Son of Commodore John Rodgers and Civil War naval officer. Captain of the monitor "Weehawken," Rodgers would distinguish himself in the attack on Fort Sumter in April 1863 and against the Confederate ironclad "Atlanta." He received the Thanks of Congress and a promotion to Commodore. He took command of the ship, Dictator, but ongoing design and construction problems kept him with that ship for the remainder of the war. Post war, Rodgers would command the Boston Naval Station, take command of the Asiatic Squadron, command Mar Island and eventually become the Superintendent of the United States Naval Observatory.

This document is written on the official stationary of the U.S. Navy Yard, Boston. Dated June 22, 1867, the letter requests a one week leave of absence for E.J. Brooks, 1st Assistant Engineer. It is approved and signed by Alex Henderson, chief engineer. The document has been signed "Granted, John Rodgers." $475.00