Description:

Gideon Welles
Washington DC, May 10, 1865
Gideon Welles Plans Post-War Logistics for Washington Navy Yard Days After Lincoln Assassination & Conf. Surrender! PSA Encapsulated!
Slabbed signature

Civil War era Telegram Signed by Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy under Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson, dated May 10, 1865, and sent from the Navy Department. The telegram is handwritten on lined stationery and addressed to J.B. Montgomery Commander of the Washington Navy Yard regarding immediate post-war logistics. Expected folds and toning, boldly signed. The document measures 7.75" x 9.75" and is encapsulated by PSA/DNA to an overall size of 10" x 13."

In full:

"Navy Department,

May 10, 1865

Commo: J.B. Montgomery

Comd. of Navy Yard, Washington

All stores to should be landed before delivering attachments.

G. Welles

Sec'y of the Navy"

Gideon Welles (1802–1878) served as Secretary of the Navy under Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson, playing a crucial role in Union naval operations during the Civil War. By the date of this telegram, May 11, 1865, just a few days after the assassination of Lincoln, the war had officially ended with Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston's surrender just weeks earlier. This telegram reflects the immediate post-war logistics still in operation as the Navy managed demobilization efforts and supply organization. Welles was instrumental in expanding and modernizing the Union Navy, and his wartime correspondence remains highly valued for its historical insight.

Today, the Washington Navy Yard serves as the headquarters of the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) and remains the oldest shore establishment of the U.S. Navy, in continuous operation since its founding in 1799. Located along the Anacostia River in southeast Washington, D.C., the Yard has transformed from a bustling 19th-century shipbuilding and ordnance center into a modern administrative and ceremonial hub. It houses several historic buildings and the National Museum of the U.S. Navy, preserving centuries of naval heritage while supporting the Navy's present-day engineering, logistics, and technological missions. Despite its modernization, the Yard retains its historic character and continues to play a vital role in naval operations and tradition.

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: 10" x 13."
  • Medium: Slabbed signature

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