FOOTE, ANDREW HULL (1806-1863) Union Navy Officer, promoted to Rear Admiral on July 16, 1862
Just days after the capture of Fort Donelson, Foote makes an appointment in the Western Gun Boat Flotilla, while General Ulysses S. Grant emerges as a champion of the Union.
Civil War-Date Document Signed, 8” x 12 ½”, a manuscript order appointing one G.B. Simmonds to the rank of second master. Fort Donelson, at the time a Confederate installation on the Cumberland River in Tennessee, was surrendered on February 16, 1862, just three days prior to this order. Union forces, including Flag Officer Foote, were under the command of General Ulysses S. Grant, whose action during the siege, battle, and capitulation – specifically his demand for “unconditional and immediate surrender” of the Confederate command at the fort - propelled him into national prominence.
“Be it known that reposing trust in the honor and ability of G.B. Simmonds, I do hereby appoint him a Second Master in the United States Gun Boat Flotilla on the Western Water to hold authority as a Second Master and to be obeyed by all persons under him in the service. The appointment to hold good during the pleasure of the Commander in Chief of the Gun Boat Flotilla for the time being. Given under my hand this 19th day of February A.D. Eighteen hundred and Sixty two. A.H. Foote, Com[man]d[in]g U.S. Naval Forces in the Western Waters.”
Overall condition is very good, with light, even toning, a few minor stains, and the expected folds.
