Am vexed and disturbed by tidings from the squadron off
Mobile. Preble, by sheer pusillanimous neglect, feebleness, and indecision, let
the pirate steamer Oreto run the blockade. She came right up and passed him,
flying English colors. Instead of checking her advance or sinking her, he fired
all round, made a noise, and is said to have hurt none of her English crew.
This case must be investigated and an example made. Had been dismissed, this
would not have occurred. Nothing from the army, except that, instead of
following up the victory, attacking and capturing the Rebels, they, after a
day's armistice, are rapidly escaping over the river. McClellan says they are
crossing and that Pleasanton is after them. Oh dear! I am not writing a history
of the War or its events herein. That will be found in the books. But I record
my own impressions and the random speculations, views, and opinions of others
also.
SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles,
Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 1: 1861 – March 30, 1864,
p. 140-1
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