ALS signed “L. M. Goldsborough,” one page, 8.25 x 10.5, personal letterhead, September 25, 1866. Military transfer order to Lieutenant Commander George Dewey. In full: “On the receipt of this, you will regard yourself as relieved from the position of Flag Lieutenant of the European Squadron, and you will report yourself to Captain R. H. Wyman for duty as the Executive Officer of the U. S. Ship Colorado, under his command.” In fine condition, with scattered creases. Accompanied by unsigned engravings of both Dewey and Goldsborough. Dewey had graduated from the Naval Academy in 1858 and served with distinction during the Civil War, where he played integral roles in the capture of New Orleans and the Battle of Port Hudson; he was first assigned to the USS Colorado in 1864 and participated in important blockades and at the Battle of Fort Fisher, where he distinguished himself with tactical decisions that enabled the Union to emerge victorious. His excellence was recognized through a promotion to lieutenant-commander and he was sent to the European station as executive officer of the USS Kearsarge at the end of the war. It was after this that he was reassigned to the Colorado, where he received this letter appointing him as executive officer. A superb letter in its associations with Dewey’s early military career and the ship he served on during the Civil War. RR Auction COA.
