Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy under President Lincoln, letter signed during the Civil War. Welles writes to U.S. Attorney Charles Gilpin, approving the requisition of the Confederate steamship Donegal, captured by the Union on 6 June 1864 and subsequently sent to Philadelphia for condemnation. Welles here writes on 25 July 1864, authorizing $140,000 to the Navy Agent in Philadelphia ''to pay for the prize steamer 'Donegal'''. After it was bought and made sea worthy, the USS Donegal was then dispatched to southern Confederate ports to enforce the Union blockade. Letter measures 7'' x 10'' on Navy Department letterhead. Chipping along left edge and split horizontally along center. Tape remnants to edges. Fair to good condition.