Description:

Gideon Welles
Washington, DC, June 23, 1858 & September 5, 1862
Gideon Welles & Lewis Cass DS Pairing, One War-Dated 1862
Partially printed DS

A pair of two partially-printed documents individually signed by statesmen Gideon Welles and Lewis Cass, both in their capacity as Secretary of the Navy and Secretary of State, respectively. Ranging in date from 1858 to 1862, the first being a United States passport and the second, authorized by Welles, a war-dated appointment of acting ensign specializing in gunnery. Please see below for further information on contents.

The lot includes:

1.) An official passport of the United States authorized by Lewis Cass as Secretary of State, signed "Lew Cass" in the lower right. 1p, 11.5" x 18", Washington, D.C., June 23, 1858. The document grants entry to one Richard Quimby, then aged 35 years. Secretarial docketing and handstamps in French found at upper left and right corners. Moderate dampstaining along top and lower edges, with marginal tearing and soiling throughout. Isolated spotting at upper left. Overall, good to fair.

2.) A letter of appointment signed "Gideon Welles" near center right as Secretary of the Navy and twice countersigned by Commandant John B. Montgomery. 1p on Navy Department letterhead, 8" x 10", [Washington, D.C.], September 5, 1862. The document names Samuel H. Mead Jr. as acting ensign, directing him to "report to Commodore J. B. Montgomery Commandant Navy Yard Boston for instruction in the practice of gunnery." Exhibits uneven age toning and handling creases throughout, with areas of minor ink smudging. Otherwise, very good.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: Largest: 9" x 11.5" (folded)
  • Medium: Partially printed DS

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February 18, 2026 10:00 AM EST
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000