Medal Grouping & More For Rear Admiral Edward Simpson, Jr. (1860-1930).
Rear Admiral Edward Simpson, Jr. followed his father with a Navy career, and obtained a rank of rear admiral. His history is extensive and I have added printed info (included in this group) in the photograph section, as well as information what items were here in this and other lots offered on this site. The grouping was offered in a 1983 auction, and from there, several items were removed once sold to the next collector, however, the substantial historical material is retained with my recent purchase of this collection.
This grouping consists of:
- Engraved-named Navy Cross & Sampson Medal, along with campaign medals on pin bar. The Navy Cross is engraved to then Captain Simpson, as Governor of Guam 1916-17. The citation reads, “For exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility as Commandant in the Navy Yards, Cavite, .I. and Opangapo, P.I. and in charge of the naval defense of the Philippines in the absence of the Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Asiatic Fleet.” (German ships had been taken at this time as America was about to enter WWI). The Sampson Medal has the USS Brooklyn broach, with three Santiago bars with different dates of actions. The next medals are, WWI Victory, West Indies (engraved on rim, “Lt. E.Simpson,m U.S.S. Brooklyn, No. 77.” Next is the Philippine Campaign (“Lt. E. Simpsonm U.S.S. Villalobos, No. 154”), – Mexican Service , No. 580 on rim). The medals have an even patina overall, and some wear to ribbions (see photos).
- As advertised correctly, the most important medal is the Ancient and Honorable Order of the Sons of the Gunboats. The planchet is bronze and displays a naval officer in the fore with two seamen beside him, and “The Philippines / 1898-1902.” The reverse shows a native boat burning in the background, and below are the letters “AHOSOGB.” Within the papers was the “RULES of the AHOSOGB, which was printed by the Nagasaki Press, a 4 page pamphlet, saying only officers who served prior to May 1, 1902 would qualify for membership. Lists the first 4 officers of the society. The ribbon is red and light blue, suspended from a broach featuring a Philippine knife. The rim is stamped, “Lieut. E. Simpson, Cmdg U.S.S. Villalobos March 5 to Nov. 24, 1900.”
- The last medal is the Brooklyn medal given out to the crew of the battleship, another scarce medal with some obvious wear to ribbon and medal. The photos are clear to see both sides. Unnamed.
- Contained in an envelope are 2 small sections of flags pinned to a 3×5 card, one each for the Spanish ship Maria Teresa, and the Brooklyn, both from the Battle of Santiago Bay, July 3rd, 1898.
- 1905-13 shoulder boards for Simpson as rear admiral. Toned gold & silver bullion.
- Photograph of Simpson with his mother- sometime from 1919 -1924.
- Small maroon leather box with purple lining made to hold 4 medals; made by Bailey, Banks, & Biddle, Phila. Some wear to leather.
- Tin holding dress epaulets for rear admiral, with “ES” marked on the top of lid. The epaulets are in fine condition, with the gilt showing small holes that once held the rank of captain, prior to Adm. Simpson’s promotion in 1919, upgrading to RADM rank. The epaulets are fine with some minor, and not overly visible pulls to bullion fringe. No makers hallmarks.
