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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

LTJG George Dewey, USN would go on to become a famous admiral.

Sun Apr 02 1865

CDR Robert Townsend, USS Wachusett, writes SECNAV from St. Pierre, Martinique " When I last had the honor of addressing the Department I mentioned that I was preparing the spare topmast to send it up as a fore-topmast. The stick proved to be a miserable one, and merely in setting up the rigging it was carried away. It was best that I should not be obliged to depend on it when needed (and irreplaceable) at sea. But one spar of sufficient size could be found in Fort de France, and for that I was again indebted to Monsieur Duprê , who behaved so handsomely in regard to the coal. He charged for it the price estimated by the lowest appraiser ($140), two-thirds of the value assigned by the highest one. There is not a ship's carpenter on board, and I was obliged to submit to the vexatiously slow work of tropical workmen in getting out the topmast. Then all-a-taunto I got underway, but in standing out unfortunately got ashore, where I lay till the next tide. The French admiral, Bosse, very kindly lent me his submarine armor and experts in its use. They made a thorough examination of our bottom and reported about a quarter of a sheet of copper off. This they the next day replaced, and yesterday I came to this place to complete some unfinished business of the paymaster. We sail to-morrow for the African coast.
I beg leave to draw the attention of the Department to the very friendly courtesies of Admiral Bosse; indeed, of all the French authorities. The admiral told me that he had received such polite and kind attentions from Admiral Paulding when his ship was at New York last fall that it afforded him real pleasure to do all in his power for an American man-of-war.
The U. S. S. Connecticut arrived here yesterday from Guadeloupe, and, greatly to my surprise, I learned from Captain Boggs that there is a naval coal depot there. Will the Department permit me to suggest that Martinique is mentioned in my orders through a clerical error ~ I beg leave to say that I availed myself of the unavoidable delay here by giving the Wachusett a thorough overhauling and putting her in true seaworthy condition. She needed it greatly. Martinique is worse than New Orleans for sensational rumors and ridiculous canards. I feel assured that there has been no rebel cruiser in these waters for a long time past, but it is a favorite rendezvous for them, and I should not be surprised if the Shenandoah turned up hereaboats at any time."

CDR E T Nichols, SOPA Foretress Monroes, telegrams RADM David D Porter, North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, "The Tristram Shandy is down from the yard and awaits orders. I am informed that the Clematis is broken down at the yard. Your mails were sent up this a. m. by the Bat. The Fahkee is still in the roads waiting your orders."

RADM Jonathan Dahlgren, South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, write LT James O'Kane, USN "Proceed to Georgetown, and on your arrival there report to the senior officer present for the purpose of obtaining the two launches recently sent there. They are to be manned from the crews of the Mingoe and Winona. The officers and crew now in them are to be returned to their vessels, respectively.
After obtaining the launches, proceed to the Santee River and place yourself in communication and cooperation with the army, affording all assistance in your power.
On the arrival of Commander F. Stanly, you will transfer the command to him and return to this anchorage, reporting your arrival to me."

RADM J K Thatcher, West Gulf Blockading Squadron, writes CDR Pierce Crosby, USS Metacomet, " Until further orders you will send in two picket boats during the day and one during the night, to sweep and drag for torpedoes inside Blakely River Bar.
The officers of your boat will be directed to report to the senior officer inside the bar."

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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