Washington, November 23, 1861.
I have waited to learn the particulars of your grand
achievement at Port Royal, and could not, if I would, any longer refrain from
congratulating you upon the splendor of your success. And yet I was well
satisfied before you sailed that you would do precisely what you have done. I
have never suffered myself to doubt for a moment the skill, the pluck, and the
devotion of the navy, and have never hesitated to say always and everywhere that
it would be the right arm of the public defense, and that this unholy rebellion
was to be put down more by the navy than by the army.
I need not say to you, for you already know it, that your
name is fast becoming a household word all over the country, and that everybody
is striving to be foremost in doing you that honor your merit so justly
deserves. I think that the only other officers in your fleet that I personally
know are Captain Davis and the two Commanders Rodgers. I beg you, if
convenient, to extend my congratulations to them. Indeed, if I could, I would
bid “All hail!” to every man and boy in your fleet. Be assured that no man
rejoices over your success more than I do, and no man will rejoice more than I
shall over any future success, as well on your personal account as on account
of the glory your deeds reflect upon the navy, and the peace and unity which I
pray to God they may ultimately give to the country.
SOURCE: William Salter, The Life of James W. Grimes,
p. 158-9
No comments:
Post a Comment