Welles, Gideon (1802-1878) to Lester A. Beardslee
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01920.04 Author/Creator: Welles, Gideon (1802-1878) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Letter signed Date: 9 December 1864 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 24.7 x 19.1 cm. Order a Copy
Written by Secretary of the Navy Welles to Lieutenant Commander Beardslee of the USS "Wachusett." References Beardslee's letter of 4 December, which contained information on the effects of Commander Morris, late of the captured steamer CSS "Florida." The items were scattered about the cabin of the ship. Welles makes reference to several good will gestures Morris made before he was captured and gives permission for the items to be returned. Orders Beardslee to give the items to the paymaster of the yard. Beardslee was involved in the capture of the "Florida," under the command of Commander Napoleon Collins. The capture took place on 7 October 1864. Collins was eventually court martialled for seizing the ship in a neutral port (see GLC01920.01). The letter was forwarded by Commandant S. H. Stringham. A short note on page 3 from the Paymaster's Office of the Boston Navy Yard says he received from Beardslee two trunks and a bath tub supposed to contain clothing.
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