green cloth.

Campbell, E. S. N. A Dictionary of the Military Science: Containing an Explanation of the Principal Terms used in Mathematics, Artillery, and Fortification. London: Baldwin and Cradock, 1830.

8vo; xi & 284pp. Bound in the publisher’s embossed light brown cloth with RADM John Rodgers’ signature dated 8 April 1853 in New York.

Campbell, John. Travels in South Africa. Undertaken at the Request of the Missionary Society. Andover, MA: Printed and Published by Flagg and Gould. For sale by the Publishers, 1816.

8vo; vx, (1) & 398pp. Engraved frontispiece of the author, map of South Africa showing the author’s route and six additional engraved illustrations. Bound in contemporary full calf. RADM John Rodgers’ printed bookplate on the front pastedown. Presented to the Navy Department Library by Vice Admiral W. L. Rodgers. Protected in a custom box.

Caracciolo, Ferrante, conte di Biccari. I Commentarii Delle Guerre Fatte co’ Turchi Da D. Giovanni D’Austria, dopo che venue in Italia. In Fiorenza, Appresso Giorgio Marescotti, 1581.

8vo; (8), 137, and an eight-page index & an errata sheet. Matching engraved vignettes on the title page and errata sheet. Bound with:

-----. (Gameren, Hannard van.) Vera Narratione de le Cose Passate ne’ Paesi Bassi dopò la Giunta del Ser. …S. Don Giovanni d’Austria. In Milano: Appresso Gio. Battista Pontio, 1578.

8vo; (8) and 181pp. The two works bound together in the publisher’s original vellum. Presented to the Navy Department Library by Vice Admiral W. L. Rodgers. Protected in a custom box.

(Central America.) Map of Central America, 1856. New York, 1856.

8vo; a large folding “Map of Central America. Compiled from materials furnished by the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate of the U.S. Executed at the Office of the U.S. Coast Survey. A.D. Bache, Sup’dt. Under special direction of Captain W.R. Palmer, U.S. Top’l Eng’rs. March 1856.” Lithograph by J. Bien, 107 Fulton Street, New York.

Clavigero, D. Francesco Saverio. Storia Antica Del Messico Cavata Da’ Miglioro Storici Spagnuoli, e da’ Manoscritti, e dale pitture abtiche degl’ Indiani; Divisa in Dieci Libri, e Corredata di Carte Geografiche, e di varie figure: e Dissertazioni Sulla Terra, sugli Animali, e sugli abitatori del Messico. Per Gregorio Biasini all’ Insegna di Pallade, 1780.

Small quarto; two volumes. Vol. I: vii, (1) & 306pp; vol. II: 276pp. With several beautifully engraved plates. Bound in modern simulated off-white cloth. On the front flyleaf of each volume is penned:

To Lt. John Rodgers US Navy from RS Ripley. Captured from the library of the Military College of Chapultepec. September 17th 1847.”

Clerk, John, Esq. of Eldin. An Essay on Naval Tactics, Systematical and Historical, with Explanatory Plates. In Four Parts. Third Edition. With Notes by Lord Rodney, and An Introduction by a Naval Officer. Edinburgh: Printed for Adam Black; and Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown, and Green, London, 1827.

8vo; xlv, 331, (2) and 52 terminal plates. The scarce third, and final, edition. First published separately in two volumes, Part I in 1790 and Parts II, III and IV in1797, a second edition in a single volume appeared in 1804. This third edition is published with printed commentary by Lord Rodney. This edition also includes the Preface first published in the second, 1804, edition and an additional thirteen page unattributed Introduction praising Clerk’s work and defending it from undeserved “censure bestowed on it by an officer of the Navy, and given to the public in Admiral Ekins’ late work.” The writer is referring to Admiral Charles Ekins’ The Naval Battles of Great Britain..., (London, 1824). An Essay on Naval Tactics is a seminal British treatise on naval tactics, and is said to have been studied by Lord Nelson before the battle off Trafalgar. Bound in modern black library buckram.

Cleveland, Richard J. A Narrative of Voyages and Commercial Enterprises. Third Edition. With Illustrations by Billings. Boston, MA: Published by Charles H. Pierce, 1850.

8vo; half title & 407pp. Bound in modern green library buckram. With RADM John Rodgers’ signature on the title.

(Consolat de mar.) Il Consolato del Mare, nel Qvale si Comprendono tutti gli Statuti & Ordini. (Bound with) Il Portolano del Mare; Nelqval Sidichiara Minvtamente del Sito di Tvtti I Porti. Venetia, Appresso gji Heredi di Francesco Rampazetto, 1584.

8vo; (16), 230, (4) & 38 sheets. Engraved vignettes on both title pages. The second title, Il Portolano del Mare, is printed on the final 38 sheets; 76 pages numbered only on the recto of each sheet. Bound in original vellum. Presented to the Navy Department Library by Vice Admiral W. L. Rodgers. Protected in a custom box.

Contarini, Gio. Pietro. Historia Delle Cose Successe dal Principio Della Guerra Mossa da Selim, ot, tomano A’Venetiani. In Venetia, Appresso Francesco Rampazetto, 1572.

8vo; (8) & (111)pp. With an engraved vignette on the title page. Following the first eight unnumbered pages the next 111 are paginated only on the recto, although as in the previous entry both sides are printed. Hence the printed page numbers end with page 56; i.e., the 111th page. A superb double-page view of the battle of Lepanto is engraved within the text between numbered pages 49 and 51. Presented to the library by Mrs. Frederica Rodgers Giles. Protected in a custom box.

Contarini, Simon. Del Calcolo Balistico o sia del Metodo di Calcolare con la Medesima Facilitia’ I Tiri Delle Bombe, Orizzontali e gli Obliqui. Libro Unico. Verona, per Dionisio Ramananzini Librajo a San Tornio, (1748).

8vo; 144pp. Bound in full original vellum. Presented to the Navy Department Library by Vice Admiral W. L. Rodgers.

Crescentio Romano, Bartolomeo. Navtica Mediterranea. In Roma Appresso Bartolomeo Bonfadino, 1602.

Small quarto; (8), 556, (10), 63, (1) and a large folding engraved terminal map. Engraved title page, four superb folded engravings, a working volvelle (page 414) and other plates engraved within the text. An extraordinary 17th century piloting guide for the Mediterranean Sea. Bound in the original vellum. With the printed bookplate of Vice Admiral W. L. Rodgers on the front flyleaf. Protected in a custom box.

Color plate: Percussion Primers, English 1851, French 1852, America 1853
Color plate: Percussion Primers, English 1851, French 1852, America 1853

Dahlgren, J(ohn) A(dolphus) (Bernard), Lieut. U.S.N., Assistant Director of Ordnance. Ordnance Memoranda. Naval Percussion Locks and Primers, Particularly those of the United States. Philadelphia, PA: Printed by A. Hart, 1853.

12mo; half title and 125pp. Three plates; two in brilliant color. Numerous text illustrations. Published by the Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography, U.S. Navy. Bound in modern green cloth.

Color plate: Percussion Lock for Cannon, U.S. Navy
Color plate: Percussion Lock for Cannon, U.S. Navy

Dahlgren, Ulric. Drill of Pivot XI in. Gun As Practised on Board the U. S. Ship Plymouth, J. A. Dahlgren, Commander. (Philadelphia, PA: 1861.)

Quarto; sixteen pages interleaved with six full-page engraved plates. Bound in the publishers’ embossed brown cloth with a short title, “XI in,” in gilt on the front cover. Front cover detached. Ulric, a Union Army Colonel and the son of Admiral John Dahlgren, was killed in an 1864 Civil War raid on the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia in 1864. With John Rodgers’ signature on both a front flyleaf and the title page, and his printed bookplate on the front pastedown.

Dalton, John. Meteorological Observations. Second Edition. Manchester: Printed by Harrison and Crosfield, for Baldwin and Cradock, London, 1834.

8vo; xx, 244 & four terminal advertisement pages. Bound in publisher’s half calf and brown cloth. Protected in a custom box.

