154. 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-dale L.S., 1p. 4to., Apr. 17, 1865, an order to a midshipman to report to Rear Adm. HIRAM PAULDING, signed by Welles at center, also signed twice by Paulding. Sold with a Brady CDV of Welles in profile. Two pieces. $150 - 200