To the ward room mess of the U.S.S. Omaha. Resp'y dedicated by the mess poet, Christmas 1888

N.p. [printed on the Omaha]: Christmas, 1888. Broadside approx. 8" x 5", 34-line poem beginning "As Rhymester of the Mess I wrote," within a simple ruled border, signed in type at the bottom "C. F., December 25th 1888." Lightly toned but generally fine. A partial watermark of Ulster (Linen) made by Marc(us) Ward Co. NY is visible. A Christmas poem of longing for home and family printed for the sailors and likely distributed at Christmas dinner on board the Omaha. From 1885-1891 the Omaha, a 250-foot screw-sloop, was in service on the Asia station. Item #57797

Price: $225.00