West, Lewis H., 1829-? to R. West
Order a pdf of this item here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03836.23 Author/Creator: West, Lewis H., 1829-? Place Written: Hampton Roads, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 20 September 1861 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; Height: 24.8 cm, Width: 19.4 cm Order a Copy
Says there has been a major shuffling of commands. Commodore Stringham and Captains Nicholson of the USS "Roanoke," Mercer of the USS "Wabash," and Hull of the "Savannah," have all been detached. Says Goldsborough is to become flag officer and that the captains have been detached because they are all senior to him. Is happy that the navy is being innovative and taking on the "old officers." Says the blockade has been very inefficient up to this point. Says "Goldsborough is considered about the best officer in the service, among naval officers, and is said to be a man of great energy." Stringham was removed because he sent the "Flag" to Washington for repairs, which were not of sufficient importance. Says the vessels waste too much time at Hampton Roads, instead of at sea. Continues letter on 21 September and says that it is rumored that Captain DuPont will command the southern division of the Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Page 4 has a note in a different hand, initialled by West's mother as "RW."
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.