Tuesday, November 19, 2013

November 20, 1863: Farragut Anxious to Get Back to Duty

NOVEMBER 20, 1863:

Rear Admiral Farragut is eager to get back to sea duty in the Gulf after his well-deserved rest. This date he wrote Welles from New York that the USS Brooklyn and Hartford "will not be ready for sea in less than three weeks.... I particularly regret it, because I see that General Banks is in the field and my services may be required."

He had also received a letter from Commodore Bell, commanding in the Gulf in Farragut's absence, saying that he didn't have enough ships to serve on the Texas coast and maintain the blockade elsewhere as well.

He also knew of ironclads building at St. Louis that just drew six feet of water and that they would be perfect for use on the Texas coast and would like them to be sent to the Guld. Welles wrote Porter, commanding on the Mississippi, who said he'd send them.

Ironclads to Texas. --Old B-Runner

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