September 17, 1864

Drayton, Percival, 1812-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to J. C. Palmer

Drayton served as captain of Admiral David Farragut's flagship, the sloop of war "Hartford," and also as fleet captain of the West Gulf Blockade Squadron. Tells Palmer, the fleet surgeon on board the "Pensacola," that he sent a box and small package by the "Sebago" for Confederate Admiral Franklin Buchanan. Wants Palmer to ask Buchanan when the 15 inch shot that almost penetrated the port side of the CSS "Tennessee" during the Battle of Mobile Bay in August 1864 was delivered. Both Buchanan and the "Tennessee" were captured during the battle -- Buchanan was wounded. Wants to know if anything…

GLC01545.07

15 March 1864

Drayton, Percival, 1812-1865

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to John B. Marchand

Enclosing twenty copies [not present] each "of 2 circulars issued by the Bureau of Ordnance" with orders to distribute them to all the vessels on Marchand's station. Written on board the U.S.S. Hartford, of which Percival was captain, off Pensacola, Florida, during the Union blockade of major Southern ports. On "Western Gulf Squadron" stationery. Drayton was Fleet Captain to Farragut, who was commanding the West Gulf Blockading Squadron. As commander of the "Hartford," Drayton fought in the Battle of Mobile Bay. He was appointed Chief of the Bureau of Navigation the next year.

GLC02680.24