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McLean Research Associates is dedicated to producing software that works, web sites that are tuned to human beings, presenting little known facts about the US Civil War, and accomplishing genealogical research.

We also will accomplish research in our local Norwich, CT library for a minimal fee.

In celebration of the 150 years since the Civil War - or more appropriately in the vernacular of the day - War of the Rebellion (Northern) - or War of Yankee Aggression (Southern) we are featuring a quote and picture of the day from the Naval Records

Read Admiral Farragut and Flag Captain Percival Drayton flank a boat howitzer on the USS Hartford. They took Mobile Bay, AL in August 1864, closing one of only two major ports left to the South.

Mon Jan 27 1862

CDR Craven, USS Tuscarora, writes SECNAV from Southampton, England, that the British have imposed another rule - that he must give 24 hours notice before leaving. This is not an accepted international law point, but he feels best to comply with it. Therefore he will give 24 hours notice, depart, and return in 24 hours, thus keeping the CSS Nashville bottled up. He also states that this will be his final concession to the British.

LT Worden, USS Monitor, writes to SECNAV that one one master's mate would be needed as he has no more room. He allots 17 men with 2 officers, more than that and there would be no room in the turret. He allots 11 men in the powder division and one on the wheel. Engineers could make up for any sick man on the guns.

SECNAV orders LT A D Harrell, USS Miami, to the forces at Hatteras Inlet.

CDR Stellwagon,USS Mercedita, writes to FO McKean, Gulf Blockading Squadron, about the burning of two vessels loaded with cotton - the first with 1200 bales, and the second with finished cotton cloth values at $100,000. Both vessels were set afire by their crews before abandoning them when they encountered Mercedita, Vincennes, and Preble. LT Marcy, USS Vincennes, had been wounded severely when a pivot bolt gave way when his boat's gun was fired, breaking his leg. Dr. Mason treated him. CDR French of the Preble gives a similar account

FO Foote, Western Waters, telegrams LT Henry a Wise, Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography, saying he has heard nothing of the mortar boats.

ASSIST SECNAV Fox writes to FO Foote, explaining that Halleck basically ignores the the Navy in the conduct of the operation and that the President is going to fire Ripley. "The President is very much exercised in the matter, and I do not blame him..." everything is ready and the water high, and the mortar boats are not ready. The president is personally involved. He says the mortar boats for Porter will be on their way in 10 days, hopefully shaming the Army into moving.

LT Henry a Wise, Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography, writes FO Foote, Western Waters, that "Uncle Abe, as you already know, has gone into that business with a will, making his first demonstration, entre nous, by pitching General Ripley out of his Ordnance Bureau. I have told him how the work can be done expeditiously, and take my word for it, my friend, that the wires have not ceased vibrating since, nor will they until the thing is done." Meigs will be told to support Foote. He sends the plans for the mortar boats built for Porter that they may be of some use. He suggests using one of the boats for a test and firing 20 or 30 rounds and see whether it sinks or or not. "With reference to the men you require, Fox told me they had been ordered, but since there has been some unexpected hitch, which shall be cleared up the moment I see the President to-night.

Teachers and Educators - we have several Civil War presentations covering the US Navy throughout the Civil War which include our portable museum, Submarines, and key naval and land battles. Check out our Civil War section for more details.

Proud to be an organizational partner of Connecticut Civil War Commemoration sponsored by Central Connecticut State University.

Dates	Upcoming Civil War Events
April 16-17	CT Sesquisentennial Kickoff Central CT State University New Britain, CT
May 5-6	USS Monitor versus CSS Virginia City Hall Windham, CT
May 14-15	SUVCW Encampment Albany, NY
May 21-22	Ashokan Heritage Weekend Olive Bridge, NY
August 5-7	Civil War Music Festival Windham, NY
September 10	Salem Historical Event Herb Farm, 320 Hartford Rd Salem, CT
September 11	CWRT Mass - Submarines in the Civil War Black Eagle Tavern
September 17-18	Saratoga Springs Saratoga Springs, NY
October 1-2	Fall Festival TYME Blue Slope Farm, 138 Blue Hill Rd Franklin, CT

Important News
LCDR Ezra Seals is putting his reenacting schedule together for the 2011 season. School teachers - see the Civil War pages for how you can add excitement to your classroom on this topic.
LCDR Ezra Seals and Boy 2nd Class Robert Gordon, USN visit many events to explain about Powder Monkeys, games, food, and the life of a Civil War sailor
LCDR Ezra and Miss Lydia Seals make appearances at a variety of events, schools, and meetings.
Spend an evening with Captain Percival Drayton, USN. He will fascinate you with recollections of the infamous Monitors, Early blunders by politicians and the army, and his own views of the important topics of the day.

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