Document Signed

(1807-77) Entering the navy as a Midshipman in 1823, he served in the Pacific, the Mediterranean, and the South Atlantic. Promoted to Captain in November 1861, he was Chief of Staff and Fleet Officer in the Port Royal expedition. He was promoted to Flag Officer of the Mississippi flotilla, in May 1862, fighting at Fort Pillow, Memphis, Vicksburg, and the Yazoo River. As Commodore, in July 1862, Davis was made chief of the Bureau of Navigation and promoted to Rear Admiral in February 1863. Staying in the U.S. Navy after the Civil War, he was superintendent of the Naval Observatory, and commander of the South Atlantic Squadron, dying on active duty.

Document Signed: 7 3/4 x 9 3/4, in ink, on imprinted letter sheet.

U.S. Flag Ship Guerriere (1st Rate)
Rio de Janiero, Aug. 1st, 1867

Sir:

You will report to Captain M.B. Woolsey as a member of a General Court Martial for the trial of such persons as may be brought before you.

Respectfully,
C.H. Davis
Rear Admiral
Comdg. S.A. Squadron

Commander
J.B. Creighton, U.S.N.
Comdg. U.S. Str. Kansas
Rio de Janiero
Brazil

Reported, 2d August, 1867
M.B. Woolsey, Captain
Presiding Officer

Very fine.

Melanchton B. Woolsey: (1817-74) During the Civil War he was engaged in the bombardment of Fort Pemberton and Secessionville on James Island, S.C. He was promoted to Commodore in 1871 and died of yellow fever while on duty at Pensacola, Florida.