JOHN RODGERS (1772-1838). Commodore, a prominent figure in the formative years of the U.S. Navy, serving in the Quasi-War, both Barbary Wars, and the War of 1812; a senior officer and the President of the Board of Navy Commissioners from 1827 until 1837; senior officer of the Navy during this time when the rank of Commodore was a position held by senior captains commanding squadrons at the time.
October 15, 1829-Dated, Uniface Letter Signed, “Jn. Rogers” on fine paper watermarked “Hudson”, 1 page, measuring 7.5” x 10”, Commissioners Office, Very Fine. In this letter John Rodgers tells the Secretary of the Navy, John Branch (Andrew Jackson’s Secretary of the Navy), that he cannot give work to a mechanic at the Navy Yards as there isn't any work to be had. This letter reads, in full:

“Sir --- The Commissioners of the Navy respectfully state at this time, there is no vacancy in the Navy Yards in the class of mechanics (coopers) to which Mr. Pierce refers, his petition is herewith returned. --- I have the honor to be with great respect - Sir - Yr Obdt Sevt -- (Signed) Jn Rogers” --- (To the) “Honorable John Branch, Sec(retary) of the Navy.”

Provenance: Collection of Ambassador J. William Middendorf II.
It's been said that when General Jackson took up the reins as president in 1829, he was helped into the saddle by a very distinct Anti-Navalism. Only those ships necessary for the protection of commerce would be kept in commission, he decided, and no new ships would be built.

This meant that while England and France rushed to convert from wind and muscle to steam power, the American Navy stood still in the water... which is where this letter finds it. But by the beginning of Jackson's second term, he'd gotten the drift of what was come, and urged a naval power increase without further delay.