Signature with rank

(1821-97) Born in Sackets Harbor, N.Y., he entered the U.S. Navy as a midshipman in 1837, and was promoted to passed midshipman in 1843. During his long naval career he served in the West Indies Squadron, the Mediterranean Squadron, the Home Squadron, the U.S. Coast Survey, the East India Squadron, and the Pacific Squadron. During the Mexican War, he participated in the siege of Isla de Sacrificios off Vera Cruz, the surrender of the Castle San Juan de Ulua, he was on patrol in the Gulf of Mexico, and took part in the seizure of Tuxpan. He was promoted to master in 1850, lieutenant in 1851, and commander in 1862. He served as the commanding officer of the steam gunboat, USS Penobscot in the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron in 1863, and later that year he was commander of the sloop of war, the USS Juniata in the East Gulf Blockading Squadron. His next assignment was as commander of the side wheel gunboat, USS Osceola in the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, which he led in both attacks on Fort Fisher, N.C., in December 1864, and January 1865. Rear Admiral David D. Porter complimented Clitz for his actions at Fort Fisher in his January 28th dispatch, and recommended him for promotion. After the war Clitz continued with his prominent naval career, and was promoted to captain in 1866; he commanded the sloop of war, USS Pawnee, in the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, 1868-69; commanded the steam frigate, USS California in the Pacific Squadron, 1870-72; promoted to commodore in 1872; he commanded the Naval Station at Port Royal, S.C., 1876-77; was lighthouse inspector, 1878-80; promoted to rear admiral in 1880; was commander-in-chief of the Asiatic Squadron, 1880-83, and retired from the U.S. Navy in 1883.

Signature with rank: 3 1/2 x 1 3/8, in ink, Very Respectfully, J.M.B. Clitz, Commodore U.S.N. Diagonal cut at left edge which does not affect the signature in any way. Cut closely at the bottom.