Gideon Welles 1865 Navy Department Orders

Pair of documents directing Navy Engineer Hillary Messimer (1833-1898) to report to the U.S. Colorado. Messimer entered the Engineer Corps of the U.S. Navy in 1859, and served with distinction throughout the Civil War until 1867.

Included in this lot:

1. Partially Printed Document Signed, "Gideon Welles", as Secretary of the Navy, 1p, a bifold sheet of light blue Navy Department stationery, 8" x 9.875", Washington, February 25, 1865. Countersigned by Hiram Paulding, "H.Paulding", at top left. Several other endorsements and notations at recto, with docketing to second page and verso. Expected folds with minor separations and tiny areas of paper loss at intersections; ink smudge to several words; scattered areas of ink splatter; light soiling; else very good plus conditon.

Welles orders Assistant Engineer Hillary Messimer to "report to Rear Admiral Paulding without delay for duty on board the U.S. Steamer Colorado."

2. Letter Signed, "Thorton A. Jenkins", as Chief of Bureau, 1p, on a bifold lined sheet of Navy Department stationery, 7.75" x 9.75", Washington, October 3, 1865. Docketing to verso, which has a 2.25" separation at lower fold, and dampstaining to top area. Recto of letter has light creasing, foxing and toning, but is overall in near fine condition.

Jenkins writes to Assistant Engineer Hillary Messimer, in full, "Sir / Your services being required on board the Colorado, the Bureau declines to accept your resignation, tendered in your letter of the 24 August last. / By direction of the Secretary."

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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