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LINCOLN, Abraham. Document signed ("Abraham Lincoln") to Adm. Silas H. Stringham, Executive Mansion, 3 March 1865. 1 page, 4to, matted and framed along with Stringham's 6 March 1865 acknowledgement.
LINCOLN HONORS A VENERABLE NAVAL WARRIOR. Lincoln's testimonial reads: "It is made my duty, as it is my sincere pleasure, to transmit herewith, a Copy of the Joint Resolution of Congress, approved 7 February 1863, tendering you (and other Officers) its thanks for your distinguished services in the capture of Forts Hatteras and Clark, on the Coast of North Carolina." Stringham (1798-1874) fought in the War of 1812 (he became a mid-shipman at age 11, in 1809) and in the Algerine War of 1815 and the Mexican War. He was named commander of the North American blockading fleet and led the assault against Hatteras Inlet--for which Lincoln here congratulates him--on 28-29 August 1861. During the siege of Forts Hatteras and Clark Stringham implemented a new bombardment technique--having his ships fire while in motion--and the landing force under Benjamin Butler's command seized the forts at the cost of only one man wounded (and that by friendly fire). Butler won credit for the victory but the swift Confederate surrender "resulted almost entirely from the effectiveness of Stringham's bombardment" (Boatner, 385). He declined further promotions because of his age and retired from active duty in December 1861, serving for the remainder of the war as commandant of the Boston Navy Yard.
LINCOLN HONORS A VENERABLE NAVAL WARRIOR. Lincoln's testimonial reads: "It is made my duty, as it is my sincere pleasure, to transmit herewith, a Copy of the Joint Resolution of Congress, approved 7 February 1863, tendering you (and other Officers) its thanks for your distinguished services in the capture of Forts Hatteras and Clark, on the Coast of North Carolina." Stringham (1798-1874) fought in the War of 1812 (he became a mid-shipman at age 11, in 1809) and in the Algerine War of 1815 and the Mexican War. He was named commander of the North American blockading fleet and led the assault against Hatteras Inlet--for which Lincoln here congratulates him--on 28-29 August 1861. During the siege of Forts Hatteras and Clark Stringham implemented a new bombardment technique--having his ships fire while in motion--and the landing force under Benjamin Butler's command seized the forts at the cost of only one man wounded (and that by friendly fire). Butler won credit for the victory but the swift Confederate surrender "resulted almost entirely from the effectiveness of Stringham's bombardment" (Boatner, 385). He declined further promotions because of his age and retired from active duty in December 1861, serving for the remainder of the war as commandant of the Boston Navy Yard.