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Bailey, Theodorus, 1805-1877 to Montgomery Blair

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02466.01 Author/Creator: Bailey, Theodorus, 1805-1877 Place Written: Hampton Roads, Virginia Type: Telegram Date: 8 May 1862 Pagination: 1 p. : docket Height: 19.8 cm, Width: 20.2 cm Order a Copy

Written by Captain Bailey to Postmaster General Montgomery Blair. Says he is the bearer of despatches from New Orleans, "which with its defences are ours." Says Lee (Samuel Phillips Lee), his relative serving on the "Oneida," is safe and well. Reports Lee came to his relief in "the nick of time" during the battle. Says he had more rebel steamers engaging him than he could deal with alone. Says "the enemy were so thick that it was like duck shooting, what missed one rebel, hit another. With their Aid we cleared the Kitchen." Marked at top "Telegraph Message." Written on blue paper. Bailey made captain in the U.S. Navy in 1855. In July, 1862, he was made Commodore, and in July, 1866, rear-admiral on the retired list. In 1861 Captain Bailey was in command of the "Colorado," in the West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Later he took command of the East Gulf Blockading Squadron. Bailey was the nephew of the U.S. Representative and Senator of the same name. Both were from NewYork. Written while aboard the USS "Cayuga".

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