Dampier, William, Capt., New Voyage Round the World. Describing particularly The Isthmus of America, Several coasts and Islands of the West Indies, the Isles of Cape Verde, the Passage by Terra del Fuego, the South Sea Coasts of Chile, Peru, and Mexico; the Isle of Guam one of the Ladrones, Mindanno, and other Philippine and East India Islands near Cambodia, China, Formosa, Luconia, Celebes, &c. New Holland, Sumatra, Nicobar Isles; the Cape of Good Hope, and Santa Hellena. Their Soil, Rivers, Harbours, Plants, Fruits, Animals, and Inhabitants. Their Customs, Religion, Government, trade, &c. Illustrated with Particular Maps and Draughts. The Sixth Edition Corrected. London: Printed for James Knapton, at the Crown in St. Paul’s Church-Yard, 1717 (sixth edition), 1705 (third edition), and 1703 (first edition).

8vo; three volumes. Vol. I: (10), vi, 550, and (4) pages with three engraved maps, two of which are folding; vol. II: (8), 184, 132, (4), 112, and (76) pages with three folding engraved maps; vol. III: (24), 162, (14), (16), 198, and (10) pages with 32 engraved plates, two of which are folding. The three volumes similarly bound in half black calf and marbled boards with matching endpapers. Each volume bearing the signature of RADM John Rodgers on the title page.

Davis, Charles H., Lieutenant U.S.N. Six pamphlets authored by Lieutenant Davis, bound together in a single volume; to wit:

The Coast Survey of the United States. Cambridge, MA: Metcalf and Company, 1849. 8vo; 34pp.

Remarks upon the Establishment of an American Prime Meridian. Cambridge, MA: Metcalf and Company, 1849. 8vo; 40pp.

Professor Encke’s Method of Computing Special Perturbations. Translated from the German, and Printed for the Use of the Nautical Almanac. Cambridge, MA: Metcalf and Company, 1851. 8vo; 32pp.

The Computation of an Orbit from Three Complete Observations. From the “Theoria Motus Corporum Cœlestium” of Charles Frederick Gauss. Cambridge, MA: Metcalf and Company, 1852. 8vo; 70, (2),12 pages & ten terminal plates.

The Chapter on Eclipses, Extracted from Peirce’s Spherical Astronomy. For the Use of the Nautical Almanac. Boston and Cambridge, MA: James Munroe and Company, 1852. 8vo; pages 317-357 and two terminal folding plates.

Report of the Secretary of the Navy, Communicating, in Answer to a Resolution of the Senate, a Report of Lieutenant H. Davis, the Officer Charged with the Superintendence of the Preparation of the American Nautical Almanac. Cambridge: Metcalf and Company, 1852. 8vo; 36pp.

The six pamphlets bound together in half leather and marbled boards; the spine rebacked in red cloth with a paper label. With the bookplate of RADM John Rodgers laid down on the front pastedown.

Diodoius the Sicilian. The Historical Library of Diodoius the Sicilian. In Fifteen Books….Made English, by G. Booth , of the City of Chester, Esq. London, Printed by Edw. Jones, for Awnsham and John Churchil, at the Black-Swan 9n Pater-Noster-Row, and Edw. Castle next Scotland-Yard Gate, 1700.

Small folio; (26), 797 & a 32 page index. With three folding engraved maps. Bound in modern burgundy simulated leather with marbled endpapers. Presented to the Navy Department Library by Vice Admiral W. L. Rodgers.

Dujardin, M. Nouveau Manuel Complet L’Observateur au Microscope. Paris. Librairie Encyclopédique de Roret, 1842.

8vo; 44pp and 30 engraved plates of various plants and insects as seen under a microscope. The text is comprised of explanations of the 30 plates. Bound in contemporary half green morocco and marbled boards. With RADM John Rogers’ signature dated at Washington, September 8th 1850, and his printed bookplate on the front pastedown.

Edgar, John G(eorge). Sea-Kings and Naval Heroes. A Book for Boys. New York: Harper & Brothers, Publishers, Franklin Square, 1863.

12mo; 421 & (2)pp. Bound in publisher’ red embossed and gilt decorated cloth. With the following presentation inscription on the front flyleaf: "William L. Rodgers from his father, Xmas 1873,” and an additional inscription on the second flyleaf “Willie from Papa, Xmas 1873” followed by the signature of “Willie Rodgers.”

Erman, Adolph. Travels in Siberia: Including Excursions Northwards, Down the Obi, to the Polar Circle, and Southwards, to the Chinese Frontier. Translated from the German by William Desborough Cooley. In Two Volumes. London: Longman, Brown, Green and Longmans, 1848.

8vo; two volumes. Vol. I: half title, xi & 495pp; vol. II: half title, ix & 536pp. With a folding map of Siberia in the second volume illustrating Erman’s route in red. Both volumes bound in 20th century burnt orange cloth with RADM John Rodgers’ signature dated December 12th 1862 at New York on the title page of each.

Falconi, Alessandro. Breve Intrvzionne Appartenente al Capitano de Vasselli Quadri. Firenze, Apresso Cosimo Giunti, 1612.

8vo; (4) 22. (6), 126 (i.e., 130) & (6)pp. Leaves 51 through 54 are printed on both sides, but paginated only on the recto. Two large folding plates and numerous engraved illustrations within the text. Bound in contemporary gilt-decorated full calf. With the engraved bookplate of Amadei Svajer. Presented to the Navy Department Library by Vice Admiral W. L. Rodgers. Protected in a custom box.

Forbes, Frederick E., Commander, R.N. Dahomey and The Dahomans: Being the Journals of Two Missions to the King of Dahomey, and Residence at His Castle, in the Years 1849 and 1850. In Two Volumes. London: Longman, Brown Green and Longmans, 1851.

8vo; two volumes. Vol. I: xii, errata slip & 244pp; vol. II: v & 248pp. Both volumes bound in modern red library buckram.

Forbes, Major, 78th Highlanders. Eleven Years in Ceylon. Comprising Sketches of the Field Sports and Natural History of that Colony, and an Account of its History and Antiquities. Second Edition, Revised and Corrected. London: Richard Bentley, 1841.

8vo; two volumes. Vol. I: half title, xxxii & 423pp; vol. II: viii & 356pp. Six full-page steel engravings after drawings executed by the author. Bound in modern burgundy library buckram. With RADM John Rodgers’ signature on each title page.

Forbes, R. B. Shipwreck by Lightning. Papers Relative to Harris’s Lightning Conductors. Boston, MA: Printed by Sleeper & Rogers, Daily Journal Office, 1853.

Tall 8vo; xi, 86pp. Publisher’s embossed brown cloth with the title in gilt on the front cover. With RADM John Rodgers’ signature on the title page. Protected in a custom box.

Commodore James Biddle's printed bookplate on which C. R. P. Rodgers has penned his own name and indicated the book was given to him by Biddle
Commodore James Biddle's printed bookplate on which C. R. P. Rodgers has penned his own name and indicated the book was given to him by Biddle

Fordyce, Alexander Dingwall, Lieut. R.N. Outlines of Naval Routine. London: Smith, Elder, & Co. Cornhill. Lindsay & Co. Edinburgh: A. Brown & Co., Aberdeen, 1837.

Tall 8vo; xvi, 230 & ii pages. Bound in publisher's paper boards, green cloth spine and paper label. With partially hand-colored, double-page, folding Watch, Quarter and Station Bills for a 10 gun sloop, a 16 gun sloop, a 28 gun ship, a 46 gun frigate, and an 80 gun ship; and six plates illustrating a cutter, two pinnaces, a captain’s barge, an admiral’s barge and a launch with a table of dimensions for each.

A wonderful association copy originally belonging to Commodore James Biddle who gifted it to Rear Admiral C. R. P. Rodgers. With Biddle’s signature on the title page and his printed bookplate on which C. R. P. Rodgers has penned his own name and indicated the book was given to him by Biddle. With the additional bookplate of the Naval Historical Foundation adorned with Mrs. Alexander Rodgers’ signature. Protected in a custom box.

Frangipani, Antigono. Istruzione Dellarte e Disciplina Militaire del Signor Marchese Antigono Frangipani Nobile Romano Cosritto . Volume Primo, Dell’ Opera Militare, Volume Secondo, Dell’ Arte di Navigare, e guerreggiare, Volume Terzo, Delle Fortificazioni. Rome, Nella Stamperia di Ottavio Sgariglia, 1786, 1781 and 1785.

