Charles Hobby Pond, lawyer, politician, served as lieutenant governor of Connecticut, twice, and as Connecticut’s 37^th governor, here writes to a member of Congress promoting George Coggeshall’s History of American Privateers, published in 1856, as a textbook for naval cadets, and promotes the idea of a volunteer navy of privateers. Coggeshall was a friend and neighbor of Pond’s.

        “Dear Sir,

              With this I send you Coggeshall’s “History of American Privateers”, which is presented by the author. Capt. C is a native of Milford, he has been a fortunate Captain & Merchant, he was long my neighbor & friend, & for some years has lived in Brooklyn, NY. This winter he may visit Washington, with his friend Capt Hudson of the Navy, & they, with others, will try, by the aid of Secty Toucey, to have the book put into the hands of the officers & crews of the navy, & introduced into their naval schools.

            I have given Capt C a letter to Secty Toucey, & should I give him a letter to you, you will find him a very “clever fellow”. … a True American. From Secty Cass, Senator Fish, Capt Jones, & other eminent men he has letters which commend his book. Hon. Timothy Davis from Mass had a Bill, for the benefit of Privateersmen, which passed the last House of Representatives, & would have been brought before the Senate by Mr. Foster, had there been time. This bill will come up again, & probably be favored by all our Delegation. Surely Democratic Republicans will not be less patriotic than (Black) Republicans. In this book, you will find facts, incidents, & suggestions, which will make you familiar with this subject.

               Our Country will not soon have a large Navy, but we shall always wish to assert our rights on the ocean promptly, & a volunteer navy of Privateers can always soon be ready to annoy our enemy & drive their commerce from the seas. Thus the Privateers will help secure a speedy & honourable peace. It is also well to keep before the eyes of all “Young America” the exploits of our Privateersmen in the War of 1812, & in other wars.

              Without troubling you to read more, I merely add, that, I hope you will send me what “Pub Docs” you think I deserve. I also hope that you will occasionally write me on matters & things . I have had so many missives from Congressmen, that I should feel it, if forgotten now. You must supply what I lose by the absence of Senator Toucey… Chas H. Pond …”