Diary of Gideon Welles: Wednesday, August 2, 1865

 General Butler called on me to-day. Came direct from the Executive Mansion. Says the President is no better. He could not see him. Is confined to his room, indeed he every day confines himself to the house and room. General B. was very much inclined to talk on public affairs, and evidently intends taking an active part in the rising questions. Much of our conversation related to Jeff Davis and General Lee, both of whom he would have tried, convicted, and executed. Mild and lenient measures, he is convinced, will have no good effect on the Rebels. Severity is necessary.

Cameron called on me with his friend for the twentieth time at least, in relation to two appointments in the Philadelphia Navy Yard. He does not conceal from me, nor probably from any one, that he intends to be a candidate for the Senate. Hence his vigilance in regard to certain appointments, and he has prevailed in the Treasury and in the Post Office, against the combined efforts of all the Members of Congress. In sustaining, as he does, the policy of the President he shows sagacity. Kelley and the Members, but especially K., have shot wild on negro suffrage. There is a strong pressure towards centralism at this time. Many sensible men seem to be wholly oblivious to constitutional barriers and restraints, and would have the Federal government assume authority to carry out their theories. General Butler, to-day, speaks of the Rebel States as dead. I suggested that it was a more correct theory to consider them as still States in and of the Union, but whose proper constitution functions had been suspended by a conspiracy and rebellion. He said that was pretty much his view.

Chief Engineer Stimers sends in his resignation. I had given him orders to the Powhatan, and he does not wish to go to sea.

Unfortunately Stimers has got into difficulty with Lenthall and Isherwood; others, perhaps, are in fault. Stimers rendered good service in the first Monitor, and afterwards at Charleston, for which I felt under obligations to him, and did not hesitate to express it. Subsequently, when preparing to build the light-draft monitors, he and the Assistant Secretary took the subject in hand. Stimers became intoxicated with his own importance. While I supposed the Naval Constructor and Chief Engineer, to whose bureaus it belonged, were prosecuting the subject, under advisement with Mr. Ericsson, it appeared that these men had been ignored. When my attention was called to the question, Lenthall and Isherwood informed me that they had been excluded, and I then, for the first time, was made aware that Ericsson was on bad terms with Stimers and the two had no personal intercourse.

Inquiring into proceedings, I found serious difficulties existed, requiring essential modifications and a large increase of expenditure to make the vessels efficient or capable of flotation with their armament. No one, however, was willing to take the responsibility for the mistake committed. I was to bear the whole, and I had been deceived and kept uninformed of the whole proceeding.

Stimers and Fox, had, I think, connived that they could do this work independent of the proper officers and perhaps of Ericsson; probably hoped to acquire reputation. Their plan was kept from my knowledge, although the work was done in my name.

Lenthall and Isherwood culpably withheld from me information of what was being done; were vexed with Fox and Stimers, and were willing they should become involved, because a slight had been shown them. When I was made aware of the facts, I called all to an account. Fox and Stimers placed the blame on Lenthall and Isherwood, and when I called these latter gentlemen to account they plead ignorance and disclosed the whole truth. The whole thing was disgracefully improper and wrong.

In the mean time, the enemies of the Department, having got hold of the failure, opened their batteries, and I was compelled to encounter them for the follies and errors of my subordinates. On the whole, I succeeded in extricating the Department from very serious difficulties, and got a tolerable vindication before Congress, but I look upon the whole transaction as the most unfortunate that has taken place during my administration of the Navy Department.

The Assistant Secretary was probably more in fault than any other. It was his specialty. He expected great successes, where he had a great failure. Stimers was implicated about as deeply, but Stimers became intoxicated, overloaded with vanity. Neither of them, nor both combined, were competent for what they undertook. The glory was to have been theirs, the responsibility was mine.

The bureau officers failed in their duty in not informing me. I so told them and they each admitted it. Lenthall did so repeatedly and with many regrets, with much suppressed indignation that Fox should shrink from an honest, open avowal of his responsibility.

Stimers I have treated kindly. He is more weak than wicked, not devoid of talents, though Lenthall and Isherwood deny him any ability. But I know he has some capability and I do not forget his services in the turreted vessels.

