Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion. Series 1, Volume 5. Page: 24
xxi, 916 p. : ill. ; 23 cm.View a full description of this book.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
24 OPERATIONS ON THE POTOMAC AND RAPPAHANNOCK.
[Telegram.]
WASHINGTON NAVY YARD, March 9, 1862.
(Received 9 p. m.)
The proposed measures for guarding the Potomac are in progress.
I am informed from the Quartermaster's Department that eight canal
boats loaded with stone were about to leave, and eight more would leave
during the night. I have sent instructions to the commandant of flotilla
as to their disposition and use at the three places where the channel
has the least depth of water. The only 11-inch gun and 50-pounder
which I have will be landed on Giesboro Point before midnight.
The platforms will be laid and the guns in position to-morrow morning.
The mortars will also be placed. Shot is being cast for all of them, and
a full supply will be ready to-morrow. The Secretary of War has visited
the defensive points and given me authority to draw on any of the
regiments or forts for men, guns, or munitions. He has also authorized
me to take for the while the private steamers plying on the river for
present use of the Government, and I have sent round for them. If
there should be any use at all for a battery on Giesboro there ought to
be twenty of the heaviest cannon; shot of 170 pounds at 50 or 100
yards will be apt to do something. A smart steamer has been dis-
patched to the mouth of the Potomac to observe it.
JOHN A. DAHLGREN,
Commandant.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,
Secretary Navy.
[Telegram.]
NAVY YARD [WASHINGTON, D. C.], March 10, 1862.
The following communication has been received from Lieutenant
Commanding McCrea, of the lower flotilla:
POINT LOOKOUT, March 10-9 : O20 a. m.
From appearances the Merrimack is off the point.
I send Master [A. B.] Pierson with this communication to the
Department.
F. A. PARKER,
Lieutenant.
Hon. G. WELLES.
[Telegram.]
NAVY YARD [WASHINGTON, D. C.], March 10, 1862.
Nothing was done after receiving your note of 10 o'clock last night.
The placing of guns in position was also suspended on learning that
the Merrimack had retired before the Monitor, and that the telegraph
from Fort Monroe was in action.
J. A. DAHLGREN.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES,
Secretary Navy.
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This book can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Related Items
Other items on this site that are directly related to the current book.
Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion: General Index (Book)
General index listing persons, naval units, ships, battles, and major subject headings mentioned in the "Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion" volumes. Listings include the numbers for the series (Roman numerals) and volume (Arabic numbers) where the reference(s) can be found.
Relationship to this item: (Is Referenced By)
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 Book.
United States. War Department. Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion. Series 1, Volume 5., book, 1897; Washington D.C.. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth192840/m1/49/: accessed April 25, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.