Captain Cook's Crewman ~ Capt. Alexander Hood (1758-1798) Free Frank Signature For Sale
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Captain Cook's Crewman ~ Capt. Alexander Hood (1758-1798) Free Frank Signature: $2500.00
This is an exceptionally rare1797 Georgian-era Free Frank signed by the heroic British naval officer Captain Alexander Hood (1758–1798). Sent from Chard, Somerset (less than a year before his heroic death) on July 1, 1797, the document features a bold, clear signature ("A Hood") used to exercise Hood’s parliamentary franking privilege. It is addressed to Major General Cooper in Petersham, Surrey.
4 7/8" x 3" chit attached is to a 1930 printed announcement card with inscriptions.
Note: Hood was one of several members of the Hood family to serve at sea. Brother, Admiral Sir Samuel Hood (1762–1814), cousin, Admiral Samuel Hood, 1st Viscount Hood (1724–1816), cousin, Admiral Alexander Hood, 1st Viscount Bridport (1726–1814), Grandson Admiral Lord Hood (1824–1901). Hood accompanied Captain James Cook in his second voyage of exploration from 1772 to 1775. Hood served under Cook with Distinction. During the American Revolution he Commanded the HMS Barfleur into the Battle of Chesapeake. At the Battle of Saintes he Commanded the HMS Champion. During the French Revolutionary War he commanded the HMS Mars and was killed in the Battle of the Raz de Sein - a rare battle between only two ships of approximately equal strength without any external influence. Hood's death is gallantly depicted in the illustration “The Death of Capt. Alexander Hood, who Gloriously Fell in the Moment of Victory on the 21st April last” published on 1 October 1798 by Jeffryes & Co., Ludgate Hill, London.
