Autographs
Gideon Welles as Secretary of the Navy Signed Naval Transfer Document also Signed "S. P. Lee" and "A.R.A. Lee"
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.
January 7, 1863-Dated Civil War Period, Partially-Printed Uniface Document Signed, "Gideon Welles," as Secretary of the Navy, on official "Navy Department" letterhead, (Washington D.C.), measuring 10" x 7.25", Fine. This bold appearing Document is toned with short edge splits along horizontal folds with the left edge trimmed with a small corner chip at top right, being an order reassigning a Union sailor from one ship to another. The manuscript portions are written in strong deep dark brown ink and "Gideon Welles" signature at center right measures 2.5" long, as "Secretary of the Navy". It reads, in full:
"Sir: -- You are hereby detached from the Minnesota and you will report to Acting Rear Admiral S. P. Lee for duty on board the U.S. Steam Sloop of War Dacotah / I am, respectfully, / Your obedient servant, - Gideon Welles / Secretary of the Navy". Also Signed by chief engineer "W. W. Dungan... U.S. Navy. - Hampton Roads, Va." and Signed, "A.R.A. Lee" in blue along the bottom, also Signed, "S. P. Lee" along the top where noted, "Forwarded Feb 6, '63" (Signed) - "S. P. Lee - A(cting) R(ear) Adml (Admiral) Comdg (Commanding) ..."
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.