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Lot Essay
On June 26th, 1865, the United States ship, William Nelson was destroyed by fire in the North Atlantic. While the incident was devastating and hundreds of lives were lost, a French steamer called, The Lafayette, commanded by Captain de Borande, was fortunately in the vicinity and managed to rescue over 40 passengers.
That year, President Johnson presented this watch to Captain de Borande for the rescue efforts. The engraved inscription to the inside cover reads, 'The President of the United States to Capt. Albert de Borande for the rescue of the Crew of the Am. Ship William Nelson, 1865'.
This lot is accompanied with a letter, dated July 24, 1975, from the office of the Director of Naval History and Curator for the Navy Department who researched the incident. Also included is a photocopy of the front page of the New York Times, dated July 21, 1865 which reported in detail the loss of the William Nelson vessel and the significant rescue efforts by Captain de Borande and his crew on The Lafayette.
That year, President Johnson presented this watch to Captain de Borande for the rescue efforts. The engraved inscription to the inside cover reads, 'The President of the United States to Capt. Albert de Borande for the rescue of the Crew of the Am. Ship William Nelson, 1865'.
This lot is accompanied with a letter, dated July 24, 1975, from the office of the Director of Naval History and Curator for the Navy Department who researched the incident. Also included is a photocopy of the front page of the New York Times, dated July 21, 1865 which reported in detail the loss of the William Nelson vessel and the significant rescue efforts by Captain de Borande and his crew on The Lafayette.