Quarto; three volumes in two. Vol. I: half title & 536pp; vol. II: viii & (431)pp; vol. III: 60pp. The second edition of volume I; first editions of volumes II and III. Volumes II and III bound together. Both volumes bound in modern dark green cloth with the original decorated paper bindings bound in. Presented to the library by Mrs. Frederica Rodgers Giles.

(French Navy.) Carnet de Officier de Marine. Agenda Vade-Mecum ou Recueil de Renseignements a l’usage des Officiers de la Marine Militaire et de la Marine du Commerce. 2e Année-1880. Paris, Erger-Levrault Et Cie, (1880).

16mo; half title & 402pp. Bound in publisher’s gilt decorated green cloth. Signed on the front flyleaf, “W. L. Rodgers, U.S. Navy Aug. 17, 1880.”

----------. Ministére De La Marine et Des Colonies. Tactique Navale. Paris, Librairie Militaire, 1857.

12mo; 252pp. With RADM John Rodgers’ signature dated June 12th 1879 in Washington. Bound in modern burgundy buckram.

----------. Ministére de la Marine et Des Colonies. Tactique Navale. Paris, Librairie Militaire. 1857.

12mo; half title & 252pp. Original printed front wrapper; lacking rear wrapper. With Rear Admiral C. R. P. Rodgers’ printed bookplate, and a Naval Historical Foundation bookplate noting the donor to be Mrs. Alexander Rodgers. Protected in a custom box.

----------. Ministére de la Marine et Des Colonies. Code de Justice Militaire pour L’Armee de Mer (4 juin 1858.) Publié avec L’Autorisation du Ministre de la Marine. Paris, Libraire Militaire, Rue et Passage Dauphine, 30, 1858.

16mo; half title, title, xliv & 210pp. Bound in dark blue library buckram. With John Rodgers’ signature on the title page dated 9 April 1859 at Washington.

Glascock, W. N. Captain R.N. The Naval Officer’s Manual, for every Grade in Her Majesty’s Ships. The Whole recently Revised, Amended, and Enlarged. To which is added, A Notice on Steam and Steam Ships. Second Edition, Complete in One Volume. London: Published for the Author’s Widow, 1848.

8vo; half title, x & 415pp. Bound in the publisher’s green embossed cloth with the title in gilt on the spine and a gilt anchor on the front cover. With John Rodgers’ signature on a front flyleaf and the title page.

Graham, James John. Elementary History of the Progress of The Art of War. London: Richard Bentley, 1858.

8vo; xvi & 436pp. Bound in blue library buckram.

Gravière, Jurien de la, Vice Admiral French Navy. Souvenirs D’un Amiral. Mémoires du Vice-Amiral Jurien de la Gravière, Ancien pair de France. Paris, Librairie Hachette et Cie, Boulevard Saint-Germain, 79, 1872.

Small 8vo; two volumes. Vol. I: half title, 388 & two terminal advertisement pages; vol. II: half title & 354pp. Bound together in earlier half morocco and marbled boards. With the signature “W. L. Rodgers. Messina, Italy. June 26, 1882” on the half title of each volume. Protected in a custom box.

Signature "W. L. Rodgers. Messina, Italy. June 26, 1882" on the half title page. of "Souvenirs d'un Amiral."
Signature "W. L. Rodgers. Messina, Italy. June 26, 1882" on the half title page. of "Souvenirs d'un Amiral."

(Hall, Basil, Captain R.N.) Memoir on the Navigation of South America, to Accompany a Chart of the Station. London: Printed by H. Teape, Tower-Hill, For the Hydrographical Office of the Admiralty, 1825.

8vo; (vi), 50, 117 & (2)pp. Bound in light tan library buckram.

Hardee, W. J., Brevet Lieut.- Col., U.S. Army. Rifle and Light Infantry Tactics; for the Exercise and Manœuvers of Troops when Acting as Light Infantry or Riflemen. Vol. II. School of the Battalion. Philadelphia, PA: J. B. Lippincott & Co., 1856.

16mo; 232pp with numerous unpaginated folding plates bound in. Bound in crimson library buckram with RADM John Rodgers’ bookplate on the front pastedown. Rodgers has penned the following on a front flyleaf:

"Found in Fort Beauregard by John Rodgers Commander USN after the action of Nov 7th 1861.”

Flyleaf inscribed: "Edwin F. Booker, Richland Dist., S.C." and underneath: "Found in Fort Beauregard by John Rodgers Commander USN after the action of Nov 7th 1861."
Flyleaf inscribed: "Edwin F. Booker, Richland Dist., S.C." and underneath: "Found in Fort Beauregard by John Rodgers Commander USN after the action of Nov 7th 1861."

Herbert, Henry William. The Captains of the Old World; compared with the Great Modern Strategists, their Campaigns, Characters and Conduct, from the Persian, to the Punic Wars. New York: Charles Scribner, 145 Nassau Street, 1851.

Small 8vo; xix & (13)-364pp. Two title pages; the first with an engraved vignette of dueling knights. Bound in recent blue cloth. Signed on the second title page by John Rodgers dated 12 December 1842 at New York.

Portion of title page "The Captains of the  Old World" inscribed  by John Rodgers dated 12 December 1842 at New York
Portion of title page "The Captains of the Old World" inscribed by John Rodgers dated 12 December 1842 at New York

Henshaw, J(oshua) Sidney, Late of the United States Navy. Manual for United States Consuls: Embracing Their Rights, Duties, Liabilities, and Emoluments; The Laws and Judicial Decisions Governing Them; and Special Notices of the Business of Shipmasters, Seamen, and Others with Consuls. New York: J. C. Riker, 129 Fulton Street, 1849.

12mo; x & (11)-252pp. Engraved vignettes of the United States eagle and the seal of the Consulate of the U. S. A. on the verso of the title page. Bound in modern red library buckram.

Hughes, R. M. Captain, 19th Regiment Bombay Army. The Duties of Judge Advocates: Compiled from Her Majesty’s and the Hon. East India Company’s Military Regulations, and from the Works of Various Writers on Military Law. London: Smith, Elder and Co, 1845.

8vo; xiv, 223 and sixteen terminal advertisement pages. Bound in light blue library buckram. With RADM John Rodgers’ signature dated October 7th, 1857 at Washington.

Inman, James, Rev., D.D. Navigation and Nautical Astronomy for the Use of British Seamen. Seventh Edition. London: Francis & John Rivington, 1849.

8vo; iv, 280 & three terminal engraved plates. Original, but worn, half calf and marbled boards with matching endpapers. Signed on the title page by RADM John Rodgers at Washington, September 8, 1851.

Jal, Auguste. La Flotte de César; Virgilius Nauticus: Études sur la Marine Antique. Publié Par Ordre de L’Empereur. Paris, Firmin Didot Fréres, Fils Et Cue, 1864.

Small 8vo; 430pp. Bound in modern green library buckram.

Jane, Fred T. Heresies of Sea Power. With Maps and Illustrations. London: Longmans, Green, and Co., New York and Bombay, 1906.

8vo; half title, (x), 341 & a single terminal advertisement page. Bound in publisher’s blue cloth with the title in gilt on the spine. The author postulates the existence of “some great principle underlying all Naval History, as capable of reinforcing theories of Sea Power as of destroying them.” – from the Preface. The book is divided into three parts: I. Seven Great Naval Wars and their Paradoxes; II. Problems that “Sea Power” does not solve; III. The Trend of Things.

Signed by Wm. Ledyard Rodgers on the front flyleaf and inscribed in his hand, "From Freda, U.S.S. Wilmington. Cavite, P.I., October 12, 1906."
Signed by Wm. Ledyard Rodgers on the front flyleaf and inscribed in his hand, "From Freda, U.S.S. Wilmington. Cavite, P.I., October 12, 1906."

Signed by Wm. Ledyard Rodgers on the front flyleaf and inscribed in his hand, “From Freda, U.S.S. Wilmington. Cavite, P.I., October 12, 1906.” (Freda is Mrs. Frederica Rodgers Giles.) With considerable marginalia penned in red ink in Rodgers’ hand.

Example of marginalia penned in red ink in Rodger's hand.
Example of marginalia penned in red ink in Rodger's hand. Text reads: "The Athenians had no very special naval skill at that [red inked # in margin] period: they were certainly not technically superior to some of the Persian auxiliaries -- the Phoenicians and Egyptians, for example. No Doubt there was a battle of Salamis, no doubt the Greeks won; but a persian version of it would probably tell of two or three of their ships overwhelmed by the Greek Fleet! [foot note left out] Below text inked in red: "The superior tactics of the Grecian fleet are clearly apparent in the contemporary accounts."

