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[676] order. Captain Grant accompanied me to select a proper place to let her go. She was fired by my order, but was not aware that she was too close to the fort, but the eddy current, after firing, probably brought her into too close proximity to the fort. I regret the affair was an abortion.

Respectfully,

T. B. Renshaw, C. S. N.

(D.)

C. S. Steamer Louisiana, off Fort Jackson, April 22, 1862.
General J. K. Duncan, commanding Coast Defences, Fort Jackson:
General: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of yours of this date, asking me to place the Louisiana in position below the raft this evening if possible.

This vessel was hurried away from New Orleans before the steam power and batteries were ready for service.

Without a crew, and in many respects very incomplete, and this condition of things is but partially remedied now, she is not yet prepared to offer battle to the enemy; but, should he attempt to pass the forts we will do all we can to prevent it, and it was for this purpose only that she was placed in position where necessity might force her into action, inadequately prepared as she is at this moment.

We have now at work, on board, about fifty mechanics, as well as her own crew, and those from other vessels, doing work essential to the preparation of the vessel for battle. Under these circumstances, it would, in my estimation, be hazarding too much to place her under the fire of the enemy.

Every effort is being made to prepare her for the relief of Fort Jackson--the condition of which is fully felt by me; and the very moment I can venture to face our enemy with any reasonable chance of success, be assured, General, I will do it, and trust that the result will show you that I am now pursuing the right course.

I am, very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

Jno. K. Mitchell, Commanding C. S. Naval Forces, Lower Miss.
P. S.---The Jackson, with launch No. 3, will go up to the quarantine this afternoon, to watch the enemy, as suggested in your note this morning.

Respectfully, etc.,

J. K. M.

(E.)

C. S. Steamer Louisiana, near Fort Jackson, April 28, 1862.
General J.. K. Duncan, commanding Coast Defences, Fort Jackson:
General: On the receipt, last night, of your second communication of yesterday's date, asking me to place this vessel under the fire of the enemy, I consulted the commanding officers of the C. S. naval vessels present on the subject, and herewith annex a copy of their opinion, sustaining my own views on the subject.

I feel the importance of affording relief to your command as soon as possible; but, General, at the same time I feel, and I know, the importance to the safety of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, and the city of New Orleans, of having this vessel in proper condition before seeking an encounter with the enemy. If he seeks one, or attempts the passage of the forts before this vessel is ready I shall meet him, however unprepared I may be.

We have an additional force of mechanics from the city this morning, and I hope that by to-morrow night the motive power of the Louisiana will be ready, and in the meantime her battery will be in place, and other preparations will be completed, so as to enable her to act against the enemy. When ready, you will be immediately advised.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

Jno. K. Mitchell, Commanding C. S. Naval Forces, Lower Miss.

C. S. steamer Louisiana, near Fort Jackson, April 22, 1862.
Two communications having this day been received from Brigadier-General Duncan (herewith attached, marked Nos. 1 and 3, and also the answer of Commander J. K. Mitchell, No. 1, marked No. 2), requesting that the Louisiana be placed in position below the raft in the river, near Fort Jackson, a consultation was held by Commander J. K. Mitchell with Commander McIntosh and Lieutenants commanding Huger and Warley, who fully sustained the views of Commander Mitchell, as expressed in his reply (marked No. 2), declining to comply with the request of Brigadier-General Duncan.

C. F. Mcintosh, Commanding C. S. N. T. B. Huger, Lieutenant, commanding. N. S. Warley, Lieutenant, commanding. George S. Shyrock, Lieutenant C. S. N., Aide to commanding officer.

(F.)

C. S. steamer Louisiana, Fort Jackson, April 22, 1862.
General J. K. Duncan, commanding Coast Defences at Fort Jackson:
General: Your two notes of this date have been received. A fire has been ordered to be built below St. Philip, as you requested, except that it will be on the beach, and a raft will be kept ready to fire and turn adrift, as you requested, near Fort Jackson, in the event of the apprehended attack being made by the enemy to-night. I shall also direct a vigilant lookout to be kept by all the vessels, and to co-operate with you to prevent the passage of the forts at every hazard.

Your request respecting the report of the bad


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