While Fox would give him special favor, and the others would grant him none, I would treat Stimers kindly but justly. He has wanted shore duty entirely. Under existing circumstances it is better he should get afloat. Fox and Stimers had arranged that Admiral Gregory should employ Stimers on gun-carriages, and the Admiral was persuaded to apply for him. I set the whole aside, and told Fox Stimers must go to sea. He assented to the correctness of my views, but hoped that I would not permit the enmity of L. and I. to crush Stimers. I assured him not, and gave Stimers the Powhatan. The return mail brings his resignation. I cannot do otherwise than to accept it.

Talked over the whole subject with Captain Drayton,¹ who concurs in my views. Had also a full interchange of views concerning Wilkes, whom he characterizes as the most insubordinate man in the Navy, insolent to his superiors, and the most arrogant and exacting to his subordinates. We also agreed in regard to Admiral Davis as an amiable man, a feeble officer, of some literary acquirements, but Drayton says very little pretensions to science.

_______________

 ¹ Chief of the Bureau of Navigation.

SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 2: April 1, 1864 — December 31, 1866, p. 348-351

Gustavus V. Fox to Flag Officer Samuel F. Dupont, June 11, 1862

Navy Department         

June 11 1862 

My Dear Flag Officer 

I have your notes, and today the box came, and the distribution shall be made in your name as you request. I notice the very important move you are making in the Stono and send you herewith the Topog. chart of the same. I also obtained an order for the Vanderbilt to proceed immediately with schooners for transportation to Hunter. I also obtained the revocation of an order which was made out withdrawing his cavalry regiment. 

Until Richmond falls it is impossible, of course, to give him men, or you the gunboats. What a pity, when the key of the city is within reach. The 'Flag' sailed Saturday and the South Carolina takes this. We finally gave an order that the Flag should be taken out if her engine would move. 

The Comr's are not satisfied unless these vessels can be turned into regular men of war. I looked into the matter of orders to marine officers and find that it is conformable to "usage.” Davis has wiped out the western rebel navy, and our forces are investing Mobile. 

The Powhatan is promised early in July, which means the last, S.C. Rowan to command her. We will send her to you. Many thanks for the sword. I have a memento of most of the battles, presented by those whose valor gave victory to our cause and therefore doubly valuable to me. I enclose you two notes which explain themselves. I shall esteem it a favor if you will give directions to have this body placed in the coffin and sent to the Father, who is my old and dear Pastor, and whose son received his appointment at my hands, and died in the service of his country under your command. The coffin went out by the Massachusetts, previous to her present trip. 

Very truly yours 

G. V. Fox. 

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. 128-9

Lieutenant David D. Porter to Commander Andrew H. Foot, April 5, 1861

ASTOR HOUSE [NEW YORK, N. Y., April 5?,] 8 o’clock.

DEAR CAPTAIN: I am with Captain Meigs and we are telegraphing to Mr. Seward. Meigs thinks Mr. Welles's telegram* is bogus. Would he, think you, dare to countermand an order (written order) of the President? Meigs and myself (knowing all the circumstances) think it impossible. I shall stay over to-night to keep telegraphing. So much depends on having no mistakes made in this matter. If you hear anything will you send me word? I will be at the yard at

6 o'clock in the morning. Will you take care of my boy to-night? And oblige me by sending the enclosed to Mr. Heap, on board the Powhatan

Yours, very truly,

D. D. PORTER.

[Commander A. H. Foote, U. S. Navy,

Acting Commandant Navy Yard, New York.]

_______________

* See p. ___

SOURCE: Official Records of Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion, Series I, Volume 4, p. 111-2

William H. Seward to Lieutenant David D. Porter, April 6, 1861

[Telegram.]

APRIL 6, 1861.

Give the Powhatan up to Captain Mercer.

SEWARD.

[Lieutenant D. D. PORTER.]

SOURCE: Official Records of Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion, Series I, Volume 4, p. 112

Lieutenant David D. Porter to William H. Seward, April 6, 1861

[Telegram.]