Jeffers, William N., Jun., Passed Midshipman, U. S. Navy. A Concise Treatise on the Theory and Practice of Naval Gunnery. New-York: D. Appleton & Company. Philadelphia: Geo. S. Appleton, 1850.

8vo; (2), half title, xv, (9)-244, seven terminal folding plates & (4)pp. Bound in original blue cloth with gilt title on the spine. Some of the seven terminal plates have parted at the folds. A gunnery treatise for Naval Academy midshipmen. Signed on the title page by RADM John Rodgers at St. Louis, 25 Sept, 1861. Protected in a custom box.

Kolben, Peter. The Present State of the Cape of Good-Hope: or, A Particular account of the Several Nations of the Hottentots: Their Religion, Government, Laws, Customs, Ceremonies and Opinions; Their Art of War, Professions, Language, Genius, &c. Together with A Short Account of the Dutch Settlement at the Cape. Written Originally in High German, Done into English from the Original by Mr. Medley. Illustrated with Copper Plates. London: Printed for W. Innys, 1731.

Small 8vo; two volumes. Vol. I: errata on verso of the title, two pages of advertisements, xviii, (8), 365 & a single terminal advertisement page; vol. II: xviii (the verso of the table of contents mispaginated “16”), 363 and a single terminal advertisement page. The pair bound alike in modern simulated burgundy leather. With Commodore John Rodgers’ signature at the head of each title page.

Köster, August. Modelle Alter Segelschiffe. Berlin W8, Verlag Ernst Wasmuth A.G, (N.d.; c1926.)

Small folio; half title, xxix, (2) and 124 plates. Bound in the publisher’s gilt decorated dark blue cloth. Presented to the Navy Department Library by Vice Admiral W. L. Rodgers.

Koster, Henri. Voyages Pittoresques Scientifiques et Historiques En Amerique Brésil. Province de Pernambuco (Fernambouc), Scara, Paraïba, Maragnan, etc.; Moeurs, Coutumes et Costumes des Habitants de ce Pays. Tome Premier. Paris, A La Librairie Universelle, 1846.

8vo; half title, xlxi, (3) & 376pp. With an engraved folding frontis plan of the port of Pernambuco and several beautifully hand-colored plates. Volume I only of two volumes. With RADM John Rodgers’ signature dated February 27th 1849 at Toulon on the title page. Bound in red library cloth.

(La Plata.) Map of the Basin of La Plata. New York, (N.d., c1857.)

8vo; a bound large folding map entitled: “Map of the Basin of La Plata based upon the results of the expedition under the command of Tho’s J. Page, U.S. Navy in the years 1853,-’54,-’55 & ’56. And of adjacent countries, compiled from the best authorities.” Engraved on stone by J. Bien. Bound in the publisher’s embossed brown cloth with the title in gilt on the front cover. Signed by RADM John Rodgers on the front pastedown at Washington, D.C., August 26th 1858.

La Roque, Jean de. A Voyage to Arabia Fœlix through the Eastern Ocean and the Streights of the Red Sea; Being the First made by the French in the Years 1708, 1709, and 1710. Together with a Particular Account of as Journey from Mocha to Muab, Mowahib, the Court of the King of Yaman, in the Second Expedition, in the years 1711, 1712, and 1713. Also a Narrative Concerning the Tree and Fruit of Coffee…, Translated from the French. To which is added An Account of the Captivity of Sir Henry Middleton at Mokha, by the Turks, in the Year 1612. London: Printed for James Hodges, 1742.

12mo; xvi and 372pp. With two folding plates illustrating the coffee tree. Bound in early half black calf and marbled boards. With the signature of John Rodgers dated 12 December 1842 at New York, and his printed bookplate on the front pastedown.

Lallemand. Principles of the Minor Operations of War. Translated from the French by St. Vincent Troubridge, Major 7th Royal Fusiliers. London: Parker, Furnivall, and Parker, 1852.

12mo; 245 & (1)pp. Bound in dark green library cloth. With RADM John Rodgers’ undated signature at Washington on the title page. Protected in a custom clam-shell box.

(Lestock, Vice Admiral R.N.) Vice Admiral Lestock’s Defence to the Court-Martial, Giving a Short View of the Nature of the Evidence. London: Printed in the Year 1746.

8vo; xxii, 67 & a terminal folding plate. Disbound; enveloped. Presented to the Navy Department Library by Vice Admiral W. L. Rodgers.

Liardet, Francis, Captain R.N. Professional Recollections on Points of Seamanship, Discipline, &c. Portsea: William Woodward, Common Hard. London: Longman and Co., 1849.

8vo; engraved frontispiece, x, 317 & (3)pp. With RADM John Rodgers’ signature on the title page dated 25 August 1857 at Washington, and his marginal notes on pages 72 and 73. Bound in 20th century black library buckram.

Color plate: "Signals To Be Used in Calm Weather."
Color plate: "Signals To Be Used in Calm Weather." Shows colored flags 1, 2 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 0 , flags negative, recall, affirmative or duplicate to the ball above, and preparative and substitute. Numerous reserved Balls can be added if requisite. The Author has great pleasure in acknowledging here the kind assistance he received from Rear Admiral Hyde Parker in the arrangement of Colours and shape of the Balls. Capt. Francis Liardet, R.N."

(Malcom, Sir John.) Memoirs Of Paul Jones, Late Rear-Admiral in the Russian Service. Chevalier of the Military Order of Merit, and the Russian Order of St. Anne, &c., &c, Now First Compiled From His Original Journals and Correspondence: Including an Account of His Services Under Prince Potemkin, Prepared for Publication by Himself. London: Re-published by Henry Washbourne, Salisbury Square, Fleet Street, 1843.

12mo; two volumes in one: 331pp; 341pp. Second edition; first published in 1830. With RADM John Rodgers’ signature on the title page of the first volume. Bound in modern slate blue library buckram.

Malham, John. The Naval Gazetteer; or, Seaman’s Complete Guide. Containing a Full and accurate account, Alphabetically Arranged, of the Coasts of all the Countries and Islands in the Known World…Greatly improved from the First American Edition. Baltimore, MD, Edward J. Coale, and Philadelphia, PA, John F. Watson, 1812.

8vo; xlvi & 536pp. Volume I only. With a large folding frontis map of the world and several other folding maps bound in. Bound in contemporary full leather with Commodore John Rodgers signature on the folding frontis map and the title page.

Marmont, Marshall, Duke of Ragusa. The Spirit of Military Institutions; or, Essential Principles of the Art of War. Translated from the Latest Edition. Revised and Corrected by the Author; With illustrative Notes by Henry Coppée, Professor of English Literature in the University of Pennsylvania. Philadelphia, PA: J. B. Lippincott & Co., 1862.

8vo: xxiv, (25)-272 and an eight-page terminal catalogue of “Military Books Published by J. B. Lippincott & Co, Philadelphia.” Bound in publisher’s decorative embossed brown cloth. With the signature of RADM John Rogers at “Washington April 10th, 1862” on the title page, and his bookplate on the front pastedown.

Bookplate: John Rodgers, U.S. Navy.
Bookplate: John Rodgers, U.S. Navy.

Marshall, George, Gunner U.S.N. Marshall’s Practical Marine Gunnery; Containing A View of the Magnitude, Weight, Description & Use, of Every Article Used in the Sea Gunner’s Department, in the Navy of the United States. Norfolk, VA: Printed by Thomas G. Broughton, At the Office of the Norfolk and Portsmouth Herald, and Published by C. Hall, Sign of the Ledger, Main-Street, 1822.

8vo; 136pp and a folding chart. RADM John Rodger’s copy with his signatures on the title page and the Preface. Bound in modern light brown cloth. An early American gunnery treatise, and a scarce Norfolk imprint with the following Advertisement printed after the title page:

This book has been strictly examined by some of the most experienced Officers in the United States’ Navy, particularly by Captains Arthur Sinclair, Lewis Warrington and William M. Crane, and they have authorized me to say that they consider it a useful work for all classes of Officers, but more particularly for the junior class.”

