signed ADS
by GIDEON WELLES
ADS. GIDEON WELLES (1802-1878). Welles was Abraham Lincoln’s Secretary of the Navy from 1861 until well after Lincoln’s death in 1869. He is remembered for his foresight in the development and use of ironclads, as well as urging the enlistment of blacks and blockading the Confederate coast. ADS. 1pg. 8” x 5 ¾”. 7th April 1840. Hartford, CT. An autograph document signed “Gideon Welles P.M” while the future Naval Secretary was Post Master of Hartford. The document reads: “S.M. Mitchell, P.M. [Post Master] at Plymouth…has deposited in this office, sixty seven 09/100 dolls. to the credit of the Post Master Genl, for which I have signed duplicate receipts. Gideon Welles P.M.” The document is in excellent condition, and has an irregular top margin. (Inventory #: 1190)