[Written in pencil in
Fox's writing: “Before capture of Port Royal.” — EDS.]
Wabash under Steam
Tuesday, 9 AM. 29. Oct
61
My Dear Sir
Please inform Mr. Welles that we are off — and the Pilot
will soon leave — There seems but one opinion now as to having waited for such
a start—and I trust our present prospects & hopes will be realized.
Twenty Eight days ago this Expedition though long meditated
by the wisdom of the Department, had in reality no form or substance. In my
judgment nothing more could well have been added in that time. I felt at the
time of the final decision at Mr. Sewards house, 1. Oct that the embarkation at
Annapolis was an error — the troops have been too long on board and are too raw
— but the Generals are able.
The ships of my squadron are in as high condition as I can
expect — and I am thankful to the Department for its endeavors to make it as
efficient as possible, & to your practical, intelligent & personal
supervision & zeal I shall ever recur whatever the results in store for us
may be.
We have considerable power to carry on an offensive warfare,
that of endurance against forts is not commensurate. But in so righteous
a cause as ours, & against so wicked a rebellion, we must overcome all
difficulties.
Please give my highest regards to Mr. Welles and believe me
My Dear Sir
Yours faithfully
S. F. Dupont
Hon. G. V. Fox
Ass. Sec. Navy
Washington D.C.
9.30 Pilot leaves.
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. 64-5
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