Report, dated April 12, 1864, by John W. Sherfy, U. S. Navy, Surgeon of the U. S. Morning Light when it was captured by Confederate "Cotton-Clad" steamers, to Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy (Page 5 of 5). This report is in Volume 19 of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion.
(This report is continued from page 561) my duties were exceedingly laborious. After arriving at Shreveport, finding I had no means of attending the sick, now under the exclusive treatment of the Confederate surgeons, who I believe aimed to do as well by them as their own soldiers, I asked to be released under the order of Commissioner Ould, thinking I might accomplish something toward effecting the exchange of our people. The request was granted, and I left Shreveport on the 17th of February, 1864, arriving in our lines, near Franklin, on the 9th of March, having been a prisoner nearly fourteen months. During the trip from Shreveport to Franklin the treatment of the Confederates toward me was most liberal and courteous. Enclosed you will find a copy of my parole from General Kirby Smith.
I represented to Major-Generals Banks and Franklin and others the condition of the Federals in Texas and Louisiana.
Arriving in New Orleans, I reported to Commodore Palmer, when, after some delay in hearing from Admiral Farragut, I received his letter of permission to go North, and took the first steamer for Cairo, and am again with my friends after an absence of nearly three years.
I await your orders, and if the exigencies of the service do not forbit it, I respectfully solicit a furlough, with the privilege of reporting on or before its expiration for duty in the South Atlantic or Gulf Squadron, though I do not wish to urge a preference.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient survant,
J.W. Sherfy
Actg. Asst. Surg., U. S. Navy, late of U. S. Ship Morning Light
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Last updated November 9, 2008
