Three war-date letters signed by Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles (two "Gideon Welles" and one "G Welles"), dating to 26 July 1864, 1 September 1864, and 13 April 1865 (each with folds, toning). Welles writes about the promotion of officers on the Lassacus, the release of records to a surgeon, and, in his letter signed on the day before Lincoln's assassination, Welles declines to accept the resignation of Acting 2d. Asst. Engineer Charles Bremon of Maine.

[With:] Autograph letter signed from Commodore Henry H. Bell, United States Navy, to Adm. Theodorus Bailey at Key West on letterhead "Flagship / Western gulf Blockading Squadron." 26 December 1863. 3pp (fold stained, small tear at crease, toning). Bell advises, in part, that the Alabama has been condemned and taken by the government.