Navy Department
March 6” 1862.
My dear Commodore:
I had a long talk with McClellan to-day to see if he had any
objections to giving Sherman orders to go ahead with the first programme. I was
rather surprised to find that he did not know why it had not been carried out,
and upon comparing notes more freely, we both found that we were entirely
ignorant of what was going on or intended. Meigs was with us, and he had a
letter from Sherman one month old, which seemed to intimate that the other
expedition was about to move. Under these circumstances, an order will be given
by both Departments, suggesting that the matter go forward at once, unless
incompatible with some operation now on hand. I do not think, as I have several
times written you, that the Government place much importance upon the acquisition
of Savannah, beyond the possession of Pulaski, but the recovery of a whole
state is a moral victory that cannot be too highly estimated. The people
expected Sherman to march at once upon Savannah or Charleston, which was
ridiculous, and impossible, though I think he could have cut the railroad. He
and his compeers, expected the gun boats to go directly into the Savannah
river, and dash up to the city, which was impossible, so that a month ago he
seemed to be waiting for the Navy to go South. In the meantime there is an
immense force and the sickly season almost upon us. I look forward to it with
dire apprehension. The Nashville has got into Wilmington, Southern accounts say
by hoisting the American flag and going through our ships. A regular trade
seems to be carried on from Nassau and Havana to some parts of our Southern
coasts in small vessels. I suppose it cannot be entirely prevented, of course,
but I do not believe they use Charleston and Fernandina as they pretend. There
are eight steamers fitting out in England for the Southern coast, and the
blockade would give us very serious trouble were it not for the desperate
condition of the rebels, owing to their sudden reverses in the west. I think
Europe will now withdraw their material aid. The Vermont, having met with
serious losses, the extent of which are yet unknown, the Relief is now loading
for Port Royal. I hope Lenthall and Harwood keep you well up in ammunition and
coal. The resolution for you went through unanimously and I trust we shall
obtain for you higher honors yet. The Maratanza “double Ender” is nearly ready
at Boston and we will send her down for Rodgers. The Miami steered badly but it
was the fault of the constructor at Philadelphia. The Octorara is a gem. We
shall get off the Vermont again at the earliest possible moment, but she is not
yet saved, and I hear has lost her masts. Any little trophies from your
district would be most gratefully received by the members of Congress, and as
they constantly ask me for such, I have ventured to ask you to make up a box of
the most trifling things. One word more, and good night. Don't write
confidential letters upon a former flag officer to your short friend.
Yours most truly,
G. V. FOX.
Flag Officer S. F. DuPont, G. V. FOX.
Comd’g So Atlantic Blockd’g
Squadron
Port Royal
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. 109-11
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