AUGUST 2, 1864: After months of attempting to ready the CSS Rappahannock and negotiating her clearance from French authorities in Calais, Flag Officer Barron reluctantly concluded that she could not be taken to sea under a Confederate flag.
This date he received a letter from Lt. Charles M. Fauntleroy, CSN, the ship's commander, informing him that the French would now permit her to put out to sea, but her crew could not exceed 35 men.
Barron at once replied: "I agree with you in the absolute impossibility of navigating the ship with so small a complement as thirty-five, including yourself and officers. You will therefore proceed to pay off and discharge your officers and crew, keeping sufficient officers and men to look after the public property, and lay up the ship until we can determine upon what course we shall pursue in regard to her."
--Old B-R'er
No comments:
Post a Comment