Auction Closing: March 30, 2024 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time |
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Lot Number: 80
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Estimate Range: $800 - $1,000 |
Gideon Welles Letter Signed as Secretary of the Navy Regarding a Gunner's Mate's Prize Money - Also Signed by Charles Wilkes of "Trent Affair" Fame |
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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. September 9, 1862-Dated Civil War Period Manuscript Letter Signed, "Gideon Welles", Navy Department, 1 page, measuring 7-3/4" x 9-7/8" to Commander George B. Balch, Commanding the U.S.S. "Sonoma" at the Washington Navy Yard, regarding a gunner's mate on the Ship USS "Pocahontas" who wishes an honorable discharge so he can collect his share of prize money, Choice Extremely Fine. Well handwritten on exceptionally clean crisp wove period paper in deep brown ink having excellent eye appeal. Beautifully Signed by “Gideon Wells” at the conclusion. This letter reads, in part:"John Farrell, who served as gunner's mate on the 'Pocahontas', was discharged at Philadelphia July 12, 1862, and his discharge was signed by Paymaster Watmough only. He says he was not paid for the time 'from the last of June to the 12th of July'. He thinks he was entitled to an honorable discharge (of this, however, you are the judge). And he wishes 'a regular discharge from the vessel he served in, as he has prize money due'... this request is perfectly natural, and the matter is submitted for your consideration... -- (Signed) Gideon Wells" Autograph Endorsement Signed at left by the noted Charles Wilkes, reading: “Forwarded, Charles Wilkes, Comdg Potomac Flotilla”. CHARLES WILKES (1798-1877), served in the US Navy 1818-1866; He led the United States Exploring Expedition, 1838-1842; In November, 1861, as Commander of the USS "San Jacinto", he boarded the British packet boat HMS "Trent", and arrested Mason & Slidell, the Confederate Commissioners to Britain & France, violating British sovereignty and nearly causing a war between the U.S. and Great Britain. He then was assigned to Command the James River, followed by command of the Potomac Flotilla. At top is a manuscript endorsement which reads: "Opened by order of Commodore Harwood, September 18th, 1862. Wm. Whitehead, Lieut." Charles Wilkes was a U.S. Navy officer and explorer known for his exploration of the Antarctic and the Pacific. In November 1861, Charles Wilkes commanded the USS San Jacinto, a Union warship. The “Trent Affair” involved James M. Mason and John Slidell were Confederate diplomats traveling to Europe on the British mail steamer RMS Trent. Captain Cahrles Wilkes stopped the Trent, and forcibly removed Mason and Slidell, violating international law regarding neutral ships. The incident angered the British government, as it was seen as a violation of British neutrality. Diplomatic Tensions: The British government demanded the release of Mason and Slidell and an apology from the United States. The incident raised tensions between the United States and Great Britain, and there were concerns that it could lead to British intervention in the American Civil War on the side of the Confederacy. Resolution: Recognizing the potential for conflict with Britain, the U.S. government, under President Abraham Lincoln, released Mason and Slidell and issued an apology to the British government. The resolution of the Trent Affair helped avert a potential war between the United States and Great Britain during a critical time in the Civil War. Charles Wilkes was a significant naval figure in the Union Navy during the Civil War. His actions in stopping and searching Confederate ships contributed to the broader context of naval operations during the conflict. |
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