Private
Astor House 24 Sep. 61.
My Dear Mr. Fox,
I closed up things yesterday at Philada — where
Turner is doing remarkably well; I took leave of the master workmen and held up
the importance of economy to them.
To-day I have been around with Pook, Mr. Morgan, Bell and
Drayton, hurrying up all I could. Pook is in advance of the Yard. Some of the
steamers are getting along — the Alabama and Augusta will be ready by Saturday.
I think however that Com. Breese should be informed that the Dept is anxious to
have as many ships as possible ready by 10. Oct.
The Isaac Smith (Swiftsure line) will be a most formidable
vessel, possibly the most efficient and powerful for certain purposes that has
been purchased, but the cost is considerable. The second one is so light, that
the alterations must be much less, and the third the Western World, had better
be kept for a troop ship. She will carry two thousand five hd. A rifle gun
forward and one gun on each broadside will be a suitable armament.
I have concluded to have two ferry-boats, and a Tug as
tender with a rifle gun, Mr. Morgan to write about it, if you approve.
I wish The Adger could remain here and commence the nucleus
of the expedition. They should anchor off the battery and after getting
everything on board and their crews stationed I would send them to Sandy Hook
to withdraw attention. Drayton would go down and put them through an exercise
and see to their magazines and ammunition &c &c. With these new arms
and rifle guns, &c, I am satisfied that one of the best things you did was
to give me Drayton as ordnance officer — he is very au fait and he and
Bell chimed right in. Bell is very earnest and feels the importance of
exertion.
The Gunboats are well forward and Cap. Gregory and Comstock
are also very active. I am going to try one of them tomorrow. They seem
desirous I should go with them, and I thought it, though I feel the loss of a
few hours even.
May I ask you to form the Expedition for me as soon as you
can by giving these officers orders to report as soon as ready, that is that
Com B. should do so. I told the latter I wished the Wabash not to come to the
Yard but to lay off the battery, which pleased him much.
The Bienville is pretty well on. We had better let Lee have
her, as the DeSoto is far behind her — the danger here is being top heavy — the
guns shd have been on the middle deck.
Now for a little very private chat.
You have a rare party at that Yard just now — that Court of retired
old gentlemen — and then the regular retiring board — a hot place for me
to get into. Com. Paulding was cordial and hearty in the extreme. Farragut
a little constrained. The others, I did not see — but Breese who was very
cordial told me the theory which had been got up—
“That the younger officers had prevailed on the Dept. to
adopt its course about the flag officers — and this was done in connivance with
and in order to act upon the retiring board, that they would feel compelled to
retire all above the flag officers!! Of course I am looked upon as the arch
conspirator of the younger officers. I spoke right out to Breese,
first in emphatic defence of the Dept; secondly in utter defiance and utter
contempt of any aspersions upon me. He gave me to understand that Bell (C. H.)
was the most sore. I said he had had a big Navy Yard and a Meditn
Squadron, and while feeling respect for him, as the Dept did, I could see
nothing in his history that shd make him preferred to me, who had served as
long and as faithfully as he ever had. Do not understand that Breese was
sympathising in these complaints, not at all — he was disgusted I think with
Stringham coming North.
I have seen Howell, he will be able to take a gun boat and
will be a fine appt. All seemed delighted when I told them the Dept would
probably give Crosby a gun boat, as a reward for his activity and zeal.
Send for Goldsboro and post him up, if you choose. I will
meet him in Washington — perhaps it would be well we should arrange some things
together. Sands speaks in highest terms of his industry and constant attention
to duty. Sands seemed delighted with his appointment and mine and said he would
be ready to come at any time and help us give those fellows a lick.
I return about Thursday to Philad — attend to my private
affairs, pack up everything, make my will, and on Monday commence here and work
to the end — by that time I hope Wabash will be in.
I have written more than you can read.
Truly Yr friend
S. F. DP.
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. 52-55
