Description:

Welles, Gideon (1802-1878) Gideon Welles orders Captain John A. Winslow to report to the U.S.S. Kearsarge, aboard which he famously defeated the C.S.S. Alabama in 1862

Partly-printed Document Signed, "Gideon Welles," as Secretary of the Navy, 1 page, 8" x 10", [Washington], December 5, 1862 ordering Captain John A. Winslow to report to New York in order to board a steamer bound for his new command: the U.S.S. Kearsarge. Minor partial separations at horizontal folds, light toning, contemporary ink redaction at left margin, marginal losses backed with period paper on interior of biofilm, else very good condition.

John A. Winslow had been on extended leave in Roxbury, Massachusetts recovering from a bout of malaria when he received his assignment to command the U.S.S. Kearsarge cruising the Atlantic in search of Confederate blockade runners and warships. The document reads, in part: "Sir: Proceed to New York, without delay and report to Rear Admiral Paulding for a passage in the U.S. Steamer Vanderbilt and upon falling in with the U.S. Steam Sloop of War Kearsa[r]ge. You will relieve Captain Pickering in commanded of that vessel."

In obedience to his orders, Winslow reported to New York, boarded the Vanderbilt en route to the Azores. However when he arrived in the Portuguese islands, he found that the Kearsarge had moved on to Cadiz for repairs, so Winslow elected to remain at the port of Fayal until the sloop returned in the spring. At the bottom of the document, Winslow adds his endorsement noting the date he was able to actually assume command of the vessel: "Reported Dec 8/62 I certify that I reported in obedience to his order May 5th 1863 Jno A. Winslow Captain Command[in]g."

Once in command, Winslow set out to cruise the Azores in search of the feared Confederate raider Alabama, which was responsible for numerous attacks on Union merchant vessels as well as warships. In the summer of 1864, Winslow was finally able to catch up to the Alabama, which had just put in to Cherbourg for repairs. On June 19, 1864, the Alabama left the safety of the French port, and once in neutral waters found herself pursued by Winslow aboard the Kearsarge. After a fierce engagement that lasted nearly an hour and a half, the crew of the Alabama surrendered, but due to the extensive damage she incurred during the fight, sank off the French coast. For his exploits, Winslow received The Thanks of Congress and a promotion to commodore.

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