He earned the Thanks of Congress in 1862 for the capture of Roanoke Island, North Carolina

Signature With Rank

(1805-73) Born in Washington, D.C., he was the son of a chief clerk of the U.S. Navy Department. He was appointed a midshipman in the United States Navy by Secretary of the Navy Paul Hamilton on June 28, 1812. He received his lieutenant's commission in 1825. After cruising the Pacific in the frigate United States, he participated in the bombardment of Veracruz during the Mexican War. He served consecutively as: commander of a detachment in the expedition against Tuxpan; senior officer of a commission which explored California and Oregon (1849–1850); was superintendent of the United States Naval Academy (1853–1857); and commander of the Brazil Squadron (1859–1861). Upon the outbreak of the Civil War, he was appointed commander of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron in 1861. He earned the Thanks of Congress in 1862 for the capture of Roanoke Island and the closing of the North Carolina sounds. Goldsborough and his command were sent to Hampton Roads, Va., at the request of Major General George B. McClellan to help protect Union forces landing on the Virginia Peninsula at the start of the Peninsula Campaign. He was promoted to Rear Admiral in August 1862. In June 1865, he was appointed as the first commander of the European Squadron. He took command of the Washington Navy Yard in 1868, and served there until his retirement in 1873. Rear Admiral Louis M. Goldsborough died in Washington, D.C., on February 20, 1877.

Signature With Rank: 5 x 3/4, in ink, L.M. Goldsborough, Rear Adml. & Presiding Officer. Cut slightly irregular at the botton not affecting any of the writing. Boldly signed. Very desirable.