APRIL 6, 1861.

I received my orders from the President and shall proceed and execute them.

D. D. PORTER.

[Hon. WILLIAM. H. SEWARD.]

SOURCE: Official Records of Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion, Series I, Volume 4, p. 112

Gustavus V. Fox to Virginia Woodbury Fox, May 2, 1861

Washington, May 2^d 61

Dr V—

I have delayed for a few days writing you in hopes to be able to give you all particulars about the Powhatan and other matters. Mr. Seward got up this Pensacola expedition and the Prest signed the orders in ignorance and unknown to the dept. The Prest offers every apology possible and will do so in writing. So do the depts. I shall get it all straight in justification of myself and to place the blow on the head of that timid [Word erased. — Eds.] W. H. Seward. He who paralizes every movement from abject fear.

Maryland's repentance renders Washington secure, for the present at least. There are no troops hovering about Washington, but they are collecting at Richmond. The excitement in the city has died away in a great measure and notwithstanding the large number of soldiers here it is orderly and sober.

Nell and I went up and saw Major Watson drill his command at the capital and afterwards visited his quarters, the room of the committee of finance.

I shall probably take off Nell next week. Mrs. B. will not leave at present. I will write you to-morrow again when I shall be able to give you more news.

Love to all and to my dear little Ginny Bread.

Aff

GUS

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. 42-3

Result Of Gustavus V. Fox's Plan For Reinforcing Fort Sumpter; In His Own Writing

My plan for reinforcing Fort Sumpter was this—

From the outer edge of the bar to Sumpter through the swash channel it is four miles in a straight line, with no shoal spots less than nine feet at high water. The batteries of the enemy on Morris and Sullivan Islands are one and one third of a mile distant from each other, between which the reinforcements must pass.

I proposed to anchor three small men of war at the entrance of the swash channel to afford a safe base of operations. The soldiers and provisions to be taken down in a large steamer, having on board boats for the whole, with three hundred sailors, and accompanied with three steam tugs having a draft of only six feet of water. The entrance to be effected at night with the tugs or boats as circumstances might dictate.

Rough weather would render the attempt impossible in boats but favorable for tugs. Whereas a fine clear night would be more favorable for the smaller objects — boats. This plan was brought to the Pres^ts notice early in March and its practicability assured by his own convictions and concurrent naval testimony.

The military authorities seemed to think it impossible to pass their batteries, but assured the Pres^t that if reinforcements and provisions were thrown in the fort it could not be taken.

I visited Major Anderson on the 21st of March under an open order from the War Dpt, which was shown to Govr Pickens who gave me a pass, without restriction, and I confined my conversation with Major Anderson entirely to objects embraced in that order. Notwithstanding the earnest desire of the Pres^t to reinforce and provision Fort Sumpter, Mr. Seward seems to have been under obligations to oppose the attempt, and his great influence over Genl Scott, brought the military power against the plan.

As Major Anderson's supplies would be utterly exhausted on the 15th of April every effort was made by some strong hand to delay the expedition until its supporters must give it up. The last card was to send for a Union man from the Virginia Convention and say to him that Sumpter would be evacuated at once if the Union people, who were in a majority in the Convention, would adjourn it. This Union man declined the proposition and made so many preposterous demands  that the Pres^t decided the expedition should go forward. The order was given to me late the night of April 4th. The 5th was consumed in getting to N. York, and I sailed the 8th, leaving only three days to get up and dispatch the expedition. Most of those who had favored the expedition and in whom I depended for assistance to fit it out, abandoned it at this period as too late.

Unwilling to mention to the Pres^t the misgivings of those around me I determined to go forward alone.

