Smith, Hubert S., 1888-1946

Naval Collection, 12th century-1915
2 lin. feet

Biographical information:

Scope and Contents:

Manuscripts relating to naval history collected by Hubert S. Smith, industralist of Bay City, Michigan.

The collection contains the following:

1. Flavius Vegetius Renatus (4th century A.D.), 'Epitoma rei militaris. [Incipit] Flauij. vegtii. renati. viri illustris epitoma institutores rei militaris. de comentarijs Catonis Augusti. Trainani. Adriani. et erumptorii [i.e., Frontini] Libri numero, iii,' twelfth-century copy on vellum, 62 leaves. The fourth chapter of Vegetius' work on warfare discussing Roman naval tactics.

2. Sir William Monson (1569-1643), British admiral, manuscript copy of his 'naval Tracts,' written for the earl of Northumberland, in six notebooks, 1,294 pp.

3. Anonymous, 'Journal de l'Expedition de Mahon en 1781 et 1782; de l'Expedition de Gibraltar en 1782; de l'Expedition projetté en Amerique sous les Ordres de Monsr. le Cte d'Estaing en 1783,' 188 pp. An account of the campaign of the combined French and Spanish armies and fleets against the British at Minorca and Gibraltar, 1781-1783; also, orders sent to D'Estaing to prepare a fleet for America and the East Indies in 1783.

4. Anonymous, 'Journal ou campagne des armées de terre et de mer, depuis le 22 Mars, 1781, jour du départ de l'armée navale Francoise, commandée par M. Le Comte de Grasse, de la rade de Brest jusques au 31 Mai 1782, jour auquel l'escadre commandée par M. le Marquis de Chabert, est partie de la rade du cap Francois pour conduire en Europe un convoy de 126 voiles, avec les détails de la traversée de la ditte escadre,' ca.1782, 82 pp. Contemporary French account of the naval squadron under De Grasse from March, 1781, to the capitulation of the British forces in America in October, 1782.

5. Correspondence of Admiral Lord Nelson (1758-1805). Collection of 100 miscellaneous letters relating to the career of Nelson, 1781-1805, including 38 items on the battle of Copenhagen in 1801.

6. Miscellaneous manuscripts relating to English and American naval history, 1458-1915, including letters, essays, instructions, and memoranda. There are approximately 180 items concerning the British navy in the Napoleonic Wars. The largest portion of the collection falls between 1800 and 1889.

Provenance:

Gift of Mrs. Hubert S. Smith, 1953-1955

Smith Naval Collection

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