U.S. Secretary of the Navy - 1861-69, During the American Civil War

Civil War-Date Letter – Navy Secretary Welles devotes his attention to the Union Blockade

Letter Signed, 7 ¾” x 9 ¾”, with the closing and signature on the reverse, to “James T. Hale, Esq[uire], Washington, D.C.”  Responding to an inquiry from the Pennsylvania congressman, Welles conveys that the foreign fleet has been recalled, understandably preferring to devote all funds and resources available to the U.S. Navy to the Union blockade of the southern states, announced by President Lincoln on April 19, 1861.

“Navy Department, Sept[embe]r 21, 1861.  Sir: Your letter of the 20^th inst[ant] has been received.  I have not time to revise the arrangement, at one time proposed with Mr. James McHenry, in regard to funds for our foreign squadrons, referred to by you.  It seems unnecessary, for the arrangement was never consummated by my predecessor, nor has it been recognized, at any time, by this Department.  In addition to this our squadrons have been recalled, rendering any change needless.  I am respectfully. Y[ou]r Obed[ien]t servant, Gideon Welles.”

The paper is lightly and evenly toned, with staining and a few pinholes and light creases in the margins, along with two horizontal folds.