Instead of the 300 sailors I asked for on board the steamer, the Sec'y of the Navy proposed to send down the Powhatan stm'r of war with that number of men, which was satisfactory to me. Therefore I sailed in the Baltic the 8th inst. without the sailors. The Powhatan having sailed the 6th. The revenue cutter H. Lane, the 8th, the Pawnee the 9th and the Pocahontas the 10th. The Baltic and Pawnee arrived off Charleston the 12th inst. after hostilities had commenced. The H. Lane the evening previous, and the Pocahontas the 13th at the surrender of Sumpter. The passage to Charleston and the day and night of our arrival was severe weather, preventing the tugs reaching the rendezvous. The next day, the 13th inst, seeing no part of my proposed means of effecting an entrance had arrived, a schooner loaded with ice was captured and means undertaken to effect an entrance in her the following night, but at 8 A.M. the wood work of the fort was set on fire by hot shot and by 3 P.M. the place was rendered untenable, and consequently it was surrendered.

The defects of the fort, and its injuries, such as were never anticipated by the engineers, are such, that had the place been provisioned and reinforced, the final result would have been delayed but a few days. The Powhatan, with her sailors, was the whole strength of my proposed plan because both tugs and boats were to be manned by these sailors. Yet the Powhatan sailed from N. York the 6th two days before I did, with an officer who bore an order from the Pres^t of the U. S. to carry her directly to Pensacola. Her regular Captn having the orders of the Navy Dept to cooperate with me at Charleston. This order of the Pres^t was unknown to the war or navy departments and was signed by him in ignorance that the Powhatan was one of my vessels. She was sent off on an expedition got up by the Sec'y of State who thus interfered with the other depts as the last hope of preventing the reinforcing of Sumpter. And it did prevent it, and I had the mortification of witnessing the surrender of the Fort with no part of my proposed plan arrived, in fact deprived by treachery of all power of accomplishing it, and losing reputation with the general public for the failure because I cannot state the facts at this crisis of our affairs without injury to the Govt.

The Charleston people assumed that the merchant vessels detained outside of their bar were the various expeditions which had sailed from N. York about the period of our departure and therefore they concentrated a large force on the islands and abused us for not landing and attacking the batteries. But they were vessels detained by the bombardment. Our military force consisted of 200 recruits of no earthly use to Fort Sumpter in such an emergency because they were undrilled. The S. C. authorities had 13,000. I believe every officer of the army or navy present were entirely satisfied of the feasibility of either of my plans.

In fact their fire upon Sumpter was precipitated because they intercepted my plan and were assured by their best naval authority that it was perfectly practicable.

G. V. Fox.

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. 38-41

Montgomery Blair to Gustavus V. Fox, April 26, 1861

Dear Fox

I have not written you because it was easy for you to understand what I thought of the Fort Sumpter business and not agreeable for me to express what I thought. We are now fairly launched in a big war and I think you can have a command if you want one. A proposition was made yesterday to convert some merchant vessels into armed ships and during the talk the President said he wanted you to have a command tho you did not get into Fort Sumpter. He thought very highly of you. We propose to take on naval volunteers as well as Soldier volunteers.

I am warring on fogyism of all kinds, I think the best thing now to be done is to disband both army and navy and reconstruct. We shall never get on I am afraid with the present officers.

Apl 26. I wrote the above some days ago and was disturbed and have not had an opportunity to resume till this moment. In the mean time last night I have yours of 20th. I shall mention its contents to Welles and Lincoln. I gave yrs from the Baltic both to Welles and Seward to read. Seward read a part of it and handed it back without remark. Welles said when he handed it back that you knew he supposed that he had nothing to do with the diversion of the Powhatan from her Charleston mission. But the President has never had an opportunity to read or talk about the affair, except on the occasion mentioned, and indeed events of such magnitude are crowding on us that Sumpter and Anderson are not thought of for the moment. I want you here very much to help us along, and must try and manage it. I see however that Com. Paulding is mightily set up himself and wants nobody in the Dept, but himself. I think I will fix his flint shortly.

Yrs truly

M. Blair     

Wash. Apl 26, 1861

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. 37-8

Gustavus V. Fox to Montgomery Blair, April 17, 1861

Baltic, 17th April

At Sea, 1861  

Dr Blair,

As I have no writing materials and wish to save tomorrow's mail I use a pencil.

