Document from Apr. 17, 1865

Telegram of Gideon Welles, April 17, 1865

  • Full Title

    Contemporary copy of telegram of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy, to Commodore Wm. Radford [William Radford] U.S.N., U.S.S. "Phlox", Hampton Roads, April 17, 1865

  • Description

    Contains orders for all naval vessels on the day of Abraham Lincoln's funeral.

  • Transcription

    Telegram.

    To Commodore Wm. Redford U.S.N.

    U.S.S. “Phlox.” Hampton Roads.

    The following telegram was received last night.

    Special Order.

    Navy Department

    Washington. April 17, 1865

    To Rear Admiral

    D.D. Porter Commdr N.A. Squadron

    By order of the President of the United States, the Navy Department will be closed on Wednesday next, the day of the funeral solemnities of the late President of the United States. Labor will also be suspended on that day at each of the Navy Yards and Naval Stations and upon all the vessels of the United States. The flags of all vessels, and at all the Navy Yards and stations, and Marine Barracks, will be kept at half mast during the day, and at 12 o’clock meridian twenty one (21) minute guns will be fired by the Senior Officer of each Squadron and the Commandants of each of the Navy Yards and Stations.

    Gideon Welles

    Secretary of the Navy



    Copies sent above and below

    K. R. Breese

    Fleet Captain



    Transcription Team:

    Sarah D., Ashlynn T., Pamela N.

    New Hampton Middle School, New Hampton, Iowa

  • Rights

    This item is in the public domain.

  • Tags

  • Cite this Item

    Welles, Gideon, 1802-1878. "Contemporary copy of telegram of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy, to Commodore Wm. Radford [William Radford] U.S.N., U.S.S. "Phlox", Hampton Roads, April 17, 1865". . Remembering Lincoln. Web. Accessed April 19, 2024. https://rememberinglincoln.fords.org/node/640