Wassaw Sound
Flag. Jan 4th 1861
Dear Davis —
I had a conversation with a contraband on board Gillis
vessel who goes up in the Harry Andrew. He has white blood in his veins and is
intelligent —name, Thos Franklin I think.
He says he heard that Com. Tattnall has resigned, alleging
the infirmities of age. That three of the steamers are sunk in the channel — if
so I presume the hulls were worthless, and the engines were wanted. This looks
doubtful or rather very improbable. He says Fort Pulaski in which he recently
worked as brick layer, (his trade) is well provisioned having five months
supply. He says that the walls are badly cracked — that about 3 months ago the
flag staff was struck by lightning and the fort was very much damaged by the
stroke.
These are the main particulars. He is worth examination.
I write to you this because I do not think Gillis attaches
as much importance as I do to this source of information. In war correct news
is of so much value that sources of it should be examined. By digging, the
clear water of truth will be reached.
It would be well to constitute an inquisitor with full power
to torture with questions any unlucky white man or negro whom the misfortunes
of war shall bring into his hands. Thus may our faith in the stars and stripes
be vindicated.
Yours very truly
JoHN rodgers
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. 97
No comments:
Post a Comment