J.R.M. Mullany-- Part 4: To the End of His Naval Career

He was commissioned commodore 15 August 1870 and was in charge of the Mediterranean Squadron  from October 1870 until November 1871.  From 1872 to 1874, he commanded the Philadelphia Navy Yard.

After receiving his rear admiral's commission 5 June 1874,  he commanded the North Atlantic Squadron until February 1876, during a part of which time he  cooperated efficiently  with General  William H. Emory and General Philip Sheridan, who were successively in command of New Orleans.

He was governor of the Naval Asylum in Philadelphia from 1876 to 1879, when he was retired from active service, and he made, to the close of his life, his home in Philadelphia, dying at one of its summer resorts.

"No government or people," says one who knew him well, "ever had a more gallant and faithful public servant; and he was as modest, as genial, as gentle, and as kind as he was faithful and brave."

--Old B-Runner

Grant Planning for Second Attack on Fort Fisher and Explains How Butler Got Command of the First Attack

From Official Records War of the Rebellion Vol. XLVI, Prt II.

From City Point, Va., January 2, 1865 -- 3 p.m.

Hon.E.M. Stanton
  Secretary of War

General Sheridan proposed sending another division of troops here, but I suspended his action.  Let him get them to Baltimore now as soon as possible, and all the infantry on vessels that can go to Wilmington ready for orders.  Should I send troops there I will send him with them.

I can not go myself so long as General Butler would be left in command.  I will state that the former expedition was put under Weitzel by order, and I never dreamed of Butler going until he stopped here on his way down the river.  The operations taking place within the geographical limits of his department, I did not like to order him back.

                                                                   U.S. Grant
                                                                      Lieutenant General