Monday at 6 P.M. of the 8th we dropped down to Sandy Hook and anchored for the night, being too late for the tide. One of my tugs went to sea Sunday night, another one followed the Baltic, and the 3d I left in the hands of Russell Sturgis, to send on if he could charter her, the owner, like many others, being shaky at the last moment. At 8 A.M. of the 9th inst. we discharged the pilot and had constant steady bad weather and heavy sea. At 3 A.M. of the 12th reached the rendezvous 10 miles east of Charleston light — found only the H. Lane. At 6 A.M. saw the Pawnee coming in; boarded her and intimated to her Comdr that I was going in to offer to land provisions, asked him to stand in with me. He said his orders were to remain 10 miles east of the light and await the Powhatan. I took the H. Lane as an escort, and as we drew in saw that the forts had all opened fire upon Sumpter and that Major Anderson was replying gallantly. Seeing a stm'r off the bar, supposed to be the Isabel, I notified Capt. Faunce of the H. Lane and he started after her. It proved to be the Nashville from N. York.

I stood out in the Baltic to let Capt. Rowan of the Pawnee know that firing had commenced. I met him, however, coming in. Though he had expressed himself very averse to doing anything to commence the war, he now seemed willing to go in with his vessel if we had a pilot. I advised both vessels to go close in to the swash channel and anchor, which was done, and as the heavy sea and wind had moderated a little, I thought we had better attempt a couple of boats of provisions this night, the 12th, but as the Powhatan and Pocahontas had not arrived and the Pawnee and Lane were both short of hands and we had but one gun launch, the Pawnee's, I was overruled and consented upon the gallant promise of the officers that they would escort me in after daylight in the morning, defying their batteries. This was their proposition. The vessels of war remained at anchor at the Swash whilst I stood out to the rendezvous for the night in hopes of meeting the Powhatan and Pocahontas. It blew very heavy all night with a great swell and towards morning a thick fog. As Capt. Fletcher of the Baltic returned towards the anchorage, near daylight, he ran onto the Rattlesnake Shoal, but soon got off. The waves run so high that we were obliged to anchor some four miles outside of the war vessels, and having this sea it was impossible to load the boats. I took a boat at 8 A.M. 13th inst., and with the senior army officer Lt. Hudson, we pulled in to the Pawnee. As we drew near I saw, with horror, black volumes of smoke issuing from Sumpter. The barbarians, to their everlasting disgrace be it said, redoubled their fire, and through the flames and smoke the noble band of true men continued their response. The severe weather during the forenoon having prevented us using boats, Capt. Rowan captured an ice schooner and offered it to me to carry in the provisions and men. I accepted it and the night of the 13th I should certainly have gone in, and as certainly been knocked to pcs. My tug boats I knew could not have reached Charleston in the weather we had experienced since leaving N. York, and the Powhatan, I now learned, by a note from Capt. Mercer to Capt. Rowan, dated the 7th (I left the 8th, Rowan left the 9th, Gillis the 10th) that the Powhatan was “detached from duty off Charleston.” As she had the 300 sailors I asked for, and the howitzers and fighting launches, and the other ships of war were simply ordered to await her arrival 10 miles off, you will see that some one determined to utterly extinguish the expedition. I do not think I have deserved this treatment, and at present will not speak as I have felt, and now feel. At about 2 P.M. the Pocahontas arrived, just in time to witness the surrender of Fort Sumpter. I immediately suggested a flag of truce to be sent to offer a passage to Major A. and his command, which was done. Had the Powhatan arrived the 12th we should have had the men and provisions into Fort Sumpter, as I had everything ready, boats, muffled oars, small packages of provisions, in fact everything but the 300 sailors promised to me by the dept. A tug would have accomplished it, but with more risk alongside of the Fort. Capt. Foster the Eng. of Fort Sumpter says we would have got in and so does Hartstein of their navy. You know military people all told the Prest we could not get in, but if we did, the Fort was impregnable. In both instances were they wrong. Sumpter's fire had dispersed their naval preparations and they trusted entirely to their batteries and those light boats to illuminate the channel. What can be said of the builders of the fort? The burning of the officers' quarters has almost ruined the gorge wall, so that a few days more fire would have tumbled it all to pcs. One shot from Cummings point (where Cullum said it never could be breached) went entirely through the wall of the gorge. Another shot passed through an inside wall and struck below the door of the magazine, shattering the wall, so as to prevent the opening of the door, at the same time the flames nearly reached this door. In fact they all expected to be blown up. The coupe next to Cummings point is very severely handled and would soon have been a breach. So that this impregnable fort, with 33 guns and 17 mortars, playing upon it for only 34 hours, is injured $400,000 worth and actually burned as much as battered. I think these facts will make a stir, for not one was ever presented in all the discussion we had. The officers and men from the Major down have covered themselves with glory. A fort of 60 fighting men, surrounded by 9000 men, and a circle of fortifications kept up the first day gun for gun with them and on the 2 replied, though from 8 A.M. until 2 P.M. the fort was a mass of smoke through which, and in which, they fought.

