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RADM S K Stribling, East Gulf Blockading Squadron, writes SECNAV "Upon the capture of Columbus a small torpedo boat not entirely finished was not destroyed by the rebels, and was sent down to Apalachicola. I ordered her to be towed to this place, and I regret to report her being lost on her way here in tow of the Yucca. A strong westerly wind prevailed at the time, and every effort was made on the part of Acting Master Wade, commanding the Yucca, to save the boat. I am satisfied that Acting Master Wade should not be blamed for the loss of the boat, as she was not intended to go to sea; but I supposed at this season of the year, when light winds and calms prevail, she might be towed here in safety."

RADM Henry K Thatcher, West Gulf Blockading Squadron, writes SECNAV "I regret to inform the Department that a terrible explosion took place in Mobile on the 25th instant, resulting not only in the destruction of a considerable portion of the upper part of the City, but in great loss of life.
    Marshall's warehouse, where the ordnance stores which exploded were stored, was perhaps three-quarters of a mile from the flagship, and fragments of shell fell on board that vessel. Immediately after the explosion, Fleet Captain Commander Simpson repaired to the scene of disaster with a large force of sailors under his command and rendered most valuable assistance. I forward herewith his report (enclosure No. 1), and desire to bring to the notice of the Department the gallant conduct of Quartermaster Cooper, as given in Commander Simpsons narrative.
    The tug Cowslip (the only tug at my disposal), under the command of Acting Master W. T. Bacon, rendered very efficient aid in towing out of danger three vessels, which otherwise would have been destroyed. His. report (No. 2) is enclosed. This officer on this, as on every other, occasion proved himself an officer of ability and energy."

MGEN E R S Canby, Military Division of West Mississippi, telegrams LCDR Fitzhugh, SOPA Red River, "Please forward the following dispatch at once:
    On the 27th I wrote to you informing you that transports with about 4,000 troops would be sent up Red River and requesting you to have two or three gunboats ready at its mouth to convoy the transports. Can you spare boats for this purpose? Please answer by telegraph."