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August 4, 1862 Civil War Date “Gideon Welles” Signed Naval Letter to “Rear Admiral Sam.l F. Du Pont, Commd’g”

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GIDEON WELLES (1802-1878). American politician who served as the Secretary of the Navy during the Civil War (1861-1869), playing a crucial role in expanding and modernizing the Union Navy; steadfast supporter of President Abraham Lincoln's policies and his contributions to the Union war effort.

August 4, 1862-Dated Civil War Period, Autograph Letter Signed, “Gideon Welles” as U.S. Secretary of the Navy under President Abraham Lincoln, with manuscript “Navy Department” header, (Washington), measuring 9.75” x 8”, Very Fine. A boldly written letter on light blue lined wove period paper in deep vivid brown ink to:

“Rear Admiral Sam.l F. Du Pont, Commd’g South Atlantic Block’g Squadn., Port-Royal, S.C.”. Reading, in full: “Sir. -- The Department will direct the transfer of the accounts of the carpenters, referred to in your letter of the 23d ulto., if you will inform it at what Navy Yard the accounts are kept. - I am respectfully, Your Obt. Servt. -- (Signed) Gideon Welles”

Light uniform tone and normal transmittal folds, not affecting the nearly 2.5” long strong full signature “Gideon Welles” with his flourish below.
Gideon Welles (1802-1878) played a significant role during the American Civil War as the Secretary of the Navy under President Abraham Lincoln. Welles, a native of Connecticut, brought to the position a wealth of experience in government and a deep commitment to the Union cause.

During his tenure as Secretary of the Navy from 1861 to 1869, Welles made numerous contributions that greatly impacted the Union war effort:

Welles oversaw a significant expansion of the Union Navy, which played a crucial role in enforcing the blockade of Confederate ports. Under his leadership, the Union Navy grew from a relatively small force to one of the largest navies in the world by the end of the war.

Welles played a key role in developing and implementing the Union blockade of Confederate ports. This blockade was instrumental in weakening the Confederate economy by restricting its ability to export cotton and import essential goods, thus depriving the Confederacy of vital resources.

Welles supported innovations in naval technology, including the development of ironclad warships such as the USS Monitor, which played a pivotal role in changing the nature of naval warfare. He also championed the use of steam-powered vessels and other modern naval technologies.

Welles worked closely with naval officers such as Admiral David Farragut and Admiral David Dixon Porter to plan and execute naval operations along the Confederate coastline and inland waterways. These operations were critical in securing Union control of key strategic areas and disrupting Confederate supply lines.

Welles recognized the importance of naval intelligence in gaining an advantage over the Confederate Navy. He established a naval intelligence service to gather information on Confederate naval activities, which proved invaluable in planning Union naval operations.

After the Civil War, Welles played a role in the post-war reconstruction of the Union Navy and the integration of Confederate naval officers and sailors back into the United States Navy.

Overall, Gideon Welles' leadership as Secretary of the Navy was instrumental in shaping the Union Navy into a formidable force that played a crucial role in achieving victory for the Union during the Civil War. His contributions helped secure Union control of the seas and contributed to the ultimate defeat of the Confederacy.
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