694. JOHN L. WORDEN (1818-1897) Union naval commander of the Monitor during her historic clash with the CSS Merrimac at Hampton Roads. A.L.S. on U.S. Naval Academy letterhead, 2pp. 8vo., Annapolis, May 24, 1870 to a Mr. Blunt. In part: "...The practice ships are entirely fitted by the Bureaus at Washington and I have no authority to order boats for them... I relation to your suggestion about the Gulf Stream investigations-it cannot be carried out without interfering with the cruise marked out for the practice squadron without interrupting the practice which I deem essential..." Very good. $200-300