Marshall served as a Gunner from 1809 to 1846, the last five years as a warranted Master. He headed the Gunnery Department on board Commodore John Rodgers’ flagship, North Carolina, during her cruise in the Mediterranean from 1824 to 1827.

Mechlin, A. H. & Winder, Charles H., Attorneys & Agents. A General Register of the Navy and Marine Corps of the United States, Alphabetically Arranged, Etc, Etc., To Which is Appended, the Constitution of the United States, and A Revised Edition of all the Laws in Relation to the Navy and Marine Corps…, Compiled from the Official Records of the Navy Department By Authority of the Hon. John Y. Mason, Secretary of the Navy. Washington, DC: C. Alexander, Printer, 1848.

8vo; x & 539pp. A privately published register and compendium of laws relating to the Navy. With the signature of RADM John Rodgers on the title page. As the title depicts, this is an alphabetical (more or less) list of every officer known to have served in the Navy or Marine Corps between 1798 and 1847. It is the predecessor to Thomas Hamersly’s General Register of the United States Navy and Marine Corps, (Washington, DC, 1882); 2000 copies were printed.

Medina, Pedro de. L’Arte del Navegar, in Laqval si Contengono le Regole, Dechiarationi, Secreti, & Auisi, alla bona Nauegation Necessarij. Vinetia, Ad Instantia di Gioanbattista Pedrezano, 1554.

8vo; (11) & cxxxvii pages. Illustrated title page and numerous engraved illustrations within the text. Bound in original full vellum. Presented to the Navy Department Library by Vice Admiral W. L. Rodgers. Protected in a custom box.

Meigs, John Forsyth. The Story of the Seaman. Being an Account of the Ways and Appliances of Seafarers and of Ships from the Earliest Time until Now. Philadelphia and London. J. B. Lippincott and Company, 1924.

Small quarto; two volumes. Vol. I: x & 356pp; vol. II: (6) & pages 357-675. Both volumes bound in the publisher’s dark blue cloth with the titles in gilt on the spines and the front covers. With the signature of Wm. Ledyard Rodgers dated November 1924 at New York on the front flyleaves of each volume.

Montesquieu, Baron de, M. (Charles) de Secondat. The Spirit of Laws. Translated from the French by Mr. Nugent. The Third Edition Corrected and Considerably Improved. London: Printed for J. Nourse and P. Vaillant in the Strand, 1758.

8vo; two volumes. Vol. I: xl, (20), 451 & (1)pp; vol. II: xvi, 483, (3)pp & an unpaginated index. Bound alike in modern blue cloth with red and black labels. With RADM John Rodgers’ signature on the title page of each volume.

Motraye, Aubry de la. Voyages du Sr. A. de la Motraye, en Europe, Asie & Afrique; où l’on trouve une Grande Varieté de Recherches Geogrpaphiques, Historiques & Politiques. A La Haye, Chez T. Johnson & J. Van Duren, 1727.

Small folio; two volumes. Vol. I: half title, engraved title page printed in black and red ink, ten unpaginated pages including a table of contents and a four-page list of subscribers, 472 & a 23 page Appendix; vol. II: engraved title page in red and black ink, a four page table of contents, 496 & a 39 page Appendix. With numerous plates, many folding, signed in print by William Hogarth, R. Smith, R. Sutton, D. Lockley, B. Picart, S. Parker, et al. Signed by John Rodgers on the front flyleaf, the title page and on the margin of plate XIX of volume I where he dates his signature September 6th 1847. Rebound in modern black simulated leather. Presented to the library by Mrs. Frederica Rodgers Giles.

Mundy, Major General. The Life and Correspondence of the Late Admiral Lord Rodney. Two Volumes. London: John Murray, 1830.

8vo; two volumes. Vol. I: half title, xxiii & 472pp; vol. II: half title, xvi & 436pp. Bound alike in gilt decorated, half navy blue morocco with marbled boards and matching endpapers. Vice Admiral W. L. Rodgers’ copies with his signature dated Oct. 30 1902 on board the U.S.S. Topeka at Norfolk, Va.

Vice Admiral W. L. Rodgers' copies with his signature dated Oct. 30 1902 on board the U.S.S. Topeka at Norfolk, Va.
Vice Admiral W. L. Rodgers' copies with his signature dated Oct. 30 1902 on board the U.S.S. Topeka at Norfolk, Va.

A Wonderful Rodgers Family Association Copy

Napier, W. F. P., Colonel. History of the War in the Peninsula and in the South of France, from the Year 1807 to the Year 1814. From the Fourth Edition. Complete in Four Volumes. With Numerous Engravings. Vol. I. Philadelphia, PA, Carey and Hart, 1842.

8vo; xxiv & (13)-516pp and 14 terminal engraved maps. Bound in the publisher’s black embossed cloth with the title in gilt on the spine. Volume one only of four volumes. With the signature of C. R. P. Rodgers on the title page and the following inscription in two different hands on a front flyleaf:

Given by Lieut. John Rodgers to Lieut. C. R. P. Rodgers 1843. Given by R. Admiral C. R. P. Rodgers to Lieut. Wm. Ledyard Rodgers, Washington, May 1890.”

(Naval Regulations; Engineer Corps.) Regulations, Circulars, Orders, and Decisions Relating to the U.S. Naval Engineer Corps, From It’s Organization until March, 1865. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1865.

12mo; 75 & (1) pp. Bound in modern red library buckram.

Nicolas, Sir Nicholas Harris. A History of the Royal Navy, from the Earliest Times to the Wars of the French Revolution. London: Richard Bentley, 1847.

8vo; two volumes. Vol. I: xxv, errata & 469pp; vol. II: viii & 524pp. Two engraved frontispieces. Bound in modern black library buckram. With John Rodgers’ signature on the title page of each volume.

(Nye, Gideon.) The Rationale of the China Question: Comprising an Inquiry into the Repressive Policy of the Imperial Government, with Considerations of the Duties of the Three Treaty Powers, England, France, & America, in Regard to It; and a Glance at the Origins of the First and Second Wars with China, with Incidental Notices of the Rebellion. By an American. Third Edition. Macao, 1857.

Quarto; 41pp. A rare Macao imprint bound in the original printed wrappers. Inscribed on the front flyleaf:

"Admiral Rodgers U.S.N. with Mr. Nye’s best compliments.”

(Ordnance Instructions.) Instructions in Relation to the Preparation of Vessels of War for Battle: to the Duties of Officers and Others when at Quarters: and to Ordnance and Ordnance Stores. Published by order of the Navy Department. Washington, DC: C. Alexander, Printer, 1852.

8vo; xii, errata sheet, & 180pp. Thirteen unnumbered plates. Bound with:

-----. Dahlgren, J. A. Lieut. U.S.N., Assistant Inspector of Ordnance. Form of Exercise and Manœuvre for the Boat-Howitzers of the U.S. Navy. Philadelphia, PA: Printed by A. Hart, 1852.

8vo; xvii & sixteen pages. First edition. Four numbered plates. Bound together in modern green library buckram. With the signature of RADM John Rodgers on the title page of the first work.

Plate 1: Boat Howitzer, U.S. Navy
Plate 1: Boat Howitzer, U.S. Navy

Pantera, Pantero, Capitan. L’Armata Navale. In Roma, Appresso Egidio Spada, 1614.

Small quarto; (16), 407, (1) & (56 pages; an index and a dictionary). Bound in the original vellum with the engraved bookplate of the Biblioteca Lucini Passalaqua. First and only edition of the most thorough work describing the Italian Navy and written in the Italian language. Presented to the Navy Department Library by Vice Admiral W. L. Rodgers. Protected in a custom box.

Peake, James, N.A. Rudiments of Naval Architecture; or, An Exposition of the elementary Principles of the science and their Practical Application to Naval Construction; Compiled for the use of Beginners. Second Edition, Corrected. London: John Weale, 1859.

12mo; half title, viii, 132 & six folding plates. Bound with:

-----. Rudiments of Naval Architecture; or, An Exposition of the Practical Principles of the Science in its Application to Naval Construction. Compiled for the Use of Beginners. New Edition. John Weale, 1859.

