Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 10.
Frank Moore, Ed.

[677] condition of the engines of the Mosher will claim my attention as soon as possible.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

gentlemen: The steamers Mosher and Belle Algerine having been represented as being unfit for service, you will please to examine them carefully, without delay, and report to me in duplicate their condition. In the performance of this duty, please state the cause of any damage you may discover, with such recommendations as, in your judgment, you may deem proper.

I am, very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

Sir: In obedience to your order, we have held a survey upon the steamer Belle Algerine and the tug Mosher. The latter has, we think, loosened the after-bearing of her shaft. This we can, I think, obviate in a few hours. The Belle Algerine leaks badly in the bows from two holes knocked in her, the Captain reports, while working in the raft, and also while landing guns at Fort St. Philip. This we can also remedy, and are now doing so. I trust by to-night both vessels will be serviceable.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

General: Above you will see the report on the vessels reported to you as unfit for service. I send it for your information.

Respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

Captain : I am of the opinion that the mortar practice of the enemy against Fort Jackson must be nearly exhausted, and that there is every indication that the enemy, as the next plan of attack, is about to move his large vessels to the point of woods, and open upon us with his broadsides. One of the large vessels has already been brought up and placed in position. Should the above prove to be the case, it is imperatively and absolutely necessary that the batteries of the Louisiana should be brought into action, as well as those of Forts Jackson and St. Philip.

A proper position for the Louisiana would be on the Fort St. Philip side, a short distance below the raft and close to the shore, which will give us three direct and cross-fires upon the point of attack.

Earnestly calling your attention to this subject, and as you can see from your position the movements of the enemy, you will, consequently, know when to act,

I remain, very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

General: I am in receipt of your letter of this date, in which you express your belief that the enemy is about to change his place of attack, and open the broadside of his larger ships on the forts, and in which you make certain suggestions as to the position to be taken by this ship.

By reference to a letter of mine to you of yesterday's date, and of (No. 1) of this date, you will be apprised of the condition of this ship. Should an attack be made as anticipated. I shall be governed by circumstances, and do all I can against the enemy.

I have the honor to be,

Very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

Sir: I enclose herewith a copy of a communication received on the twenty-first inst., from Captain Stevenson, from which you will perceive that, notwithstanding General Lovell's order to him, this letter so qualifies my authority as to relieve me from all responsibility as to the movements of the vessels of the river fleet under his command.

I have the honor to be,

Very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,