2005-03
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/28/2005
MALLORY, Stephen R. (1813-1873). One of America's great naval geniuses and Confederate Navy Secretary throughout the Civil War, he originated the idea of ironclad warships. Letter Signed, “S.R. Mallory Sec. “, 1p. quarto, on printed “Confederate States of America. Navy Department” lettersheet, August 8, 1864, addressed to Jonathan McIntosh Kell (1823-1900) who in April 1861, briefly commanded the Georgia state gunboat SAVANNAH, but received a Confederate States Navy commission as First Lieutenant the following month and was sent to New Orleans. There, he helped Commander Raphael Semmes fit out the cruiser CSS SUMTER. He served as Executive Officer during her commerce raiding cruise in 1861-62. First Lieutenant Kell was Semmes’ Executive Officer on CSS ALABAMA throughout her career, and was present when she was sunk by USS Kearsarge in June 1864. He was rescued by the British yacht Dearhound and taken to England. Promoted to the rank of Commander in that month, he commanded the ironclad CSS RICHMOND in the James River Squardon in 1865. This fine content letter reads in most part: “...Your letter...reporting your arrival at Wilmington under orders from Capt. Semmes to report to the Secretary of the Navy was this day received. In congratulating you upon your return to your family and home, I deem it but just to you to say, that the ardures duties which you have so long and ably performed as the Executive Officer of the Sumter and Alabama, are highly appreciated by your Government; and that they have achieved for you proud distinction in the Naval service of your country, with whose history your name will ever be honorably associated. In recognition of your ‘gallant and meritorious services’ I have the pleasure of handing you, enclosed, a Commission as Commander in the Provisional Navy by direction of the President...” VG.
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