Gideon Welles to Commander John P. Gillis, April 5, 1861

Navy Department

April 5th, 1861.

Commander J. P. Gillis

Com'dg U.S.S. Pocahontas,

Norfolk, Virginia.

 Sir:

You will proceed to sea with the “Pocahontas,” and on the morning of the 11th instant, appear off Charleston bar, ten miles distant from and due east of the lighthouse, where you will report to Capt. Samuel Mercer of the “Powhatan” for special service. Should he not be there, you will await his arrival.

I am, resp'y, your obt. servt.

Gideon Welles.

Secretary of the Navy.

SOURCE: Robert Means Thompson & Richard Wainwright, Editors, Publications of the Naval Historical Society, Volume 9: Confidential Correspondence of Gustavus Vasa Fox, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, 1861-1865, Volume 1, p. 25