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SECNAV writes RADM Charles H Bell, Pacific Squadron, "You have doubtless been apprised of the appearance of the Alabama and the Florida south of the equator.
    They have been engaged in their depredations between longitude 25° and 35° W. from Greenwich and latitude 2° N. and S. The last vessel known to have been captured and burned was the Wm. M. Dodge [Oneida], by the Florida, on the 24th of April, in latitude 1° 40' S. and longitude 29° 10' W. The destination of one or both of these vessels may be the Pacific. It therefore behooves you to be prepared for their appearance, and to be ready to make the best possible disposition of your limited force for the protection of our commerce.
    Another vessel of a similar character, called the Japan, or Virginia, a screw steamer of about 500 tons, has been sent out from England. She sailed early in April and nothing has been heard of her since."

SECNAV writes RADM Samuel P Lee, North Atlantic Blockading Squadron "I received your No. 615, reporting the result of joint army and naval expedition up the Mattapony, the capture of mules and corn for the army, and asking whether it is proper for the Navy to make such captures.
    The act of March 12, 1863, does not provide for the turning over of such articles to the special agent of the Treasury Department. The first section excludes any kind or description (of property) which has been used or which was intended to be used for waging or carrying on war against the United States, such as arms, ordnance, ships, steam- boats, etc., or other water craft, and the furniture, forage, military supplies, or munitions of war.
    It appears therefore proper for the Navy to make such captures and to use them if necessary."

Board of Survey writes to RADM Samuel Du Pont, South Atlantic Blockading Squadron "In obedience to your orders of the 8th instant, we have held a strict and careful survey upon the prize sloop Evening Star, captured by the U. S. S. Cimarron, and the feasibility of sending her north, and beg leave to report as follows: That we find her leaking very badly, her sails very poor, and in an unseaworthy condition; also that we estimate her full value of hull, tackle, and furniture at $1O.OO [sic]. Her cargo consists of 4 full bales of cotton, 3 parts of bales and 3½- bales of loose cotton, all damaged by water."

RADM Theodorus Bailey East Gulf Blockading Squadron writes to court of enquirey "By virtue of authority contained in act * * * July 17, 1862, a naval court of enquiry is hereby ordered to convene at Key West, on board of the U. S. S. Magnolia, at 10 o'clock a. m. on the 10th day of June, or as soon thereafter as practicable, for the investigation of the circumstances attending the loss of the U. S. bark Amanda.
    The court will be composed of the following officers, any two of whom are empowered to act, viz:
    Captain George F. Emmons, U. S. Navy; Commander H. S. Newcomb, U. S. Navy; Lieutenant-Commander R. F. Bradford, U. S. Navy; and Lieutenant-Commander C. J. McDougal, U. S. Navy, is hereby appointed the judge-advocate.
    The basis of the enquiry is contained in the accompanying papers, viz:
    1. Extract (copy) of a report from Lieutenant-Commander A. F. Crosman.
    2. Report from Lieutenant-Commander George U. Morris.
    3. Report from Acting Volunteer Lieutenant George E. Welch.
    4. Report from Acting Volunteer Lieutenant David Cate.
    But the court will examine into every circumstance relating to the loss of the Amanda, and to the subsequent operations, with a view of showing from the evidence whether any blame attaches to her commanding officer, to anyone else on board of her, or to any other person belonging to the Navy of the United States.
    And the court will report the facts of the case as they believe them to be correct from the hearing of the evidence; and also an opinion as to the propriety and expediency, or otherwise, of further proceedings in the case."

RADM David Glasgow Farragut, West Gulf Blockading Squadron, signals MGEN N P Banks, USA, 19th Corps, "Hammering and building is reported at the mouth of Thompson's Creek. Can you account for it?" Banks replies "We have men near by the creek and will report to you. All going well." Later Banks signals "Colonel Prince has been to-day to the mouth of Thompson's Creek, on the east bank, and reports neither hearing nor seeing anything of the enemy in that neighborhood. Our picket line is complete to the captured steamboats, whence it is extended by frequent patrols beyond the steamboats to the river. The crossing of Thompson's Creek is reported impracticable. We burned the enemy's storehouse this afternoon."

RADM David D Porter, Mississippi Squadron, writes SECNAV "I have nothing particular to communicate with regard to the position of affairs here.
    The army is still advancing close to the works. General Sherman is so close that he can not get nearer without going in. When the other generals are up with him, I presume that an assault will be made.
    Three batteries have been erected of naval guns, one consisting of two 8-inch guns in General Steeles front, under command of Lieutenant-Commander Selfridge.
    This battery opened fire day before yesterday and cleared everything before it. One battery of two 9-inch guns is being erected in General McPhersons front, and two 8-inch guns in front of General McClernand. These latter did not require naval assistance, only the guns, and have not made as much progress, the guns not being yet mounted; they will be in position very soon.
    The mortars keep constantly playing on the city and works, and the gunboats throw in their shell whenever they see any work going on at the batteries, or new batteries being put up.
    Not a soul is to be seen moving in the city, the soldiers lying in their trenches or pits, and the inhabitants being stowed in caves or holes dug out in the cliffs. If the city is not relieved by a much superior force from the outside, Vicksburg must fall without anything more being done to it. I only wonder it has held out so long. If the city is relieved, and our army have to retire, we will lose everything we have, all of which could be prevented by an addition of 30,000 men, which men can be spared from Missouri alone. If we do not get Vicksburg now, we never will.
    The rebel steamer Lady Walton came down from Little Rock, Ark., a few days since, and gave herself up to the commanding officer at White River. I send her to Cairo to the judge of the district."