Confederate Secretary of the Navy. ALS signed “S. R. Mallory,” one page, 7.75 x 9.5, CSA Navy Department letterhead, December 16, 1862. Mallory writes to A. T. Jones of the Shelly Iron Works. In part: “You were requested by telegram on the 12th instant to commence and roll iron as rapidly as possible. The Department will require more than the five hundred tons ordered for Captain Lynch, and you will please have rolled three hundred tons in addition to the five hundred…. The 300 tons are required for a great boat under construction at Selma, which is now well underway.” The boat in question was very likely the Huntsville or the Tuscaloosa, both of which were launched from Selma in the following February and taken to Mobile to completion. In fine condition, with usual folds, light toning, and some small holes and flyspeck soiling at lower right corner, touching a few words and last letter of signature. R&R COA.
