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. WELLES LAYES OUT HIS ‘ANACONDA PLAN'. Wonderful association war-date A.L.S. with excellent content, 3pp. large 4to., Navy Department, Jan. 23, 1862, to WILLIAM W. MCKEAN (1800-1865), Union admiral, grandson of Declaration of Independence signer Thomas McKean. In part: ‘...The importance of a rigorous blockade at way point under your command cannot be too strongly impressed...By cutting off all communication we not only distress and cripple the states in insurrection, but by an effective blockade we destroy any excuse or pretext on the part of foreign governments to aid and relieve those who are waging war upon the government. There is a manifest desire...to break the blockade...a want of vigilance or efficiency on the part of our squadrons in guarding the coast...I have felt it my duty to warn you of the difficulty alluded to, and at the same time to suggest that, except when required by pressing necessity, there should not be a contraction[?] of vessels at any given point...they should be spread...Most of the important ports are well protected, though occasionally we hear that a vessel has run the blockade in bad weather, or in darkness or at points least likely to attract attention. Every case of this kind, I have reason to believe, is noted and laid up as evidence that the blockade is not effective...The Department is aware of the difficulties you are compelled to encounter, - I have been gratified with the ability and resources which you have brought into requisition to carry out the policy of the government...I wish...to express my commendation, and also my confidence that you will, even in this stormy season, with such force as is at your disposition...destroy any [?] for breaking or attempting to break the blockade. As fast as we can augment our force or spare vessels from other points, we shall endeavor to reinforce your command, in the meantime our alliance must be on your own powers and capability in the squadron that you have...'. Mailing folds, else fine.

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August 15, 2024 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000