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Gideon Welles’ Written Telegram Congratulating Admiral David D. Porter & General Terry on the Fall of Fort Fisher

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GIDEON WELLES (1802-1878). United States Secretary of the Navy (1861-1869), in the Cabinets of Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson; affectionately nicknamed "Father Neptune" by President Lincoln.

January 17, 1865-Dated Civil War Period, Manuscript Telegram From Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles to Rear Admiral David Dixon Porter, Commanding the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron off Wilmington, NC, Congratulating him on the fall of Fort Fisher. Important content original Civil War Telegram from Gideon Welles and Signed, “Gideon Wells” as Secretary of the Navy, 1 page, measuring 7.25" x 12.75", Choice Very Fine.

A historic Telegram congratulating Admiral David D. Porter, General Alfred Terry, and the forces under their command for the "glorious success" in the fall of Fort Fisher, NC just two days before. This battle was a highly important Union victory, which closed off access to Wilmington, NC. the Confederacy's last remaining major sea port. The final assault on the Fort Fisher involved a combined force of over 8,500 men from the Union Army, Navy and Marines. At bottom left is an original Red Oval U.S. Military Telegraph Date Stamp “JAN 17”. Three short older fiber tape reinforcements on rhe blank reverse page of light blue lined wove period paper. This highly important Telegram reads, in part:

“Telegram -- Navy Department January 17, 1865.

Rear Admiral / David D. Poster Commanding N.A.B. Squadron off Wilmington / care (of) Commandant Navy Yard Washington.

Sir, ---- The Department has just received your brief but highly gratifying dispatch announcing the fall, on the 15th inst., of Fort Fisher, under the combined assault of the Navy and Army, and hastens to congratulate you and General Terry, and the brave Officers, sailors and soldiers of your respective commands, on your glorious success. Accept my thanks for your good work. --- (Signed) Gideon Welles, Sec'y of the Navy"

The capture of Fort Fisher in North Carolina was a significant event that took place during the American Civil War. Fort Fisher was a key Confederate stronghold protecting the vital trading routes through Wilmington, North Carolina, which served as a major supply port for the Confederate Army. In January 1865, Major General Alfred Terry was assigned to lead a second assault on Fort Fisher. This time, he was supported by a naval force under Rear Admiral David Porter, including a large fleet of warships. The plan involved a combined amphibious assault by Union Army troops and naval bombardment.

The Union forces, consisting of troops from the Army of the James and the X Corps, landed on the nearby beaches on January 13, 1865. The naval bombardment began simultaneously to weaken the fort's defenses. The Union troops faced resistance from the Confederate defenders, led by General Braxton Bragg. Despite facing determined opposition, the Union forces gradually advanced and breached the outer defenses. On January 15, a massive explosion occurred in the fort's powder magazine, likely due to a direct hit from naval artillery or sabotage. This explosion significantly weakened the fort's remaining defenders. Recognizing the untenable situation, General Bragg ordered the evacuation of Fort Fisher on the night of January 15, 1865. The Union forces entered the fort the next day, securing a crucial victory for the Union.


The capture of Fort Fisher had strategic implications for the Union. With the fall of Wilmington, NC. shortly after, the last major Confederate port on the Atlantic coast was closed to blockade runners. This significantly impacted the Confederacy's ability to receive supplies and weakened its overall war effort.

The successful capture of Fort Fisher played a role in hastening the conclusion of the Civil War. Wilmington's loss was a severe blow to the Confederacy, contributing to its increasing isolation and eventual surrender in April 1865.
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