Bidspirit auction | 1865 Gideon Welles Navy Dept.

1865 Gideon Welles Navy Dept. Letter and Cut Sig - This historical lot features a Civil War-era memorandum from the Navy Department, dated August 10, 1865, addressed to Acting 2nd Assistant Engineer A. B. Besse in Wareham, Mass. The recipient, identified as A. B. Besse (likely Alden B. Besse), served as an Acting 2nd Assistant Engineer in the United States Navy during the latter half of the Civil War. His rank indicates he was a junior commissioned officer responsible for the maintenance and operation of a steam vessel's machinery. The document, bearing the printed signature of Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles, reminds officers of the regulation to use ”whole sheets” for correspondence. Accompanying the letter is a separate card featuring a bold, hand-signed signature of Gideon Welles, a key member of Lincoln’s cabinet known as ”Father Neptune” for his role in modernizing the U.S. Navy. The items are on period cream-toned paper and represent a fascinating look at immediate post-war naval bureaucracy. The paper shows significant foxing and spotting throughout, with original fold lines and light edge wear consistent with age, though the text and signatures remain clear and legible. H 9.5”, W 7.75”, D 0.1” (Letter); H 2.5”, W 4.5”, D 0.1” (Card). Please see photos.