last update Saturday, 17-Jul-2021 07:20:53 PDT

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McLean Research Associates is dedicated to presenting little known facts about the US Navy in the Civil War, presentations on a myriad of astronomical topics,STEM workshops, and letterboxing.

In commemoration of the 160 years since the Civil War - or more appropriately in the vernacular of the day - The War of the Slaveholders' Rebellion - we are featuring a quote and picture of the day from the Naval Records

USS Richmond

Tue Jul 11 1865

C F Adams Legation of the United States , London, writes CAPT Henry Walke, USS Sacramento, "Mr. Moran, my secretary, has communicated to me your wish, expressed to him in your letter of yesterday, that I should give you my opinion of your action in the case of the steamer Beatrice, lately known as the Rappahannock, as reported in that letter.
Under the circumstances as you describe them, it appears to me that you acted with proper caution. To have attempted to seize that vessel, even under a doubt about the British jurisdiction, would have merely run a hazard of raising a grave question, which on all accounts it is prudent to avoid. There is another mode of proceeding in such a case, which is safer and wiser. Should the vessel, however, be found outside of the jurisdiction, and you are sure of her identity, it will be lawful for you under the authority of Mr. Seward's published dispatch, a copy of which was forwarded to you, to take her. But you will take care not to attempt to stop or search any vessels with British colors under a mere suspicion that it may be the Beatrice, for you are doubtless aware that that right of search has expired with the termination of the war."

LCDR Thomas O Selfridge, USN writes SECNAV "The communication from Department dated July 7, with accompanying papers, has been received.
    In February, 1864, while in command of the Conestoga, in the vicinity of Morgan Bend, Mississippi River, I captured a lot of cotton in charge of two persons, one of whom was the said Joseph Graveline.
    Concealed upon their persons were numerous papers from rebel officers for the purchase of goods, also permits from the rebel general Walker to take said cotton through his lines.
    There was also taken from the said person a considerable sum of money, the amount I do not recollect.
    Graveline and his companion were sent as prisoners to New Orleans. The money was sealed and given in charge to Paymaster Ilsley, of the Conestoga, to await orders from Admiral Porter.
    Before any disposition was made of it, and while in charge of the paymaster, the Conestoga, while on her way from Vicksburg to Red River, was run into and sunk immediately.
    The said Graveline was clearly and illegally trading with the enemy."

Teachers and Educators - we have several Civil War presentations covering the US Navy throughout the Civil War which include our portable museum, Submarines, and key naval and land battles. Check out our Civil War section for more details. We also have several presentations on astronomy for all age groups

validated!