Porter's Parting Words to the Mississippi Squadron

SEPTEMBER 28, 1864:  Rear Admiral Porter, on his detachment from command of the Mississippi Squadron, wrote a farewell to his officers and men, in which he reflected on the far-reaching accomplishments of naval power on the western waters:

"When I first assumed command of this squadron the Mississippi was in possession of the rebels from Memphis to New Orleans, a distance of 800 miles, and over 1,000 miles of tributaries were closed against us, embracing a territory larger than some of the kingdoms of Europe.

"Our commerce is now successfully, if not quietly, transported on the broad Mississippi from one end to the other, and the same may almost be said with regard to its tributaries."

Porter, who was to be relieved by Rear Admiral S.P. Lee, soon proceeded to Hampton Roads where he assumed command of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, and turned his attentions to the capture of Wilmington.

--Old B-Runner