REAR ADMIRAL WILLIAM RADFORD - MANUSCRIPT LETTER SIGNED 11/02/1869 - HFSID 174659

REAR ADMIRAL WILLIAM RADFORD
Rear Admiral William Radford signed this manuscript letter as Commander of the United States Navy European Squadron in 1869 to request 10 midshipmen from an American ship in Ville Franche, France.
Manuscript letter signed "W. Radford" as Rear Admiral commanding the United States European Squadron.1 page, 8x10, on ruled stationery of "Flag Ship 'Franklin' 1st Rate./U. S. European Squadron". Lead pencil and black ink notations on verso, all in unknown hand. Marseilles, France, Nov. 2, 1869. Addressed Commander John G. Walker, commander of the USS Sabine, Ville Franche, France. In full: "Sir I am authorized by the Hon Secretary of the Navy, to direct you to furnish this ship with ten (10) Mid-shipmen, from those now on board the "Sabine" - I will thank you to inform me how long the 'Sabine' will remain in Ville Franche; as it is my intention to touch at that place in about two (2) weeks, and can then receive those officers on board. Very Respectfully Your Obedt Servant". The USS Franklin was a screw frigate used three times as flagship of the European Squadron in the 19th century, including once by Radford and once by Admiral David Farragut. She was commissioned on June 3, 1867 and decommissioned on Oct. 14, 1915. Radford (1808-1890), appointed a midshipman in 1825, distinguished himself as a lieutenant in 1847, when he and a band of volunteers captured the Mexican vessel Malek Adel in Mazatlan, Mexico during the Mexican-American War. He rose steadily through the ranks, becoming a commander in 1855, and was given command of the ironclad frigate USS New Ironsides in July of 1864 as a commodore of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Radford again distinguished himself during the bombardment of Fort Fisher on Dec. 24, 1864. Admiral David D. Porter wrote of him: "... His vessel did more execution than any other in the fleet, and I had so much confidence in the accuracy of his fire that even when our troops were on the parapet he was directed to clear the traverses of the enemy in advance of them. This he did most effectually, and but for this the victory might not have been ours." He was promoted to rear admiral in 1866 and commanded the European Squadron from 1869 to 1870. Ligthly toned and creased. Adhesive residue on verso, which touches docket and shows through (does not touch handwriting or signature). Folded twice and unfolded. Otherwise in fine condition.