Welles, Gideon (1802-1878) to Mrs. Abner Read
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02490.19 Author/Creator: Welles, Gideon (1802-1878) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 19 July 1863 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 19.7 x 12.6 cm. Order a Copy
Relays details of death of Lieutenant Commander Abner Read, who died while patrolling the Mississippi River in command of the USS New London. Blue stamp: "Exchanged by order Secretary Navy."
One of only two cabinet members to serve throughout Lincoln's presidency, Secretary of Navy Welles oversaw the blockade of the Confederacy coastline. Switched from Democratic to Republican in the 1850s. Converted an outmoded peacetime navy into a modern wartime force. Often provided moderation in cabinet, counterbalancing the views of Edwin M. Stanton, Salmon P. Chase, and William H. Seward. Following Lincoln's assassination, he remained in the cabinet to serve under Johnson and did not leave office until Grant was inaugurated.
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