1167.1 GIDEON WELLES (1802-1878) Lincoln's Secretary of the Navy who proposed the blockade of Southern ports and the construction of an ironclad fleet. L.S., 1p. 4to., Washington, Sept. 1, 1868 to Maj. U. P. Slack of the U.S. Marine Corps authorizing him to spend up to $1,300 to repair "...defective drainage at the marine Barracks,Charlestown..." Light toning at extreme margins, usual folds, else fine. $50-75