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Civil War–dated LS signed "Gideon Welles," one page, 7.75 x 9.75, May 15, 1865. Navy Department telegram sent to John B. Montgomery, commandant of the Navy Yard at Washington. In full: "Land stores from such vessels as arrive at the Yard to be sold and notify the officers of them that resignations will be received and accepted from any that desire to leave the service." In fine condition. Encapsulated in a PSA/DNA authentication holder.
Confederate General Robert E. Lee had surrendered his Army at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865, and the Civil War would officially come to a close on May 26, 1865. After the Civil War, most of the United States Navy's ships were laid up in reserve, and by 1878, the Navy numbered just 6,000 men. This letter represents Secretary Welles's initial efforts to downsize the Navy following victory in the war.
