Welcome...

SECNAV writes RADM William Radford, North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, "You are informed, in answer to your dispatch of the 16th instant, No. 28, that a guard vessel at Fortress Monroe is no longer considered necessary."

RADM Jonathan Dahlgren, South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, writes a memorandum "I have just learned that the piratical ram Stonewall had arrived at Havana on the 11th May. How long she may remain is not known, nor her probable direction when she leaves, but it is surmised that this may be along the Florida coast.
    Two of the fastest light drafts will therefore return to that station and cruise so as to obtain the earliest notice of the presence of the ram there.
    The Wando and Pontiac are selected, one off the Jupiter Inlet, the other off Cape Florida, as the senior officer may find best, cruising toward each other.
    Should the Stonewall appear, the fastest vessel will keep her in view and watch her while the other steams directly for Port Royal, making coarse so as to fall in with the squadron cruisers, and give notice to them, which will then join in the observation of the Stonewall, taking care not to be overhauled by her.
    Off Port Royal send in word, if there are means to do so. Early information is to be sent me.
    The object will be to get her in reach of the monitors as soon as possible. Lieutenant-Commander Matthews will take charge of these vessels."

RADM S K Stribling, East Gulf Blockading Squadron, writes SECNAV "The U. S. S. Connecticut arrived here yesterdhy morning from Havana. As the ram Stonewall is still there I have concluded to keep the Connecticut here to assist in watching the movements of the ram until such time as I shall have received additional force."

SECNAV writes RADM Stribling "Your No. 158, of the 11th instant, has been received. The condition of affairs now admits of a reduction of the East Gulf Squadron. Send home all but fifteen vessels and reduce expenses of every kind accordingly.
    Such volunteer officers as are desirous of leaving the service and those of the men who have the shortest time to serve can be sent home in the returning vessels. Endeavor to retain the most efficient officers and select such vessels for retention as in your opinion promise to be most useful and serviceable on the station."

SECNAV writes RADM Henry K Thatcher, West Gulf Blockading Squadron, "The increased number of arrivals of blockade runners at various ports, all from Galveston, loaded with cotton, would seem to indicate that there is great weakness on the part of the blockading fleet there.
    Seven large steamers have arrived abroad from Galveston in nine days. As this is the only port in the United States where traffic can be carried on to any extent, it is desirable that the majority of vessels and the best officer you have should be on duty as senior officer off that port. Both the Quaker City and Bienville could have rendered several months service blockading at Galveston, but as they were sent home and can not be repaired before the army expedition will advance into Texas, they will be sold."

MGEN George H Thomas, USA, Department of the Cumberland telegrams RADM Samuel P Lee, Mississippi Squadron, "I think there is no longer a military necessity for keeping up the gunboats on the Upper Tennessee River."