12mo; xii, 174 & eleven terminal plates, ten of which are folding. Bound together in the publisher’s stiff embossed green boards with paper spine label. With the bookplate of the Naval Historical Foundation signed by Mrs. Alexander Rodgers, and the signature of G(eorge) W(ashington) Rodgers on the title page of the first work.

(Pepys, Samuel.) Diary and Correspondence of Samuel Pepys, F.R.S. Secretary to the Admiralty in the Reigns of Charles II. and James II. The Diary Deciphered by the Rev. J. Smith, A.M. From the Original Shorthand Ms. In the Pepysian Library. With a Life and Notes by Richard Lord Braybrooke. First American from the Fifth London Edition. With two portraits. In Four Volumes. Philadelphia, PA: J. B. Lippincott & Co., 1855.

8vo; four volumes. Vol. I: xxxvi &427pp; vol. II: 484pp; vol. III: 481pp; vol. IV: (2) & 470pp. Uniformly bound in the publisher’s purple cloth. Volumes 2 and 4 protected in custom boxes. Each volume is signed on the title page by RADM John Rodgers.

Reresby, Sir John, Bart. The Memoirs and Travels of Sir John Reresby, Bart. The Former Containing Anecdotes, and Secret History, of the Courts of Charles II. And James II. The latter (now first published) Exhibiting a View of the Governments and Society in the Principal States and Courts of Europe During the Time of Cromwell’s Usurpation. London: Printed for Edward Jeffery and J. Rodwell, 1813.

Quarto; xii, 414, an unpaginated index and list of plates & a single terminal advertisement page. Lacking the plates; the title page supplied in facsimile. Bound in modern burgundy buckram.

(Rodgers, Frederick, Rear Admiral, U.S.N.) Asiatic Station Fleet Regulations. Rear Admiral Frederick Rodgers, U.S. Navy, Commander-in-Chief. Flagship New York. 1902. (Printed on board the flagship New York in Nagasaki, Japan, April 17, 1902.

8vo; 22pp. Original printed wrappers stapled into protective boards. Signed in type by RADM Frederick Rodgers on the title page. Frederick Rodgers was the grandson of Commodore John Rodgers, born of the senior’s eldest son, Robert Smith Rodgers and his wife Sarah (Perry) Rodgers, the daughter of Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry.

"Fleet Regulations. U.S. Flagship New York. Nagasaki, Japan, April 17, 1902.
"Fleet Regulations. U.S. Flagship New York. Nagasaki, Japan, April 17, 1902. The following Fleet Regulations are established for the government of all Officers, seamen and marines attached to the United States Naval Force on Asiatic Station. The United States Navy Regulations are in all cases paramount. These Fleet Regulations are published to emphasize some of the Navy Regulations particularly applicable to the management of the Fleet or in explanation of their construction or application. Frederick Rodgers, Rear Admiral. U.S. Navy, Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Naval Force on Asiatic Station."

Rodgers, John, Rear Admiral U.S.N. Admiral John Rodgers’ Scrap Book. (N.p.; c1861-1882.)

Small quarto; unpaginated. Approximately 100 sheets on which newspaper articles and other memorabilia related to Rear Admiral John Rodgers’ career and activities have been pasted dating from the Civil War. The articles include his command of the ironclad Weehawken in 1863, the Spanish bombardment of Valparaiso in 1866, his Chinese and Corean activities as commander of the Asiatic Fleet aboard the Flag-Ship Colorado, his subsequent posting to the Washington Naval Observatory, and reports of his death in 1882. Included is poetry by “G. R. W.” (George R. Willis) regarding boats from the Flagship Colorado participating in races in Asia. Bound in blue cloth with the title in gilt on the spine.

----------. Letter Book, August 1851 - October 1852.

Quarto; eighty pages, unpaginated. Copies of RADM John Rodgers’ letters to the Superintendent of the U. S. Coast Survey, A. D. Bache, while a lieutenant serving with the Coast Survey. Primarily written in Rodgers’ hand. Bound in contemporary half red morocco and marbled boards and protected in a custom box.

----------. Expedition to Corea. Report of Rear-Admiral John Rodgers. Appendix 18 to the Annual Report of the Secretary of the Navy on the Operations of the Department for the year 1871. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1871.

8vo; pages 275-313. Rodgers’ report is dated June 3, 1871 on board the United States Steamer Colorado (1st rate), Flag-Ship of the Asiatic Fleet, at Boisée Anchorage, Salée River, Corea. The Appendix to the report includes letters describing the Chinese attack on the American surveying party, and Rodgers’ subsequent attack and destruction of the offending Corean forts. Bound in original printed wrappers as part of the Secretary of the Navy’s Annual report for 1871.

(Rodgers, John, Commodore U.S.N.) Report of Commodore John Rodgers, U.S.N., to the Secretary of the Navy. (Turkey, 1826.)

Quarto; half title & 16 pages of typescript. The report is dated 18 July 1826 from the U.S. Ship North Carolina in the Harbor of Vourla. Rodgers reports the favorable response of Turkish civil and military leadership to the exhibition of his squadron, composed of the North Carolina, Constitution, Ontario and Porpoise. Bound in modern burgundy library buckram.

----------. Signals to be Used by the Squadron Under the Command of (Blank – to be filled in). Brooklyn, NY: (L.I.), Printed by Robinson & Little, 1807.

12mo; 44pp. Contemporary stiff sheep wrappers. Protected in a custom box. Commodore John Rodgers’ signal book for the gun-boats based in New York, his signature in print closing out the final page. Includes printed provisions for signals by both day and night by the number of cannon shots and by light and shape signals. Rodgers notes that should a white triangle accompany any signal it applies to all vessels under the size of frigates.

The copy of S(ea) M(an) Benjamin Pindar dated June 1st 1812 and signed by him on the front pastedown. With penned numbers adjacent to printed orders and many additional comments and instructions with their associated signal numbers inked in.

On the final page Rodgers cautions his gun-boat commander to protect their signal books, to wit:

It is directed, that the commanding officers of the flotilla will never suffer their signal books to be exposed either to the possibility of being lost, or to the inspection of any persons whose duty does not require that they should be made acquainted with the signals.”

Final page
"It is directed, that the commanding officers of the flotilla will never suffer their signal books to be exposed either to the possibility of being lost, or to the inspection of any persons whose duty does not require that they should be made acquainted with the signals. On the receipt of this signal book, the officer to whom it is delivered is desired to furnish me with all signals appertaining in any degree to these. Signed, John Rodgers."

----------. A second copy of this same title belonging to “U.S. Gun Boat No. 36;” bound as the first but with fewer inked entries, is located under the same call number.

----------. Signals to be used by the Squadron Under Command of (Blank). Brooklyn, NY: Printed by Thomas Kirk, 1812.

12mo; 47pp. Contemporary stiff sheep wrappers. A revision and expansion of the 1807 signals for gun boats printed at the outbreak of the War of 1812. Signed in type by Commodore Rodgers on the closing page. With the signature of Charles Ludlow inked as the squadron commander.

----------. Four additional copies of these signals are retained in the rare book room under the same call number, one featuring a page of hand-colored signal flags. Squadron Commander names have not been executed in these copies.

----------. Proceedings of a Court of Inquiry, Held at the Request of Commodore Rodgers. (Washington, DC: c1811.)

Tall 8vo; (237)-320. Untrimmed; bound in blue cloth with a paper label entitled “Rodgers.” The court of inquiry cleared Rodgers of any wrongdoing when he engaged HMS Little Belt on 16 May 1811.

Romano, Bartolomeo. Proteo Militare di Bartolomeo Romano. Diuiso in Tre Libri. Nel Primo si Descrive la Fabrica di detto Proteo, & in esso Nuovo Istrumento, tutti gli altri Istrumenti, di Matematica che Imaginar si Possano. Napoli, Appresso Gio. Iacome Carlino, & Antonio Pace, 1595.

8vo; (14) & 192pp. Title-page vignette, one folding engraved plate and numerous engraved illustrations within the text. Bound in the original full vellum. Presented to the Navy Department Library by Vice Admiral W. L. Rodgers. Protected in a custom box.

Ross, John, Captain, R.N. Memoirs and Correspondence of Admiral Lord de Saumarez. From Original Papers in Possession of the Family. In Two Volumes. London: Richard Bentley, 1845.

