Scarce Virginia Navy Commission & More

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2008

Exceedingly rare Virginia naval commission for “Commander Wm. McBlair” who was formerly of the U.S. Navy, before serving in the Virginia Navy and eventually with the Confederate Navy as of June 10, 1861. With the CSNR he served on the United States, and then commanded at Craney Island, Virginia, with the CSN he commanded the CSS Patrick Henry and the CSS Atlanta. This commission is 1p. oblong quarto, signed by Governor John Letcher as well as by French Forrest, and reads “Know You, That from special trust and confidence reposed in your fidelity, courage, and good conduct, our GOVERNOR, in pursuance of the authority vested in him by the Constitution and Laws of this Commonwealth, doth commission you a Commander in the NAVY OF VIRGINIA, to rank as such from the 23rd day of April 1861...” Fine....plus; Manuscript Document Signed, “F. Forrest Flag Officer Cmdr.” 1p. quarto, on fine “Commandant’s Office, Navy Yard and Station, Gosport, Va.” lettersheet, May 1, 1861, addressed to Capt. McBlair, and reads “You will repair to Craney Island and cooperate with the military officers now employed in erecting a battery at that point for the protection of this harbor. Be pleased to inform Col. Talcott of your appointment...” FIne....plus; Confederate States Navy Dpartment order for Commander McBlair to be detached from the Battery at Craney Island and report to duty, dated August 9, 1861, Fine...plus; Confederate States Navy Department appointment 1p. quarto, June 11, 1861, addressed to McBlair, and reads “You are hereby informed that the President has appointed you a Commander IN THE NAVY OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES...” Signed by Mallory as Secretary of the Navy. Fine...plus; CSN Document, 1p. quarto, October 23, 1862, addressed to Commander McBlair, and reads “You are hereby informed that the President has appointed you by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, a Commander, to rank from the 26th day of March, 1861, in the Navy of the Confederate States...” Signed by Secretary of the Navy Mallory. With pencil notation at bottom ‘Commissions will be issued when they can be procured.’ Fine...plus; United States Naval appointments for McBlair (2). ...plus; US Naval letter to McBlair, pertaining to McBlair’s mission to stop slavers in Africa. Fine. A wonderful collection of documents and letters pertaining to this notable Virignian and his service with the U.S., Virginia, and Confederate States navies.

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