JANUARY 28TH
Secretary of War Welles is still waiting for Farragut's report on the loss of Galveston and the Harriet Lane, but it is not forthcoming. He added: "Farragut has prompt, energetic, excellent qualities, but no fondness for written details or self-laudation; does but one thing at a time, but does that strong and well; is better fitted to lead an expedition through danger and difficulty than to command an extensive blockade; is a good officer in a great emergency, will more than willingly take great risks in order to obtain great results than any other officer in either Navy or Army, and unlike most of them, prefers that others should tell the story of his well-doing rather than relate it himself."
Welles knew his man quite well, evidently as it sums up Farragut's qualities very well. However, the Galveston fiasco was anything but a "great result." Good thing Welles liked him. Not submitting a report could be grounds for dismissal.
Old B-Runner
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