24 April 1865: “the vessel and ways were put in order under my direction”

Item Description: Two telegraph reports from the U.S. Navy regarding the seizure of the C.S.S. Beaufort by the U.S.S. Maumee, and the seizure of a confederate tug boat by U.S.S. Phlox in the James River. These telegrams display of the actions taken by the U.S. Navy after the confederate surrender.

[Scans courtesy of Google Books and Cornell University. This item can also be found via the North Carolina Collection, at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.]

 

18650424_01

 

Item Citation: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion. Series 1, Volume 12.  Washington : Government Printing Office, 1901. C970.75 U58no Ser. I, vol. 12. p.121North Carolina Collection, Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Item Transcription:

 U.S.S. Maumee
Richmond, April 24, 1865

SIR: In regard to theletter of James C. Slaught, captain and assistant quartermaster, referred to you by Major-General ORd, I have respectfully to state that I took possession of the Confederate naval steamer Beaufort by the order of Rear-Admiral Porter, and under an order of Marjor General Weitzel, at that time commanding Richmond. 
Captain and Assistant Quartermaster Slaght was fully informed of the facts and the order of General Weitzel was by me exhibited to him personally at the time. The machinery of the Beaufort has been overhauled by the engineers of the Maumee,  and the vessel and ways were put in order under my directions. The Beaufort was launched and is now in my keeping alongside of the vessel, as stated. As to the other matters set forth in the letter of Captain and Assistant Quartermaster Slaght, above referred to, I know nothing. 
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

JAMES PARKER 
Lieutenant-Commander, Commanding Maumee

Commodore Wm. Radford, 
Commanidng James River Flotilla

 

U.S.S. Phlox 
Richmond, Va. April 24, 1865

Sir: In obedience to your order. I have the honor to report that being in advance of the fleet ascending James River, on board the Lilac, I discovered a tug ahead, near the upper bridge below Richmond and on boarder her found that she was in possession of a crew from the Engineer Corps, rebel Army. I therefore took possession of her. I was careful to ask if any army officers or soldiers had been on board, or given any orders in reference to her, and was told there had been none on board, and no orders received from anyone. 
Respectfully, etc., 

K.R. Breese
Fleet Captain

Commodore Wm. Radford, 
COmmanding North Atlantic Squadron, pro tem. 

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