- A small note pad/ diary (approx, 7×4″), Written from both sides- the one side begins drawing of a compass wheel, then a type folded sheet entitled “Drill Routine.” containing AM & PM schedules for 1st thru 7th Divisions. (torn in one fold and weak in the other). Simpson, then a young Lt. begins writing, “Action of battery of 1st Division during bombardment of Santiago Forts, June 6/ 98. 6 pages giving detailed report of shots fired from right and left guns, hits on named targets, observations on gun mechanics, notes on 6 lb Rifled Guns with similar info, as well as the forward turret. Much more. He proceeds in similar fashion for the engagements of July 2nd & 16th. “Damage within the limits of the Division.” George H. Ellis (Chief Yeoman) was instantly killed by being struck on the head by a large shell, much more on other damage, mechanics and deck, etc. “one case of rifles secured to the starboard bathroom bulkhead came adrift and fell breaking the stock of one rifle, etc. Damage done by concussion of the forward turret guns. Enemy fire discribed, “small shell passed through the harness in starb’d gallery, and burst on entering…fragments came through hammock netting scoring the deck forward smoke pipe hatch.” on an on….”Remarks” Simpson calls attention to the commendable behavior of the men of his division, etc….names certain sailors for excellent work…he later signs this, being a copy submitted as an after action report to Capt. F.A. Cook, Comdg U.S.F.S. (flag ship) Brooklyn. After summiting the report he makes note of more damage found. Action report on the 10th of July during bombardment of Santiago. 4 shots, no damage. Action on the 11th….similar content, and hand drafted chart show data on the shots. End. Now the flip and start from other end. (This being the initial beginning of this notes/ diary) “E. Simpson / Lieut. USN “Brooklyn (1st Division). This begins with the names of men in various assignments with their rates, pencil used with names as ink used to create list. 8 pages. “Sailing Launch.” naming officers and crew, “Abandon Ship” names and positions…List of men in the 2nd Company, Simpson commanding, list by cutters, (basically this side of diary is all training, and assignment positions). 1st Div. Fire Quarters / stations…Collision Drill.. assignments for crew in Forward & Port Turrets with names, 5″ rifled guns, and Ammo supply with names, more guns etc. Quarterly Marks, and Crew List with names…Pay list…”Apprentices not permitted to draw or use TOBACCO,” with list. total both side, 66 pages used on narrowly printed lines. All in ink except for names added. Some tears to leather, at spine, soiled and worn, but all tight. Fabulous information on crew and actions during the battle of Santiago.
- Journal & “Navigational Notes U.S.S.Villalobos. E. Simpson Lieut. USN, Comdg.” Over 182 pages all written in pencil. All legible. Begins with some preliminary notes, but really starts on Wednesday, March 14, 1900. Underway, passing through Marikaban Strait..anchored off Botargas in 14 feet of water. This type of entry, and observations of ships sighted and boarded are common throughout. When boarding, they examine ship, question captains and crews, check papers, etc. Discription of bay, coastal towns, etc. They find un-maned, and abandoned ships. ..Lists names of ships.boats investigated throughout… delivering supples, Checking in with Army & Marine officers alone coast… With only a short way into this journal, and for better understanding what the USS Villalobos did in 1900 is best to read about her duties, etc. on Wikipedia or another in-depth source. …March 26, fired guns in test…April 3, armed party boarded bancas and a small schooner, with Major Morgan, US Cav at Taal, sent Cadet Vincent and 9 men, brought out 2 bancas (boats) and schooler in tow…. more and more. Very descriptive of all duties for the year. History on the Villalobos was a steel screw gunboat named for the Spanish 16th Century explorer, captured by the American Army in 1898, and shortly after commissioned into the U.S. Navy. She sent most of her life on the Yangtze River in China from 1903 – 1928. The Villalobos was later involved in an International incident in June of ’03. Hollywood, made more of the story in the movie, “The Sand Pebbles.” The journal is hard covered leather, with rough spine nearly separated, all pages are tight. This is an important piece of history, with a combined general history of the Philippine Insurrection, her roll was an important one, stopping the flow of arms and stores to guerrillas along the coast. This journal highlights the contribution of gunboats during this period, and a poorly documented role played by these gunboats & crews in action during the Philippine Insurrection. Much much more here!
- Letter on USS Brooklyn stationary dated August 19, 1899, from Fort Hamilton, NY, to Lieut. Simpson from Captain (later Admiral) Austin M. Knight. The three page autographed letter is personal in nature, where Admiral Knight speaks of the qualities of Simpson, and, “In myself, I have never been associated with an officer who can handle more completely my official approbations and my personal affection. And there are many others who feel as I do. Please believe me always, dear Simpson, Your very sincere friend, Austin M. Knight. Adm. Knight (1854- 1927). Later commander of the U.S. Asiatic Fleet 1917-18 during the Allied naval operations off Vladivostok, Russia.
- Comes with printed history, etc.
