Oct 10, 2019 - Sale 2519

Sale 2519 - Lot 7

Price Realized: $ 938
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 600 - $ 900
ASSIGNING COMMANDER FOR THE BLOCKADE IN THE GULF OF MEXICO (CIVIL WAR.) WELLES, GIDEON. Letter Signed, as Secretary of the Navy, to Commodore William Mervine, ordering him to take command of the steam frigate Colorado [flagship of the Gulf Blockading Squadron]. 1 page, 4to, ruled paper; faint scattered staining, horizontal folds, docketing on verso. "Navy Department" [Washington], 6 May 1861
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"Proceed to Boston, Mass'tts, and when the U.S. Steam Frigate Colorado shall be put in commission, you will hoist your Flag on board that vessel and carry out the instructions of the Department which will be transmitted to you at Boston forthwith."
William Mervine (1791-1868) served in the U.S. Navy during the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, and the American Civil War, achieving the rank of Rear Admiral. On May 6, 1861, Mervine assumed command of the Gulf Blockading Squadron, patrolling the coast between Key West and the Rio Grande aboard the USS Colorado until September.