Description:

GIDEON WELLES
(1802 - 1878) Lincoln's Secretary of the Navy who proposed the blockade of Southern ports and the construction of an ironclad fleet. War-date partly-printed manuscript L.S. as Secretary of the Navy, 1p. 4to., Washington, Oct.14, 1863 an official communication from Secretary Welles to: "Acting Ensign Henry L. Ransom" on Navy Department letterhead, ordering him to: "Report to Commo. Montgomery on the 23d inst. for a passage on the U.S.S. Circassian to New Orleans, La. and on your arrival there report to Commo. H. H. Bell for duty in the West Gulf Blockading Squadron". Some light toning and staining, otherwise in good condition. Boldly endorsed twice on the face of the letter by Commodore "J.B. Montgomery", along with the following endorsements and notes: "Reported for a passage Oct. 23d 1863", signed "Wm. B. Eaton Comdg" [Acting Lieutenant Commanding the Supply Steamer Circassian], along with an A.N.S. signed "H.H. Bell", advising "Reported Nov. 12, 1863. Report to Actg Master Legon for duty on board the Antona", as well as docket "Reported Nov. 12th Jno a. Davis / Act. Ensign Ex. Officer" [U.S.S. Antona]. Although Acting Ensign Ransom arrived on the Antona without incident, he was killed in action on January 14, 1864. Admiral Henry H. Bell would make it through the Civil War conflicts also without incident, but in 1868, as Rear Admiral on a diplomatic mission to Japan, Bell's barge capsized in Osaka Harbor and he drowned. Commodore John Berrien Montgomery was an American naval officer of some repute who is remembered for his participation in the capture of San Francisco for the Union on July 9, 1846. USS Circassian served as supply ship for the East and West Gulf. Blockading Squadrons, between 1862 and 1865, carrying men due to be discharged, invalids, prisoners of war, as well as cotton and provision. During this time, she also captured two prizes and participated in the search for the Confederate steamer Florida in July 1864. USS Circassian Acting Lieut. William B. Eaton gained notoriety for capturing blockade running sloop John Wesley off St. Marks, Florida, bound for Havana with cargo of cotton.

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January 20, 2010 10:00 AM EST
Stamford, CT, US

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