I told the Major how anxious the Prest was that they (S.C.) should stand before the civilized world as having fired upon bread, yet they had made the case much worse for themselves as they knew the Major would leave the 15th at noon for want of provisions (see his correspondence), yet they opened upon 60 men and continued it whilst the fort was burning. The "World" (N. Y.) correspondent came down in the H. Lane and is now with us, and as he is the only reporter on board and is continually with the officers I imagine he will have a faithful account. As several ships brigs and schooners and one N. Y. stmr were detained at the bar by the conflict, it was believed to be a whole fleet for the relief of Sumpter with 9000 men on board. Whereas there was the Pawnee and H. Lane with one 12 lb. launch gun and on board the Baltic 200 RECRUITS only two or three of whom ever saw a gun, sent by the Gen1 in Chief, and the flag ship with her power and efficiency sent away without any intimation conveyed to the other vessels, all of which sailed subsequently to this change. Sunday the Major delivered up the fort after saluting his flag with 50 guns, which he intended to be 100, but a premature explosion killed two men and wounded three others, the only casualties of the whole battle. Monday, at noon, he and his command, and the flag (I enclose a pce) came off in the Isabel stmr and were transferred to this vessel when we sailed, all the vessels saluting. Excepting from the time of the surrender to the transfer, we have had a gale of wind just now abating (midnight).

The men in the fort, though on Pork and Rice, never flinched or grumbled, even when fire was added. I think the Prest will keenly approve the Major's course. As for our expedition, somebody's influence has made it ridiculous.

Very truly

G. V. FOX.

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. 31-5

• See post script, April 18, 1861

Lieutenant Francis Asbury Roe to Commander Andrew H. Foote, Saturday, April 6, 1861 – 5 p.m.

Saturday 5 P.M.

Sir:

The despatch entrusted to me for Lieut. Porter has been delivered into his hands. The Powhatan was below Quarantine and underway for the “narrows,” when I reached her. Lieut. Porter desired me to express his regrets to you that the despatch came to his hands so late, and that it was too late to change his plans, inasmuch as the Atlantic had already gone to sea.

Respect.

Yr Obt Svt

F. A. Roe

Lt.

Capt. A. H. Foote

Comds Navy Yard

Brooklyn

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. 31

Commander Andrew H. Foote to Gideon Welles, April 6, 1861 – 6 p.m.

Navy Yard, New York

6 P.M. Apr. 6/61

Sir:

By great exertions, highly commendable, Lieut. Roe overhauled the Powhatan and I send Lieut. Comd'g Porter's reasons as assigned, in the enclosed note, for proceeding with the ship.

I have the honor to be

Yr Obt. Servt,

A. H. Foote

Hon. Gideon Welles,

Sec'y of the Navy

Washington D.C.

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. 30

Commander Andrew H. Foote to Gideon Welles, April 6, 1861

Navy Yard,    

New York, April 6/61.

Sir:

I hastily informed the Department by mail to-day of the circumstances under which the “Powhatan” sailed, with Lieut. Porter on board — Capt. Mercer taking the ship down as far as Staten Island, with the view of there handing her over to Lt. Porter; also that I had given Capt. Mercer the telegram received from the Department informing us that Purser Gulick would arrive this evening with a dispatch. I had previously handed Capt. Mercer a sealed letter from the Department, addressed to him, which was this morning received. I further stated that Capt. Meigs, Porter and Mercer had held a consultation in reference to the orders, and the service in question. Before the Powhatan sailed, Cpt. Mercer handed me a paper stating the following: —

“Capt. Mercer has turned the command of the Powhatan over to Lieut. D. D. Porter, by order of the President, and she has gone to sea.”

