Rare Original 1832 Manuscript Letter from Nathaniel Bowditch to Hamilton College (Clinton, NY) Professor Marcus Catlin Indicating the Second Volume of his "Mechanique Celeste" is Ready for Delivery
Boston: 1832. Very Good. Item #18248
A wonderful original 1832 manuscript Letter from Nathaniel Bowditch, creator of 'The New American Practical Navigator', the most important navigator in American History.
This leaf features Bowditch's signature twice, once at the end of his note to Catlin, and the other on the verso, with his return address.
The note reads - "Mr Marcus Catlin/Sir/The second volume of the Mechanique Celeste is now ready for Delivery, you can have it as you did the former volume. by giving directions where it is to be sent [illegible], which is the name on the former volume/Reverently your [illegible] / NBowditch"
On the verso of the folded leaf Bowditch has written his return address and the delivery address to catlin at Hamilton College. The letter is postmarked June 21 in Boston and June 24, (1832) in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
Bowditch achieved worldwide acclaim with his "New Practical Navigator". Widely regarded as the most influential work in the history of navigation. Bowditch published his first revision of the of the navigator by J.H. Moore in 1799. Discovering more than 8000 errors, in the work of Moore, Bowditch decided to publish his own work, "The New American Practical Navigator", in 1802 and it quickly became the preeminent and most used work on celestial and maritime navigation. Bowditch's work has been updated and published every year since and is still published today.
Original fold lines with minor pinholes at fold intersections.
This historic piece measures 9 3/4" X 7 7/8" and is perfect for framing and display! #2E-006.
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