Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Reducing the Union Navy-- Part 2

FEBRUARY 24TH, 1865:  The intention of the Navy Department to reduce the size of the Navy as the end of hostilities approached was indicated in Secretary Welles' instruction to Rear Admiral Thatcher, commanding the West Gulf Blockading squadron to "send North such purchased vessels as appear by surveys to require very extensive repairs...and all those no longer required.

"These will probably be sold or laid up.  You will also send home any stores that are not required.  Further requisition must be carefully examined before approval, and the commanders of squadrons are expected to use every possible exertion and care to reduce the expense of that squadron."

Getting ready for the Peace-Time Navy.  --Old B-Runner

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