Gideon Welles papers, 1825-1878, bulk (1840-1864)

Links

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• View PDF finding aid (168.02 KB)

Creator

Welles, Gideon, 1802-1878.

Location

Manuscripts and Archives Division

Extent

• Originals: 1.75 linear feet (7 boxes).
• Copies: 4 microfilm reels.

Access Restrictions

Restricted access; Manuscripts and Archives Division; Permit must be requested at the division indicated.

Microfilm must be used in lieu of originals.

Scope/Contents Note

Collection consists of correspondence, official papers andwritings of Welles. Bulk of the collection is correspondence mainly related to his public life and duties. Topics include political issues, the Civil War, operations of the Navy Dept., his political and literary endeavors, and family matters. Official papers contain memoranda, charters, contracts, and lists of ships and officers. Writings are drafts of articles, congressional reports, and notes on politics and the Civil War.

Biographical/Historical Note

Gideon Welles (1802-1878) was an American politician and editor. He served as Secretary of the Navy from 1861 to 1869 under Presidents Lincoln and Johnson after having political positions in Connecticut as a member of the Democratic Party. He left the party over the slavery question and became a Republican supporter. He edited and wrote political commentary for several newspapers in Connecticut.

Controlled Access Terms

• Welles, Gideon, 1802-1878.
• United States. Navy -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865.
• Democratic Party (U.S.)
• National Republican Party (U.S.)
• Armored vessels.
• Slavery -- United States.
• Political parties -- United States.
• Connecticut -- Politics and government -- 1861-1865.
• United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865.
• United States -- Politics and government -- 1849-1877.
• Editors.
• Politicians.

Additional Creator Names

• Church, William Conant, 1836-1917.
• Ingersoll, Charles, 1805-1882.
• Mason, George D.
• Niles, John M. (John Milton), 1787-1856.
• Seward, William Henry, 1801-1872.