8vo; two volumes. Vol. I: ix, (3) & (7)-440pp; vol. II: xi, (1) & 438pp. Bound in 19th century half blue morocco and marbled boards. With the signature of W. L. Rodgers on the front flyleaf of each volume dated 15 October 1902 on board the U.S.S. Topeka at Norfolk, Virginia.

----------. A Treatise on Navigation by Steam; Comprising a History of the Steam Engine, and an Essay towards a System of Naval Tactics peculiar to Steam Navigation, as applicable both to Commerce and Maritime Warfare; including a Comparison of its Advantages as related to other Systems in the Circumstances of Speed, Safety, and Economy, but more particularly in that of the National Defence. Second edition, illustrated with Plates and Engravings. London: Published by John Weale, 1837.

Quarto; xxiii, errata slip, 182 & 68pp. Engraved frontis and numerous illustrations in the text. Bound in later slate blue cloth. With significant water damage. Signed by RADM John Rodgers on the title page on March 4th 184(?); with considerable penciled marginalia, perhaps in his hand. Protected in a custom box.

Roux, Joseph. Receuil des Principaux Plans, des Ports, et Rades se la Mer Mediterranée, Estraits de ma Carte en Douze Feüilles, Dediée a Mons le duc de Choiseul. Marseille, Joseph Roux, Hidrographe du Roy, 1764.

Oblong quarto; 65 engraved maps and charts of Mediterranean ports. Bound in contemporary full calf. Presented to the Navy Department Library by Vice Admiral W. L. Rodgers. Protected in a custom box.

St. John, J. A., Sir Hugh Murray, and Others. Lives and Exploits of the Most Distinguished Voyagers, Adventurers and Discoverers, in Europe, Asia, Africa, America, the South Seas, and Polar Regions. Hartford: H. Huntington, Jun., New York: F. J. Huntington and Company, 1840.

8vo; half title & 660pp. With numerous illustrations within the text. Bound in the publisher’s brown embossed cloth with the title in gilt on the spine. With the signature of John Rodgers on the title page and on a rear flyleaf.

Sanderson, John. Biography of the Signers to the Declaration of Independence. Philadelphia, R. W. Pomeroy, 1823-1827.

8vo; eight volumes. Vol. I: ccxxvi &38pp; vol. II: 256pp; vol. III: 280pp; vol. IV: 286pp; vol. V: 380pp; vol. VI: 352pp; vol. VII: 343pp; vol. VIII: 348pp. The eight bound alike in full gilt decorated calf. With the signature of John Rodgers in the rank of Commander on the front flyleaf of each volume.

Sardi, Pietro. L’Artiglieria di Pietro Sardi, Romano, Divisa in Tre Libri, di Nuouo Ristampata. Bologna, Apresso Gio: Parisini all’insegna della Rosa con Licenza de sup., 1689.

Small folio; (14), 142pp. Engraved title page with a portrait of the author, eight additional full-page engravings, several folding, and 23 drawings within the text. Bound in the publisher’s vellum with new endpapers. An extraordinary early artillery treatise. A gift of Mrs. Frederica Rodgers Giles.

Simms Frederick W. A Treatise on the Principal Mathematical Instruments Employed in Surveying, Levelling, & Astronomy: Explaining Their Construction, Adjustments and Use. With an Appendix and Tables. Second American Edition. Revised, and with Additions by J. H. Alexander. Baltimore, MD: Fielding Lucas, (1844).

8vo; half title, xvii, 134, fifteen tables, and twelve terminal pages cataloging instruments manufactured and sold by James Green, No 43 South Street, Baltimore. Bound in modern red library buckram.

Simpson, Edward, Lieut. A Treatise on Ordnance and Naval Gunnery Compiled and Arranged as a Text Book for the U. S. Naval Academy. Second Edition, Revised and Enlarged. New York: D. Van Nostrand, 1862.

8vo; 493 pages. Numerous plates. Bound in burgundy cloth. The copy of Captain George W. Rodgers, U. S. Navy; inscribed to him by the publisher on the front flyleaf.

Presentation slip from Rear Admiral C. R. P. Rodgers tipped in ahead of the front flyleaf : "With the compliments  of Rear-Admiral C.R.P. Rodgers, Superintendent of Naval Academy."
Presentation slip from Rear Admiral C. R. P. Rodgers tipped in ahead of the front flyleaf : "With the compliments of Rear-Admiral C.R.P. Rodgers, Superintendent of Naval Academy."

Soley, James Russell, Professor, U.S.N. Historical Sketch of the United States Naval Academy. Prepared by Direction of Rear-Admiral C. R. P. Rodgers, U.S.N., Superintendent U.S. Naval Academy for the Department of Education at the International Exhibit, 1876. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1876.

8vo; 348pp and an errata slip tipped in ahead of the Index. Bound in the publisher’s burgundy cloth. With a presentation slip from Rear Admiral C. R. P. Rodgers tipped in ahead of the front flyleaf.

Spry, W. J. J., R.N. The Cruise of Her Majesty’s Ship “Challenger.” Voyages over Many Seas, Scenes in Many Lands. With Map and Illustrations. New York: Harper & Brothers, Publishers, 1877.

Small 8vo; xviii, 388 & (8) terminal advertisement pages. With a large folding chart of the voyage. Bound in publisher’s gilt decorated burgundy cloth. A lithographed bookplate on the front pastedown reads:

Presented to William Ledyard Rodgers on the day of his graduation at th e U. S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md, by the American Seaman’s Friend Society Trustee of Special Fund In Memory of one who greatly desired to promote the happiness and spiritual welfare of the U. S. Navy.”

Squier, E. G. Notes on Central America; Particularly the States of Honduras and San Salvador: Their Geography, Topography, Climate, Population, Resources, Productions, etc., etc., and the Proposed Honduras Inter-Oceanic Railway. With Original Maps and Illustrations. New York: Harper & Brothers Publishers, 1855.

8vo; xvi & (17)-397pp. A map of Honduras and San Salvador, once the frontispiece, is now retained in an envelope bound in ahead of the title page. Bound in modern burgundy library cloth. RADM John Rodgers has penned the following above his name on a front flyleaf:

"Found abandoned in the R(ail) Road office Fernandina, Florida, March 4th 186(?)”

Steel, David. The Elements and Practice of Rigging, Seamanship, and Naval Tactics. Illustrated with numerous Engravings. In Four Volumes. Vol. I. The Art of Making Masts, Yards, Gaffs, Booms, Blocks, and Oars, as Practiced in the Royal Navy, and According to the most Approved Methods in the Merchant Service. Including a Description of an Improved Rule for Mast-Makers; Also a New Method by which Large Yards may be made from Small Trees, and Repaired when slung in the Slings, &c. Illustrated with Large Engravings and Numerous Figures. London: Printed for David Steel, at his Navigation Warehouse, No.1, Union-Row, Little Tower-Hill, (1800), 1797.

Small 8vo; two title pages, iv, 174 & (2)pp. Bound in modern green library cloth. With a note penciled on a rear fly-leaf signed by John A. Lord, Lieut. USN, to wit:

Loaned to Navy Yard, Boston, Mass, May 1926 – (in) Connection (with the) restoration of U.S. Frigate Constitution.”

----------. Vol. III. The Art of Rigging: Containing an Alphabetical Explanation of the Terms, Directions for the Most Minute Operations, and the Method of Progressive Rigging: With Full and Correct Tables of the Dimensions and Quantities of every part of the Rigging of all Ships and Vessels. Particularly Useful to Boatswains. Illustrated with Numerous Engravings. The Second Edition: Considerably enlarged and improved; with Additional Tables, expressly adapted for Merchant-Shipping. London: Printed for P. Mason, at Steel’s Navigation-warehouse, Union-Row, Little Tower-Hill, (1800), 1806.

Small 8vo; two title pages, viii, 146pp & multiple tables. Bound in modern green library cloth.

Swan, Charles, Rev., Journal of a Voyage Up the Mediterranean; Principally Among the Islands of the Archipelago, and in Asia Minor: including many interesting Particulars relative to the Greek Revolution…To which is Added, An Essay on the Fanariotes, translated from the French of Mark Philip Zallony, a Greek. In Two Volumes. London: Printed for C. and J. Rivington, 1826.

