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

RADM John L Warden, much beloved first command o f the USS Monitor

Thu Sep 25 1862

SECNAV writes to CMDR Charles Wilkes, West India Squadron, saying that 2,000 tons of coal is being procured and sent to Turtle Harbor. SECNAV wants him to inspect the destroyed USS Adirondack to see if there anything salvageable.

SECNAV writes to CMDR Andrew A Harwood, Potomac Flotilla, that no one except SECTREAS, SECWAR, or SECNAV are authorized to sign passes. "You will allow no vessel to import or export merchandise at any part of the blockaded country. Alexandria is the only port open for general traffic within the limits of your command." He is to rigidly enforce the blockade.

CMDR Harwood directs LCDR Magaw, USS Freeborn, to be relieved as president of the board of examiners, and to destroy any deserted batteries of the Virginia side he can find. He wants Mathias point cleared so that gunboats will have a clear field of fire, should the rebels intend to re-occupy it.

SECNAV writes to CMDR Harwood, "The Department is informed that Mr. Plunkett, at Leonardtown, Md., has boats which he uses to convey news and rebels from Maryland to Virginia."

MGEN John Dix, USA writes RADM Samuel P Lee, North Atlantic Blockading Squadron , saying that CPT Liebenan, provost marshal will sign passes for the transports from Norfolk and CPT Blake will sign for Fort Monroe and that the captain of the port has a list of all items onboard each transport.

CDR Pennock, Fleet Captain Western Flotilla, writes RADM Charles H Davis, Western Flotilla that BGEN Quinby visited last night and informed him that the troops at Fort Pillow were unintentionally withdrawn and could he supply a gunship, to which Pennock said he could not for another week., but perhaps Quinby could stop the troops and send them back until arrangements could be made. Quinby left to see MGEN Grant.

RADM Davis writes to CDR Phelps, Fleet Captain Western Flotilla, "As soon as Captain Lazelle returns and reports the exchange of prisoners concluded and the transports returned, I wish you to resume the strictest police of the river between here and the mouth of the Yazoo. In consequence of the relaxation of that police, arising from the exchange of prisoners and the numerous flags of truce, it will be expedient to move down with considerable force, leaving, however, the Louisville and General Bragg, at least, at Helena. The transportation of arms, ammunition, and men from Mississippi to Arkansas, is, as you are well aware, the service in which the rebels are at this moment busily engaged. To prevent this, and to punish the rebels by night surprises, achieved by means of information from the contrabands, will be the principal objects of the expedition."

RADM Davis writes to BGEN Steele that he is leaving to direct the transfer of the gunboat flotilla to the navy, leaving CDR Phelps in charge and that Phelps will be policing the rivers again.

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

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