710. K. RANDOLPH BREESE (1831-1881) Union naval commander active in the attacks on New Orleans and Vicksburg, and in the naval assault on Fort Fisher. A rare war-date A. L. S. signed twice "K. R. Breese" adding rank both times, 1p. 4to., on "MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, Flag Ship Black Hawk" letterhead, [Alexandria, La.], March 20, 1864 directed to "the officer in charge of Picket Tug" ordering relaying Porter's above order to the fleet. In full: "Keep the tug as close to the falls as possible and [keep] a bright lookout for anything up the bend. Blow one whistle if you see a vessel coming down. Examine all floating objects and tow any suspicious looking things clear of the vessels-giving warning with two whistles if she sees anything like a Torpedo. Six men with an officer armed to be taken on the tug...this order will be turned over to Relief...at daylight to be given to the officer of the deck. A steamboat coming down blowing eight whistles is a friend and to be permitted to come to the flag ship...". $400-600