July 13, 1861.
In a quiet way the Pembroke should hail vessels, and
warn them, and get information as to the Jeff Davis. See description of her in
my letter book.
If you meet with a pirate, you have a right to take her,
provided you are sure, but let us have no swaggering à
la C–––. If anybody on board writes bragging letters that get into the
papers, I will use my influence to get him on the outside of her. If she
can really do something, she will get talked of enough, but talk alone is of no
good.
No harm in a little deviation from the straight track.
Remember there are many cruisers out after pirates besides yourselves. Try to
telegraph us from Fort Monroe, when we may expect you, and look out for
telegraph hence via Baltimore.
Don't waste your new shells — twenty-four pounds.
Truly yours,
J. M. Forbes.
SOURCE: Sarah Forbes Hughes, Letters and
Recollections of John Murray Forbes, Volume 1, p. 217-8
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