Autograph Letter to U. S. Naval Academy Superintendent, Admiral David Dixon Porter
Washington: Navy Department, 1867. Single sheet. 7 3/4" x 9 3/4"
Autograph letter from William Faxon, as Assistant Secretary of the Navy in 1867, to Admiral David Dixon Porter, who was then the Superintendent of United States Naval Academy.
Faxon's letter opens by reassuring Porter that one "Commander Lewis" can "remain where he is [presumably the Naval Academy], if agreeable to him." Faxon then mentions an enclosure of an 1863 Register containing resignations, dismissals, etc., going back to 1861, and providing information Porter apparently had requested.
The rest of the letter describes arrangements for sending the Naval Academy midshipmen abroad on a practice cruise using the ships the "Macedonia," the "Idaho," and the "Savannah," with the graduating class aboard "the 'Minnesota' as proposed by Alden [likely Admiral James Alden, Jr.]."
Admiral Porter was an influential Superintendent of the Naval Academy. The school had relocated to Newport, Rhode Island during the Civil War and its grounds and buildings were heavily used by the army. Porter took charge upon its return to Annapolis and played a pivotal role in transforming the Naval Academy as Superintendent from 1865 to 1869. He modernized the curriculum, improved the infrastructure, and introduced an honor code, all aimed at enhancing the professionalism of the Navy.
Letter has old fold creases, and a bit of adhesive scarring along a blank area on rear, presumably from a scrapbook mounting. Clear and legible content.
Item #1761
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