Additional photos are forthcoming. 

Large scrapbook identified to Ferdinand Coxe (1815-1884), a veteran of the U.S. Infantry and the U.S. Navy who served in various political appointments later in his career. Inscribed at front “Ferdinand Coxe / Commenced in 1846.” Marbled boards, approx. 14 1/2 x 11 1/2, 3+ in. deep, 300+ pp, containing 1000+ images, predominantly etchings and engravings ranging from approx. 2 x 3 in. to 10 x 13 1/2 in., each adhered carefully to the pages; also containing an assortment of ephemera and original artwork. Many items with tissue cut to fit over images. Manuscript notations, presumably in Coxe’s hand, accompany some scrapbook entries providing additional context. Subject matter varies widely and includes, in part, portraits, landscapes, architecture, works of art, sketches, religious scenes, and international locales. Loose within the scrapbook are a number of additional items, including several hand drawn maps. Scrapbook is heavily worn, front and rear covers completely detached, marbled paper peeling from boards, spine disintegrated, several dozen loose pages, toning and soil. Some brittleness and losses along page edges. Consignor relates that the previous owner of the scrapbook purchased it at an estate sale in Connecticut.

Ferdinand Coxe was the youngest son of prominent Philadelphia physician Dr. John Redman Coxe Sr. (1777-1864) and his wife Sarah Coxe. As a young man he served both in the 1st U.S. Infantry and aboard U.S. Navy vessels on lengthy overseas tours. Coxe resigned from the 1st Infantry in 1844 and between 1845-1850 embarked upon a series of overseas excursions, during which he traveled to Valparaiso, Lima, Hawaii, the Mediterranean and back again to New York City. This timeframe overlaps with the initial creation of this scrapbook, and no doubt accounts in part for the international scope of keepsakes and imagery housed within the book. In 1851 Coxe was appointed Secretary of Legation at Brazil by president Filmore, then in 1852 and 1853 Coxe served as chargé d'affaires ad interim at the court of Emperor Pedro II. On his return to the United States in 1854, he married Fannie Cochran (1826-1863) and the couple had two sons. In 1860, the US Federal Census indicates that he was living with his father, with the occupation of "Gentleman." His wife died in 1863 and father in 1864. In 1869 Coxe was appointed Consul to Leghorn, Tuscany, by President Grant. The next day he was caught stealing and confessed to having committed previous offenses as well. He fled the country with his two young sons and spent the last fifteen years of his life in Switzerland where he died in 1884. Coxe’s son, Marcellus Coxe (1857-1917), returned to the US and married. The scrapbook may have been brought back to the United States by Marcellus Coxe after his father’s death. 

Scrapbook highlights include:

1. Three manuscript maps by Coxe: “Gulf of Genoa – November 12 1850 – U.S Ship Constitution – Corsica in sight,” 23 1/2 x 10 1/2 in., tracking the movements of the USS Constitution as it sailed out of the Gulf of Genoa, headed for New York (November 8-10, 1850); an untitled map, approx. 8 1/2 x 11 in., depicting the route of the ship Conrad which carried Coxe from Philadelphia to Rio de Janeiro, August 21 to October 9, 1852; and a third map, untitled, approx. 5 x 8 1/4 in., illustrating the Rio de la Plata basin in South America through Brazil, Bolivia, Uruguay, and Argentina, with the Parana, Paraguay, and Uruguay Rivers identified along with major cities along the riverways.

2. Two 1836 sketches depicting the storm-battered Brig Liberia which transported African American emigrants to Liberia, likely drawn by Coxe during his service aboard the USS Erie as Secretary to Commodore James Renshaw; sketches from Coxe's time as Secretary of the US Legation to Brazil, 1852-1853 depicting the US Legation building, Emperor Pedro II, and proper throne room etiquette.

3. A watercolor of a sailing ship identified below as "U.S. Ship Erie" and "R.T. Renshaw." The artist is likely Richard T. Renshaw, son of Commodore James Renshaw, who became a midshipman in 1838 at 16, and later served as a naval captain during the Civil War.

4. Coxe's invitation to an Imperial Ball in Brazil, August 1852.

5. Coxe's invitation to tour Windsor Castle, 1847.

6. Three sketches signed by Miss Fannie Cochran, probably during her courtship with Coxe.

7. A ticker tape telegram from Coxe to his now-wife Fannie. 

8. A map of Baltimore, approx. 6 x 5 in., circa 1840s.

9. Three watercolor landscapes of Turkey painted by artist Joseph Partridge (1792-1833) during his service as a US marine.

10. A silhouette portrait made by the artist Martha Honeywell using only her teeth.

11. Ca. 1826 print, approx.. 17 3/4 x 12 in., "Explanation of a View of the City of Mexico, exhibiting in the Panorama, Leicester Square."

12. Rare 1859 print by Thomas F. Hoppin entitled "Captain Smith rescued by Pocahontas."

[Manuscripts, Documents, Letters, Ephemera, Signatures, Autographs] [Ephemera, Pamphlets, Publications, Booklets] [Maps, Illustrations][US Navy]