Raynors HCA 2017-02
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/23/2017
Congressional imprint “CAPTAIN SAMUEL F. DUPONT. MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, RECOMMENDING A vote of thanks by Congress to Captain Samuel F. DuPont, for his services and gallantry displayed in the capture, since the 21st December, 1861, of various points on the coast of Georgia and Florida.” 1pp. quarto, signed in type by Abraham Lincoln, March 20, 1862, and reads in part: “...In conformity wiht this law, Captain Samuel F. DuPont, of the navy, was nominated to the Senate for continuance as the flag-officer in command of the squadron which recently rendered such important service to the Union in the expedition to the coasts of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Believing that no occasion could arise which would more fully correspond with the intention of the law, or be more pregnant with happy influence as an example, I cordially recommend that Captain Samuel F. DuPont receive a vote of thanks of Congress, for his services and gallantry displayed in the capture, since the 21st December, 1861, of various points on the coasts of Geogia and Florida, particuarly Brunswick, Cumberland island and sound, Amelia island, the towns of St. Mary’s, St. Augustine and Jacksonville, and Fernandina...” Fine condition. When communication was cut off with Washington at the start of the Civil War, Samuel F. Du Pont (1803-1865) took the initiative of sending a fleet to the Chesapeake Bay to protect the landing of Union troops at Annapolis, Maryland. In June 1861 he was made president of a board in Washington formed to develop a plan of naval operations against the Confederacy. He was appointed flag officer serving aboard the steam frigate Wabash as commander of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, leading from Norfolk, Virginia the largest fleet ever commanded by an American officer at that time. On November 7, Du Pont led a successful attack on the fortifications at Port Royal harbor in South Carolina. This victory enabled Union naval forces to secure the southern waters of Georgia and the entire eastern coast of Florida, and an effective blockade was established. Du Pont received commendations from U.S. Congress for his brilliant tactical success, and was appointed rear admiral on July 16, 1862.
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