Capt. Mercer intends to give Capt. Faunce (of the Harriet Lane) a copy of his instructions from the Navy Department, and direct him to report to the senior naval officer he may meet with off Charleston, giving him the copy of instructions, which Capt. Mercer will certify as a correct copy. Capt. Faunce will be directed to proceed under his order, from the Department, dated April 5th, off Charleston bar, unless Capt. Faunce receives counter orders from the Department. Captains Meigs, Porter and Mercer, after consultation, determined upon this course. Captain Mercer will probably be in New York this evening, and explain himself more fully to the Department.

I also referred to having sent Lieut. Roe of the Ordnance Department to procure a steamer and if possible overhaul the Powhatan, and give Capt. Porter the dispatch sent him by Hon. Mr. Seward, but I fear that the Powhatan had then proceeded too far to be overhauled. Lt. Roe has not yet returned.

I will on Monday send a correct list of officers of the Powhatan. By the urgent request and assurance of authority on the part of Lt. Porter, as the four Master's Mates could not be shipped in time, I permitted him to take some Lts. — an extra one. The two Lieuts. ordered without express authority of the Department were Lieut. Perry and Lieut. Smith of Philadelphia. I had heard that the first had been ordered by the Department, and as he wished to go, as well as from the entreaties of Mrs. Corinna Perry, and especially as Lieut. Porter wanted the number, I ordered him; while Lieut. Smith had before been ordered to fill up the complement and was named in a list presented to me by Lieut.. Porter. The Maine officer, Lt. Browne went out in the ship, and Mr. Heap from Washington as Acting Paymaster—as Lt. Porter informed Capt. Mercer and myself on or by authority of the government.

I have the honor to be,

Very respectfully,

Your obd't serv't,

A. H. Foote.                       

for Com'd't.

Hon. Gideon Welles,

Secretary of the Navy,

Washington.

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. 28-30

Commander Andrew H. Foote to Gideon Welles, April 6, 1861

Navy Yard     

New York April 6/61

Sir,

Your orders of the 5th were received by Captain Mercer to-day. Captain Meigs, Lieut. Porter and Captain Mercer after consultation, concluded that Lieut. Porter should go out in the Powhatan as the arrangements were vital to success, at least so I was informed, not being present at the consultation. A few minutes before the Powhatan sailed, I delivered a telegram to Captain Mercer, signed H. Berrian, saying that Paymaster Gulick will deliver a despatch to me this evening. But at 2½ o'clock the Powhatan sailed. At 3 o'clock, when the Powhatan was out of sight, I received a despatch directed to Lieut. Porter, from Mr. Seward, telling him to proceed without the Powhatan as directed in the despatch to Captain Meigs. I have sent to New York a Lieutenant with orders to charter a steamer and chase the Powhatan unless there is no hope of overtaking her. It is time to close the mail and I will write fully by next mail.

I have the honor, &c.

A. H. Foote    

for Commd^t

Captain Mercer leaves the Powhatan at Staten Island. I am informed that Captain Meigs has sailed this afternoon.

A. H. F.

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. 27-8

Gideon Welles to Commander Stephen Clegg Rowan, April 5, 1861

Navy Department

April 5th. l861

Commander S. C. Rowan,

Com'dg U.S.S. “Pawnee”

Norfolk, Va.

Sir:

After the “Pawnee” shall have been provisioned at Norfolk, you will proceed with her to sea, 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 Captain 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. 26

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

Gideon Welles to Captain Samuel Mercer, April 5, 1861

Navy Department

April 5th, 1861.

Captain Samuel Mercer

Com'dg. U.S.S. Powhatan, New York.

The United States steamers “Powhatan,” “Pawnee,” “Pocahontas,” and "Harriet Lane" will compose a naval force under your command to be sent to the vicinity of Charleston S. C. for the purpose of aiding in carrying out the objects of an expedition of which the War Department has charge.

