Description:

(UNION NAVY) GIDEON WELLES AND WILLIAM L. HUDSON
Fine association, war-date manuscript L.S., 1p. 4to., Washington, D.C., June 8, 1861, ordering U.S. Navy Lieutenant J. G. Walker to detach from the crew of the sidewheel frigate USS SUSQUEHANNA and to await orders. The order is signed at the conclusion in black ink by GIDEON WELLES (1802-1878), Lincoln's Secretary of the Navy who proposed the blockage of Southern ports and the construction of the ironclad fleet, and is countersigned by Captain WILLIAM L. HUDSON (1794-1862), who commanded the sloop USS PEACOCK as part of the 1838-42 United States Exploring Expedition, which surveyed the Pacific Ocean and played a major role in the growth of the American scientific establishment, providing specimens that would for the basis of the Smithsonian Institution's collection. Hudson adds a forwarding A.E.S. in black ink on the verso of the order, below which appears an additional A.E.S. by Captain JOHN S. CHAUNCEY, son of war of 1812 hero Isaac Chauncey. Shows original mailing folds, else 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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