Description:

MELANCTON SMITH
(1810-1893) Union rear admiral, commanded the USS MASSACHUSETTS and on June 9, 1861, he captured the British blockade runner PERTHSHIRE. He took part in the battles for Forts Jackson and St. Philip in April 1862 as commander of the sidewheel frigate USS MISSISSIPPI. He also took part in the Siege of Port Hudson and was senior naval officer of a small fleet at the Battle of Albemarle Sound in May 1864, where he attacked the Confederate ram CSS ALBEMARLE. Fine association A.L.S. on Navy Department, Bureau of Equipment and Recruiting letterhead, 2pp. 4To, Washington, D.C., Oct. 20, 1869. Smith writes to U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant, providing a recommendation for Gen. Edward C. Carrington for a circuit judgeship, in part: ‘...It affords me to write with his friends in earnest support of that recommendation of Genl Carrington, standing as a soldier I have heard, and also of his activity and success in raising men during the war; but as I have no personal knowledge of these matters, I leave them to those who are prepared to furnish the testimonials. Of my own knowledge however, I can bear testimony to his personal & political friendship, and his most earnest advocacy of your election to the Presidency…' He signs ‘M Smith' in black ink at the conclusion. Shows original mailing folds and a strip at one edge where laid into a larger volume, otherwise in fine condition.

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November 14, 2025 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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