MARCH 24TH, 1865: However, as Craven explained to secretary Welles: "At this time the odds were in her favor were too great and too certain, in my humble judgement, to admit of the slightest hope of being able to to inflict upon her even the most trifling injury, whereas, if we would have gone out, the Niagara would most likely have been easily and promptly destroyed.
"So thoroughly a one-sided combat I did not consider myself called upon to engage in."
Craven was subsequently courtmartialed and found remiss in his duties for failing to engage the Stonewall. Serving as President of the court was Vice Admiral Farragut and sitting as a member was Commodore John A. Winslow who had sunk the Confederate raider Alabama.
The court sentenced Craven to two years suspension on leave pay. Welles refusesd to approve what he regarded as a "paid vacation" for an officer who had been found guilty and instead restored Craven to duty.
Quite An Interesting Story. Perhaps a Book Is Needed. --Old B-R'er
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