Order (in the middle of this page) of Commodore H. H. Bell, dated January 23, 1863, to Commander Read, U. S. Navy, Commanding U.S.S. New London, to recapture or destroy the U.S.S. Morning Light. This report is in Volume 19 of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion.
U. S. Steam Sloop Brooklyn,
Off Galveston, January 23, 1863
Sir: The Tennessee has just arrived, having touched at Sabine Pass, and reports to me [the loss of] the U. S. ship Morning Light, with eight 32-pounders, together with the schooner Velocity and probably the schooner Rachal Seaman, with two long 32-pounders.
You will proceed immediately, in company with the Cayuga, Lieutenant-Commander D. A. McDermut, to Sabine Pass and recapture or destroy the Morning Light and such other vessels as the rebels may have there.
The Morning Light lies in 16 feet water. The bar runs out several miles.
Very respectfully,
H. H. Bell,
Commodore, Comdg. U. S. Forces off Galveston and the Coast of Tex.
Commander Abner Read,
Commanding U. S. Gunboat New London, off Galveston, Tex.
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Last updated November 9, 2008
