Existing comment:
Gideon Welles
1802-1878
As the Union Secretary of the Navy during the Civil War, Welles' main focus was building up naval forces to bolster the ongoing blockade of more than 3,500 miles of Confederate coastline. He also promoted the construction of ironclad ships, improved ordnance, machinery, and navy yards.
Prior to the war, Welles was devoted to journalism and politics. In fact, his only previous connection with the Navy had been as a bureau chief. Upon Lincoln's assassination, Welles continued in office under Andrew Johnson, loyally supporting the president against impeachment. Welles returned to civilian life after Johnson's term. |