Revenue Cutter Henry Dodge "Defend Yourself to the Last Extremity"

From the U.S. Congressional Serial Set.  Jan. 22, 1861, letter from Secretary of Treasury John A. Dix to commander of the Henry Dodge.

The secretary understood that the Henry Dodge was in bad need of repairs at Galveston and ordered the commander (not sure if it was William F. Rogers or previous commander, Captain Morrison, to take the ship immediately to New York and to be aware that attempts might be made to take the ship and, if so "...you will defend yourself to the last extremity."  If unable to do so, the commander was to "run her ashore, and, if possible, blow her up."

Captain Morrison had been ordered to take command, but "his fidelity to the government was questioned, having been dismissed from the service."  Command of the Henry Dodge was turned over to William F. Rogers.

--Old B-Runner