The primary object of the expedition is to provision Fort Sumter, for which purpose the War Department will furnish the necessary transports. Should the authorities of Charleston permit the Fort to be supplied, no further particular service will be required of the force under your command; and after being satisfied that supplies have been received at the Fort, the “Powhatan,” “Pocahontas” and “Harriet Lane” will return to New York and the “Pawnee” to Washington.

Should the authorities at Charleston, However, refuse to permit or attempt to prevent the vessel or vessels having supplies on board from entering the harbor, or from peaceably proceeding to Fort Sumter, you will protect the transports or boats of the expedition in the object of their mission, disposing of your force in such manner as to open the way for their ingress and afford, so far as practicable, security to the men and boats, and repelling by force, if necessary, all obstructions toward provisioning the Fort and reinforcing it; for in case of a resistance to the peaceable primary object of the expedition a reenforcement of the garrison will also be attempted. These purposes will be under the supervision of the War Department, which has charge of the expedition. The expedition has been intrusted to Captain G. V. Fox, with whom you will put yourself in communication and cooperate with him to accomplish and carry into effect its object.

You will leave New York with the “Powhatan” in time to be off Charleston bar, ten miles distant from and due east of the lighthouse, on the morning of the 11th inst., there to await the arrival of the transport or transports with troops and stores. The “Pawnee” and “Pocahontas” will be ordered to join you there at the time mentioned, and also the “Harriet Lane,” which latter vessel has been placed under the control of this department for this service.

On the termination of the expedition, whether it be peaceable or otherwise, the several vessels under your command will return to the respective ports as above directed, unless some unforeseen circumstances should prevent.

I am, resp'y, your ob't servt.

Gideon Welles

Secretary of the Navy.

Captain Mercer took this order with him when he turned over the command to Lieut. Porter. He sent no copy to the next senior officer of the Sumter expedition. [Note by G. V. F]

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. 23-5

Gideon Welles to Captain John A. Faunce, April 5, 1861

Navy Department, April 5th, 1861.

Capt. Faunce, Commander of

U.S. Revenue Steamer "Harriet Lane"

New York.

Sir:

The revenue steamer "Harriet Lane," having been temporarily placed under the orders of this department, you will proceed with her from New York in time to appear off Charleston bar, ten miles distant from, and due east of, the lighthouse, on the morning of the nth instant, where you will report to Captain Samuel Mercer of the "Powhatan," for special service. Should he not be there, you will await his arrival.

Very resp'y, your obt. servt.

Gideon Welles  

Secy 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. 23

Commander Andrew Hull Foote to Gideon Welles, April 5, 1861

[Telegram]

New York, April 5, 1861

To Hon. Gideon Welles

Secretary of Navy

I am executing orders received from the Government through the Navy officer as well as from the army officer. Will write fully, if possible, to-day — certainly to-morrow. I hope the Powhatan will sail this evening.

A. H. FOOTE

for Commandant.

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. 22

Commander Andrew Hull Foote to Gideon Welles, April 1, 1861

[Telegram—Copy]

Brooklyn, April 1st, 1861.

Secretary of the Navy,

The “Powhatan” after landing her stores went out of commission at two o'clock. Crew on board the “North Carolina,” officers mostly left with their leaves of absence. I shall agreeably to the last orders refit the “Powhatan” for sea, with quickest dispatch. As there will be but few men left not wanted for the “Powhatan,” I shall not send the men to Norfolk in the chartered steamer, but remain ready to send them in the “Harriet Lane,” if so ordered.

A H foote,

For Commandant.

SOURCES: 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. 17

Gideon Welles to Commodore Samuel Livingston Breese, April 1, 1861 – Received 6:30 p.m.

[Telegram—Copy]

Washington April 1st 1861

Rec'd. Brooklyn, 6.30 p.m.    

Commandant, Navy Yard.

Fit out the Powhatan to go to sea at the earliest possible moment.

GIDEON welles  

Secretary of the Navy.

SOURCES: 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. 17