By virtue of the authority contained in the 6th section of the act of 21 April, 1864, which enacts ``That any officer in the naval service, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, may be advanced not exceeding thirty numbers in his own grade, for distinguished conduct in battle or extraordinary heroism,'' I recommend that Lieutenant Commander James S. Thornton, U.S. Navy, the executive officer of the U.S. steamer Kearsarge, for advancement in his grade ten numbers, to take rank next after Lieutenant Commander Wm. D. Whiting, for his good conduct and faithful discharge of his duties in the brilliant action with the rebel steamer Alabama which led to the destruction of that vessel on the 19 June, 1864. ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
Washington City,
5 December, 1864.