14 May 1864

Smith, Melancton, 1810-1893

Letter signed

Title: to Richard T. Renshaw

Orders Renshaw to survey the captured schooner Anne S. Davenport at Roanoke Island and report "the valuation of vessel and cargo." Melancton Smith served as a commanding officer in the Sounds of North Carolina during 1864.

GLC02254.18

28 May 1864

Smith, Melancton, 1810-1893

Letter signed

Title: to Richard T. Renshaw

Responds to news of broken boilers in Renshaw's vessels and asks if Renshaw can "not make the repairs on one with your own workmen." Desires to send the U.S.S. Miami, currently under Renshaw's command, to Hatteras Inlet. Inquires about the readiness of the Seymour for travel and suggests that Renshaw "let her tow up one of the coal vessels. Better send her at once as we want coal." The last portion of the letter is marked "Confidential" and discusses Smith's expedition to blow up "the Ram" the previous night. He reports the loss of two men. Smith was serving as senior officer in…

GLC02254.19

8 June 1864

Smith, Melancton, 1810-1893

Manuscript document signed

Title: [General order to be read aloud by the commanding officer of the U.S.S. Miami]

General order to read letter from Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy. A transcription of Welles' letter, a response to Smith's report of the action at the Battle of Albermarle is attached. Welles "congratulates all of the Officers and Men of the U.S. Navy who participated in this remarkable contest between wooden gun boats and a formidable armored vessel -- in which the latter was forced to retreat to prevent capture."

GLC02254.20