With Mobile now closed and Savannah and Charleston effectively shut off from blockade-running, that left just Wilmington, North Carolina, as the last major Confederate port. The letter from Farragut that had been sent the week before announcing that the admiral, in failing health as he was, had asked to be relieved of all duty.
This date, Secretary Welles asked Farragut to lead the anticipated expedition against Wilmington. He was to take command of the North Atlantic Blockading squadron and make plans for the attack.
Welles regarded its capture as "more important, practically than the capture of Richmond."
It was only natural that Welles turn to his most successful and indomitable officer for the accomplishment of this last vital task.
"You are selected," wrote Welles, "to command the naval force, and you will endeavor to be at Port Royal by the latter part of September, where further orders will await you."
It was not until mid-month that the Secretary received Farragut's letter of 27 August requesting to be relieved of command.
--Old B-Runner
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