25 May 1863

Breese, Kidder Randolph, 1831-1881

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eugene Mack

During the Vicksburg bombardment, the Union naval commander on board the flagship Black Hawk sends urgent orders to gunner Eugene Mack. "The bearer of this brings fifty men detailed to work the mortars. Man as many as possible with them and relieve our men. Let one of the old mortar men attend on each boat until these Soldiers are sufficiently instructed to work them.... I want as many of our men sent back as can be spared as it will take all our force to keep the mortars supplied with ammunition.... All the iron mortar boats will be sent down as fast as possible and they are to be put in…

GLC09334

20 March 1864

Breese, Kidder Randolph, 1831-1881

Autograph letter signed

Title: Orders

Ordering the "officer in charge of Picket Tug" to relay Porter's order to the fleet: "Keep the tug as close to the falls as possible and a bright lookout for anything up the bend. Blow one whistle if you see a vessel coming down. Examine all floating objects and tow any suspicious looking things clear of the vessels - giving warning with two whistles if she sees anything like a Torpedo...this order will be turned over to Relief...at daylight to be given to the officer of the deck..."

GLC09146