Two Civil War Era Documents: 1864 Secretary of Navy, Gideon Welles and In 1861, James M. Greene President of Naval Asylum. Two Civil War era documents: 1.) Document signed from the Naval Asylum, Philadelphia, dated April 30th, 1861 to a Charles H. Burbank confirming that his application to the office of Assistant Surgeon has been reviewed by the Secretary of the Navy and that he is sixth in line for a commission to be called into service. After five years, he will be entitled to the rank of Surgeon if he has proven himself successful. It ends with " (We) hope, that by the cheerful and conscientious discharge of your professional duties, and by your correct, gentlemanly and moral deportment, you will reflect an honor on your country and on the department of its Naval Service…" 10 x 8½" and in excellent condition. 2.) On August 28th, 1864, Mr. Burbank was promoted to Surgeon, two years early with this document by direction of the President of the United States and signed by Secretary of the Navy. Gideon Welles. Welles was a staunch supporter of Abraham Lincoln in his campaign for President and was chosen by him as Secretary of the Navy. In short order he pulled together a mess of a Naval fleet and expanded it ten fold. His Naval portion of the Anaconda Plan strongly weakened the Confederacy's ability to finance the war by limiting the cotton trade, and proved a major contribution towards Northern victory. 18 x 9½, overall excellent clean condition with a small edge tear at fold.
Estimated Value $200 - 500.