Alfred T. Mahan commission to Midshipman, 1856 Oct 2

NAVY DEPARTMENT,

October 2d, 1856.

Sir:

You are hereby appointed an Acting Midshipman in the Navy of the United States from the 30th September, 1856, to join the 3d Class.

If, after the course of attendance at the Naval Academy prescribed by the Revised Regulations approved January 25, 1855, you shall satisfactorily pass the graduating examination, you will receive from the Academic Board the "certificate of graduation" referred to in the 5th section of the 6th chapter of the above Regulations, which shall entitle you to a warrant as a Midshipman in the U. S. Navy, bearing the date of the certificate. If, however, you shall fail to obtain such certificate, you will be dropped from the list.

Enclosed is a copy of the requisite oath, which, having taken and subscribed, you will transmit to the Department with your letter of acceptance, in which you will state your age.

I am, respectfully, &c, Chas. W. Welsh Acting Secretary of the Navy.

Acting Midshipman

Alfred Thayer Mahan of the 10th Con. District, of New York U. S. Naval Academy, Annapolis.