GIDEON WELLES - MILITARY APPOINTMENT SIGNED 11/24/1865 CO-SIGNED BY: REAR ADMIRAL THOMAS H. PATTERSON - HFSID 31387
Price: $900.00
GIDEON WELLES
As Secretary of the Navy, he notifies a naval officer of his
promotion. Thomas H. Patterson, commander of the war sloop Brooklyn,
certifies that he has delivered the notification.
Military Appointment signed: "G. Welles" as Secretary of
the Navy, 1 page, 7¼x9¾. Navy Department, Washington, 1865 November 24.
To Master Marston Niles, US Steamer Brooklyn, Coast of Brazil. Docketed on
verso: "Delivered March 13/66/Thos. Patterson/Cmdg". Manuscript letter
informing Miles of his promotion to the grade of Master, effective November 10,
1866, keeping his same date of rank as before in relation to others receiving a
comparable promotion. GIDEON WELLES (1802-1878) formerly a Jacksonian
Democrat, joined the newly founded Republican Party in 1854 because of his
strong opposition to slavery. An able administrator, he served as Secretary
of the Navy throughout the Presidencies of Abraham Lincoln (who called him
"Neptune") and Andrew Johnson (1861-1869). Welles generally supported
Johnson's policies, including Johnson's reluctance to impose far-reaching
changes and full rights for African-Americans during the Reconstruction of the
South. THOMAS H. PATTERSON, signing as Commander of the USS
Brooklyn, had distinguished himself on blockade duty during the Civil
War. On November 9, 1863, as captain of the USS James Adger, he captured
the Confederate blockade runner Robert E. Lee, laden with war materials,
which had successfully run the Union blockade more than two dozen times.
Patterson would attain the rank of Rear Admiral, accompanying former President
Grant on the Asian leg of his world tour in 1878. Marston Niles, a New
Jersey native, served in the US Navy from September 1860 to November 1866.
Surface creasing. Normal mailing folds. Toned. Lightly soiled. Corners worn.
Otherwise, fine condition.
Following an offer submission, users will be contacted at their account email address within 48 hours. Our response will be to accept your offer, decline your offer, or send you a final counteroffer. All offers can be viewed within the "Offer Review" area of your HistoryForSale account. Please review the Make Offer Terms prior to submitting an offer.
If you have not received an offer acceptance or counter-offer email within 24-hours please check your spam/junk email folder.