The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 51, July 1947 - April, 1948 Page: 121
406 p. : ill., ports. ; 23 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
Confederate Loss and Recapture of Galveston
mand a river steamer, which, in my opinion, is of no use whatever
except as a look out boat, and must be lost or destroyed on the ap-
proach of the enemy in force in these waters. ... I have in no wise
been consulted or advised with in these measures. I have repelled
them to the verge of resistance from a sense of both the public interest
and the high-handed disregard of the authority and responsibility
which you have confided in me. ...
I most earnestly call your attention to the inutility of being placed
under the control of new-born subordinates, who claim to have au-
thority from the commanding general to dispose of this vessel, trans-
fer her crew, and appropriate her materiel. ...31
Hunter was equally bitter in his protest to the commanding
general.
As the highest naval officer on this station I was responsible for the
vessel, crew, and everything pertaining to her. The forcible seizure
of part of her crew and arms, etc., their transfer to the military serv-
ice, was illegal, and did not relieve me from this responsibility. Such
a seizure was a violation of my compact with the men on entering
them. They had enlisted for the Navy and could not be transferred
to the military service unless first discharged and reenlisted or con-
scripted. They remonstrated against it and were only prevented from
rebellion by my personal persuasions and influence. It was, in fact,
an impressment into a service which they had not agreed to enter.
I consider that I have a right to complain that his action and
correspondence were characterized . . by unwarranted interference
with the discharge of duties which belonged peculiarly to me as a
naval commander'
During the charges and countercharges being made by the army
and navy commanders concerned, there was a shift in command
by the army with the designation of Major General J. Bankhead
Magruder as the commanding general of the military district.
Although the attitude of Magruder was a little more cooperative,
it was apparent that the army would carry the day, and Hunter
was relegated to a position of relative unimportance in the pro-
tection of the Trinity River. There is some evidence that the
rift between the commands caused considerable difficulty in
planning for the eviction of the Federal fleet from Galveston
l1Hunter to Mallory, November 2, 1862, in ibid., 80o. The Bayou City, the river
steamer to which Hunter referred, played an important role later. See below.
32Hunter to Brigadier General P. O. Hebert, undated, but early November, in
ibid., 802-804.121
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Periodical.
Texas State Historical Association. The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 51, July 1947 - April, 1948, periodical, 1948; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101119/m1/163/: accessed April 25, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.