November 20, 1863-- Part 1: Farragut Needs More Ships for Gulf Blockade

NOVEMBER 20TH, 1862:  Rear Admiral Farragut, eager to return to sea duty in the Gulf, informed Secretary Welles from New York that the USS Hartford and USS Brooklyn "will not be ready for sea in less than three weeks, from the best information I can obtain.

"I particularly regret it, because I see that General Banks is in the field and my services may be required."

The Admiral noted that he had received a letter from Commodore Bell. commanding  in his absence, which indicated that there was not enough ships to serve on the Texas coast and maintain the blockade elsewhere as well.

--Old B-Runner