Welles, Gideon (1802-1878) to Silas Stringham
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03097.02 Author/Creator: Welles, Gideon (1802-1878) Place Written: Washington, D. C. Type: Letter Date: 2 September 1861 Pagination: 1 p. ; 30.8 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Welles, Secretary of the Navy, congratulates Stringham, Flag Officer and Commander of the Atlantic Blockading Squadron, for the Squadron's August 1861 capture of Forts Hatteras and Clark, North Carolina. Declares "The successful result thus far of an expedition projected with great care and the occupation of the positions commanding the most important inlet on the Coast of North Carolina, will be attended with consequences that can scarcely be over-estimated. This brilliant achievement, accomplished without the loss of a man on your part, or injury to any one in the Federal Service, has carried joy and gladness to the bosom of every friend of the Union... Convey to the Officers and men of the respective vessels under your command, the thanks of the Department for their gallant conduct, and the assurance that is thus afforded, that, in the great emergency now upon us, the Country may rely, as of old, upon the vigor, the courage, and the enthusiasm of its brave Officers and Sailors."
Gideon Welles served as Secretary of the Navy 1861-1869.
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