Commodore in the US Navy (1772 - 1838) who served in the Quasi-War with France, both Barbary Wars in North Africa, and the War of 1812 with Britain, and played a major role in the development of the standards, customs, and traditions of the American navy. LS signed “Jn. Rodgers,” one page, 7.5 x 9.25, February 16, 1821. Letter to the "Honorable Smith Thompson, Secretary of the Navy," in part: "The Commissioners of the Navy beg leave to observe, that the preservation of the live oak belonging to the United States, & particularly such of it as may be fit for navy purposes, appears to them, to be an object worthy of special attention." In very good to fine condition, with some creasing, and old tape and mounting remnants on the reverse.Format: LS