Navy Department, 20 January, 1862.
Sir, — It is
understood that one of the iron boats built to run to New Orleans is ready for
sea at Boston. You are requested and authorized to charter this vessel on the
most favorable terms, for three months or more, to go in pursuit of the pirate
Sumter. Before closing the arrangement, however, telegraph the department the
price of charter.
The government will furnish a lieutenant commanding and
three acting masters, guns and ammunition, — all else to be provided by the
owners. You can authorize such preparations to the vessel as are necessary
without sending her to the navy yard.
You may suggest to the department a proper person for the
command and three others for acting masters. The commander can probably obtain
a good crew from volunteers. Let the owners take all but the war risks, and
have a favorable proviso to enable government to take the vessel at any time.
Answer by telegraph.
When will the other boat be ready?
I am, respectfully,
your obedient servant,
Gideon Welles.
SOURCE: Sarah Forbes Hughes, Letters and
Recollections of John Murray Forbes, Volume 1, p. 292-3
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