last update Friday, 15-Nov-2019 11:03:12 PST

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McLean Research Associates is dedicated to presenting little known facts about the US Navy in the Civil War, presentations on a myriad of astronomical topics,STEM workshops, and letterboxing.

In commemoration of the 155 years since the Civil War - or more appropriately in the vernacular of the day - The War of the Slaveholders' Rebellion - we are featuring a quote and picture of the day from the Naval Records

USS Kearsarge waited for months to capture the Alabama, Florida, and Rappahannock, notorious Confederate warships that preyed on the Union's merchant fleet

Wed Aug 09 1865

RADM Louis M Goldsborough, European Squadron writes SECNAV from Nieuwe Diep, Holland aboard the Texel "I have the honor to inform you of my arrival here with this ship and the Frolic on the morning of the 7th instant.
    Since reaching this anchorage 1 have received from our minister to Portugal a communication, dated July 30, 1865, in which he says:
    Portugal never declared neutrality or conceded belligerent rights to the communities lately in revolt in the United States, and our ships of war used the ports of this Kingdom and its colonies during the whole period of the civil strife, now concluded, without restriction, qualification, or concession of any kind, with the same freedom that they entered and departed from American ports. Consequently there is nothing to take back or to undo in that respect, and our flag will be cordially welcomed wherever Portuguese jurisdiction extends, not from any new, convenient, or compelled expediency, but in token of a loyal and consistent friendship.
    This certainly contrasts strangely with the information given to me by our State Department under date of June 3, 1865, in these words:
    Among the other maritime States of Europe, Spain and Portugal conceded belligerent rights to the insurgent cruisers.
    And under the supposition that such was the fact I, in accordance with my instructions, refrained from saluting the flag of Portugal at Fayal, and avoided contact with her officials there."

RADM Samuel P Lee, Mississippi Squadron, writes CMDR J W Livingston, NAVSTA Mound City "The following vessels are hereby turned over to the naval station, Mound City, out of commission: Fairy and Robb.
Complete descriptive muster rolls of the men turned over with them for their care are herewith enclosed; their officers have been ordered to report to you, and a list of them has been sent you."

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. We also have several presentations on astronomy for all age groups

validated!