14259. (document) Edward Giddins, Former Light-Keeper Fort Independence, to General Henry Dearborn c.1826. Rare early document written hand by former Fort Independence Light Keeper Edward Giddins to General Henry A.L. Dearborn, requests consideration in obtaining his position of Light Keeper back. Fort Independence is a granite star fort located on Castle Island that provided harbor defenses for Boston. Mr. Giddins letter reads: “To General Henry A.L. Dearborn, Collector, Boston Mass. Fort Niagara, 31 July 1826. Sir; I have taken the liberty of writing to you although you may not have any recollection of me, and to ask the assistance of your influence in procuring for ma an appointment as keeper of one of the Light Houses to be erected this season. I was in the army ten years and during the last war, I was Qt. Master … in Capt. Gates Artillery, at Fort Independence at the time you commanded at that place. I have been here since 1815 and have been keeper of the light at this place until the fort was evacuated by the U.S. Troops, I have given satisfaction to all commands but have been superintended within a few days by Mr. Jewett in consequence of his having made application before me. I have a large family dependent on me for support without the means and your assistance at this time would be essential service. I take the liberty of enclosing a few lines from Maj. Wm. Gates, and of referring you to Winslow Lewis Eng’r. Inspector of Light Houses. With the greatest respect, I am Sir, Your Obt Servt. Edw’d Giddins. N.B. Will you be pleased to return Maj. Gates Letter -E.G.” Edward Giddins (or Giddings) was a soldier, scientist, author, and lighthouse-keeper. He was born July 19, 1785 in Massachusetts, the 9th of 13 children of John Giddings and Abigail Webber. The Giddings family had early roots in Massachusetts, having settled at Ipswich in 1635. Giddins was apparently a good choice for Keeper, as indicated in a document written by Major William Gates (1788-1868): “It is hereby certified that Mr. Edward Giddins, now a resident of Fort Niagara was under my command from 1814 to 1820 and served as Quarter Master Sergeant was honorably discharged. Whereby the service sustained a great loss in his departure for since my term of service (say 20 years) I have never been made acquainted with so correct, so sober, so attentive, intelligent and faithful a soldier.” We are not sure if Giddins’ letter met with any positive results, but we do see him referenced as the Lighthouse Keeper at Fort Niagara Lighthouse (NY) for a number of years in the period between 1823 until sometime after 1850. Document is 4-sided measuring 8” x 12”, written in ink in hand by Giddins and with remnants of wax seal. Rare early piece. Document is well intact, only light soiling. (VG). $285.