8vo; two volumes in one. Vol. I: xv, errata & 366pp; vol. II: (2), 423pp & a single terminal advertisement page. Both volumes bound in modern red library buckram. Signed on the title page of volume I by RADM John Rodgers on board the Colorado on April 29th 1871 at “Shang Hai.”

Taubert, Captain and Battery Commandant, Eighth Regiment, Prussian Artillery. On the Use of Field Artillery on Service: With Especial Reference to that of an Army-Corps. For Officers of All Arms. Translated from the German by Henry Hamilton Maxwell, First Lieutenant Bengal Artillery. London: John Weale, 1856.

12mo; xii, 215, errata & twelve terminal advertisement pages. Bound in green library buckram.

Tournefort, (Joseph Pitton), Chief Botanist to the Late French King. A Voyage into the Levant: Perform’d by Command of the Late French King. Containing The Ancient and Modern State of the Islands of the Archipelago; as also Constantinople, the Coast of the Black Sea, Armenia, Georgia, the Frontiers of Persia, and Asia Minor. In Two Volumes. London, Printed for D. Browne, A. Bell, J. Darby, A. Bettesworth, J. Pemberton, C. Rivington, J. Hooke, R. Cruttenden and T. Cox, J. Battley, E. Symon, 1718.

Quarto; two volumes. Vol. I: frontis engraved map, xlii & 402pp; vol. II: (4) & 352pp. Engraved plates throughout both volumes. Bound alike in modern black simulated leather and marbled endpapers. With the signature of RADM John Rodgers on the title page of each volume. Presented to the Navy Department Library by Vice Admiral W. L. Rodgers.

Tucker, Jedediah Stephens. Memoirs of Admiral the Right Hon’e. the Earl of St. Vincent, G. C. B. &c. In Two Volumes. London: Richard Bentley, 1844.

8vo; two volumes. Vol. I: half title, xi, 864pp & an Errata; vol. II: x & 427pp. Bound alike in gilt decorated half navy blue morocco with marbled boards and matching endpapers. With the signature of VADM W. L. Rodgers, “U.S.S. Topeka, Navy Yard, Norfolk, Va. Oct. 15, 1902.”

With the signature of VADM "W. L. Rodgers, U.S. Navy,  U.S.S. Topeka, Navy Yard, Norfolk, Va. Oct. 15, 1902."
With the signature of VADM "W. L. Rodgers, U.S. Navy, U.S.S. Topeka, Navy Yard, Norfolk, Va. Oct. 15, 1902."

Vegetius Renatus, Flavius. Institutions Militaires de Vegece. Amsterdam, chez J. Wetstein, 1757.

12mo; xxvi, (6), 148 & (4)pp. With a single folding engraved plate. Bound in contemporary half calf and marbled boards. Presented to the Navy Department Library by Vice Admiral W. L. Rodgers.

Waffer, Lionnel. Les Voyages de Lionnel Waffer. (N.p.; n.d.)

16mo; six & 398pp. Bound in 19th century half crimson morocco and marbled boards with matching endpapers. The title page is absent. Protected in a custom box.

Warnsinck, J. C. M., Kapitein-Lieutenant (Dutch Navy). Admiraal De Ruyter, de Zeeslag op Schooneveld, Juni 1673. s-Gravenhage, Martinus Nijhoff, 1930.

Folio; xii & 178pp. Bound in the publisher’s gilt decorated cloth and marbled endpapers. With twenty-four fine plates. Presented to the Navy Department Library by Vice Admiral W. L. Rodgers.

Willis, George R. God Speed, Rear Admiral John Rodgers, Homeward Bound. Printed on board the U.S. Flag Ship Colorado, May 15th 1872.

Broadside. An ode to the homeward bound former Commander of the U. S. Asiatic Fleet, likely printed on board the flagship. Eleven stanzas of four lines each memorializing Rodgers’ Civil War service on Weehawken, his response to the Korean attack on an American surveying party, and remembering Rodgers as: "The valiant Chief subdues the foe - The kind Commander wins our hearts.” Signed in print “G. R. W.”

Wilson, Joseph, Surgeon United States Navy. Naval Hygiene, With an Appendix: Moving Wounded Men on Shipboard, by Albert C. Gorgas, Surgeon United States Navy. Reported to the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery. Published by Order of the Navy Department. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1870.

8vo; 234pp. Illustrated with four colored lithographs of fruit “nutritious to the sailor” by Bower of Philadelphia, a plate demonstrating how to move a wounded man, and numerous other illustrations within the text. Bound in modern blue cloth.

A plate demonstrating how to move a wounded man. Fig. 1
A plate demonstrating how to move a wounded man. Fig. 1 with components A. Pillow, B. Breast Band, C. Double Inclined Plane, D. Whip, and E. Foot Line; and Figure 2: A. Frame, B. Band, C. Loop, and D. Double Inclined Plane.

Zusto, Giovanni. Descrizione Istorica dell’Estrazione della Pubblica Nave La Fenice dal Canale Spignon. (Venezia), Per Li Figliuoli del q. Z. Antonio Pinelli, 1789.

Quarto; xxxii & 90pp. Engraved frontis and seven superb folio folding engraved plates. Rebound in modern brown simulated leather. Presented to the Navy Department Library by Vice Admiral W. L. Rodgers.

FINIS

Glossary

To help understand the descriptions of titles in this catalog, the following definitions of terms and abbreviations are provided.

Size: The sizing of books today is related generally to the physical dimension of its pages. The sizes and their definitions used in this catalog are:

Folio: pages larger than 12 inches tall
Quarto: pages up to 12 inches tall
Octavo (abbreviated 8vo): pages up to 9 ½ inches tall; the average size book
Duodecimo (abbreviated 12mo): pages up to 7 ½ inches tall
Sextodecimo (abbreviated 16mo): pages up to 6 ½ inches tall

Invariably some book dimensions defy simple description, and I have adapted accordingly. E.g., an oblong book 9 inches tall and 12 inches deep I have described as an “oblong quarto.” Further a size such as “Small 8vo” describes a book just over 7 ½ inches tall.

Other terms:

armorial bookplate” refers to a bookplate adorned with the owner’s heraldic coat of arms

buckram” is a coated, hardy cloth used frequently by libraries to rebind volumes whose original binding has deteriorated to an unusable state

calf” refers to calfskin used in making bindings for hardcover books. A half-calf binding means that the spine, and occasionally cover corners, are bound in calf

errata” refers to corrections to the text that are discovered, printed and bound in after the text block has been printed

flyleaves” or “endpapers” are those blank leaves preceding and following the text block; they are bound in to protect the first and last printed pages

frontispiece” or “frontis” refers to an illustration bound in ahead of the title page

hinge” refers to the flexible attachment of the cover to the spine that permits the cover to swing open

marbled” describes a process in which paper is decorated to resemble the swirling multi-colored appearance of a marble. Marbled boards are the front and back covers of a book when decorated with marbled paper. Occasionally endpapers are made with the same marbled paper used to cover the book’s binding

morocco” refers to goatskin treated to bring forth its distinctive grain

pastedown” refers to that half of flyleaf that’s pasted to the inside of the front or rear cover

pp” is an abbreviation of “pages”

spine” is the backbone of the book to which the text block is attached

text block” refers to the bound leaves of a book

verso” refers to the reverse side of a leaf

Vol.” is an abbreviation of “Volume”

By way of example, consider the following description:

“Small folio; (54) & 800 & a 31-page index followed by two terminal Errata pages. A handsome work with two engraved frontispieces, one a portrait of the author, and many folding maps. Bound in black library buckram.”

This describes a book just over 12 inches tall, the first 54 pages of which are unpaginated, i.e., have no page numbers on them, followed by 800 pages numbered 1 through 800, an index of 31 numbered pages and one leaf (two pages) of the publisher’s advertisements. Further there are two engraved illustrations ahead of the title page, and a plethora of maps. The book has been rebound in a standard hardy black cloth.

And another example:

“8vo; two volumes. Vol. I: xvi, 446 & (2)pp; Vol. II: vi, 438 & (2)pp. Uniformly bound in half calf and marbled boards.”

This describes a two-volume set whose spines bound in calfskin and whose covers are decorated with marbled paper. The first volume commences with sixteen pages paginated in Roman numerals followed by 446 pages numbered 1 through 446 and a single final printed leaf. A similar description fits the second volume.

Published: Wed Dec 09 10:38:03 EST 2020