last update Saturday, 17-Jul-2021 07:20:53 PDT

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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 160 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 Louisville

Wed Apr 20 1864

CDR H K Davenport, SOPA Sounds of North Carolina, writes RADM Samuel P Lee, North Atlantic Blockading Squadron "I enclose herewith a copy of a letter from Acting Assistant Paymaster F. W. Hackett, of the U. S. S. Miami, giving an account of the late affair at Plymouth.
As soon as Captain French's report reaches me I will forward it."

CMDR S C Rowan, South Atlantic Blockading Squadron writes ENS BI T Halstead, USS Jonquil, "On the arrival of your relief, Acting Ensign B. H. Chadwick, you will consider yourself detached from the command of the U. S. S. Jonquil and you will report to me for the command of the U. S. S. Iris."

CAPT J B Marchand, 3rd Division, West Gulf Blockading Squadron, writes CMDR James S Palmer, SOPA New Orleans, " Herewith I send for your disposition four persons, consisting of the crew and passengers of the Mexican schooner Alma, captured by the U. S. S. Virginia on the 19th instant named as follows:
    William Lee, pilot and navigator; John Bartee, cook; Nicholas Housardu, Manuel Kodten, seamen.
    I also herewith enclose a communication from Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Brown, commanding the Virginia, relative to the character of the men."

LCDR K R Breese, USS Blackhawk, writes ENS J C Morong, USS Argosy "You will proceed with the vessel under your command to Fort de Russy, on Red River, and anchor in such a position in the river that you may prevent the rebels from occupying any of the deserted works. You will also give such protection as lies in your power to loyal inhabitants and their property. There is a quantity of railroad iron which it is desirable should be shipped out of the river, and should you have a favorable opportunity, by empty barge or otherwise, you will see that as much (or all of it) as can be taken be sent to Captain Pennock at Cairo. You will destroy all skiffs, flats, etc., above Black River.
    You will keep yourself advised as best you can of rebel movements and do your best to frustrate them. Communicate freely with me at mouth of Black River by letter and with commanding naval officers at Alexandria by same means. Do not permit your officers or men to be on shore on liberty, and bear in mind that the admiral's general order requires you to keep your boats and men always under cover of your guns. Should any persons present themselves with proper permits to purchase cotton, you will permit them to do so, keeping a good lookout that their vessel be not captured. They should have a Treasury aid on board. No supplies to be permitted to land unless by permission of Admiral Porter or General Banks. You can, at your discretion, move a few miles above or below the fort, should you deem it proper, but at night you should always be at your station.
    You will find a coal barge sunk a few miles below Fort de Russy, which, of course, it is desirable to save as much of as possible. The contrabands at the fort might be made use of advantageously that way."

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

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