[CIVIL WAR - NAVY]. WELLES, Gideon (1802-1878). 4 letters and documents signed ("Gideon Welles"), as Secretary of the Navy, to Andrew H. Foote (1806-1863), regarding Foote's commands. [Washington, D.C.], Navy Department, 1861-1862.

Letter signed. 13 May 1861. 1 page. Welles declines Foote’s request to be given command of “the chartered steamer ‘R. R. Cuyler’” because the Navy Department “considers your service of too great value to be dispensed with at the New York Navy Yard.” Quite an important letter in regard to Foote’s subsequent success as a commander on the water. -- Partly-printed document signed. 14 August 1861. 1 page, paper frame affixed to letter verso. Notifying Foote that the President, with advice and consent of the Senate, has appointed him Captain, effective 29 June 1861, and enclosing his Commission [not present] dated 3 August 1861. -- Letter signed. 13 November 1861. 1 page. He writes: "You are hereby appointed Flag Officer in command of the U.S. Naval forces employed on the Mississippi and its tributaries.” -- Partly-printed document signed. 30 July 1862. 1 page, toning, brown stains, short separations along folds. Informing him that, the President [“the printed phrase “By and with the advice and consent of the Senate” stricken] having appointed him Rear Admiral on the Active List from 16 July 1862, Foote will find enclosed [not present] his Commission dated 28 July 1862. -- Together, 4 documents signed by Welles.

The Richard B. Cohen Civil War Collection

This lot is located in Cincinnati.