particular duties. I hear that you do not contemplate returning to take command again of the 'Foote Flotilla'-is this so? The news comes in a questionable shape, through some indefatigable newspaper reporter or other. I regret that you were not at the taking of Memphis; it would have been your province to be there; but you have done enough to let the balance go to some one else. I hope we may see you again among us, if it be for never so brief a period. I was not satisfied with your leave-taking of the fleet. Would you not come back and do it, at any rate, more formally and distinctly-presuming, of course, that you purpose giving up the command? Very sad news reached us last night. The Mound City received a shot through her steam-drum, up the White River, on the 16th, and lost about one hundred and twenty men and officers. Dear old Kilty was badly scalded about the face and hands. All the engineers were killed; and the only officers saved were Kilty, Dominy, and a purser's steward, Brown. Master-mate Brown's and Paymaster Gunn's bodies were brought up last night-the last now lies near me at the ordnance store-room door. The rebels shot our poor boys when in the water; and fired a large shot at a boat of the Conestoga that was filled with the scalded, picked up. Several were killed. This was an inhuman act, not to be forgotten by any man in the fleet. board the gun-boats swore vengeance. Colonel Fitch took the batteries that exploded the steam-drum of the Mound City at the point of the bayonet, killing about a hundred and twenty out of a hundred and fifty rebels. Fry-formerly of the Navy-who commanded the rebels, was wounded and made prisoner. He, it is said, gave orders to shoot the men in the water. When he was being carried down to the Conestoga's boat, he said, 'I don't wish to be touched by a private.' No sooner said than a soldier drew out his revolver, aimed and fired; his arm was struck up just in time to save Fry's life. He is now on board the Conestoga. The people of Memphis are becoming reconciled to things as they are. There are not so many nostrils offended by the presence of the Yankees as there were. Coffee, tea, and edibles are coming into use there. This seems to have a pleasant effect. Pennock is quite sick, but nothing serious. Mrs. Wise and Mrs. Pennock left for New York last Monday morning. We miss their faces at our table. We keep you, my dear commodore, always in our remembrance.

"Yours, sincerely and cordially,
Ꮓ

The men on

J. P. SANFORD."

"U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON,' MEMPHIS, June 23, 1862.

"FLAG-OFFICER A. H. FOOTE, U. S. N. :

"MY DEAR SIR,-I have been influenced to-day with varied feelings by the arrival of an appointment as flag-officer for Commodore Davis. I had foreseen that the Department would relieve you upon the certificate of 'necessity,' because you would give yourself no rest, but let an uneasy mind and an anxious heart prey upon your feeble strength. Once free of all care or thought of responsibility, and with no hope deferred as to when you would return to the command, we may hope that you will mend apace. I have feared this hope might not be realized, yet now I look forward with confidence. There can be no contradiction in saying that, while I esteem it great good fortune to be associated as I am with so superior an officer as the commodore, and one too whom I so much like, I yet feel a disappointment, that there is no shaking off, in the breaking up of relations formed in a fullness of purpose and cemented by kindness. We all probably indulge the imagination in pictures of what is to come, and mark out a future associated with the friends about us. I have done this in this war with an intensity the greater because of its stern realities, and the entire manner in which the sense of duty had taken possession of my mind. When you induced me to withdraw that application, I did it designing to return to my duty in these waters with still greater earnestness of purpose; but the whole future was to be inseparably connected with you. Whatever I might hope the flotilla would accomplish, it was with you as leader. All we have passed through since you left us has not sufficed to turn my thoughts from the plans and wishes for the future confidently built upon months since. It does not yet seem natural that some one else should appear as chief actor in the scene. I have more reason than all others combined to feel your absence, and I have more acts of benefit and kindness to remember and cherish than they; and I too have more reason to feel grateful for the foresight and solicitude that so soon led you to apply for and secure Commodore Davis for your relief. I have fallen upon a strange strain, terribly egotistic, in which I shall fail to make myself understood. A few words would have told all better.

"The hospital-boat was dispatched from here last evening to get the poor sufferers from the Mound City to more comfortable quarters. That has been the most terrible event known in these waters. No imagination can picture to itself the condition of those burned, scalded, and wounded who still live. It is the most piteous spectacle human suffering

could present. Poor Kilty was, they said, doing well; but he suffers terribly. His heart is as tender as a woman's. Scarcely any of them are recognizable. Dr. Jones is more prostrate than Captain Kilty, and less likely to survive. Mr. Dominy, first master, happened to be on deck, and escaped. One engineer, the carpenter, and one other officer are still alive, but most sadly burned. One hundred and twelve have died thus far. The Sisters of Charity, who came down at once, advised all being sent to the Mound City Hospital, which they represent now as very perfect for its purposes. The Cincinnati is in White River with the St. Louis and Lexington. A crew is here for the Mound City, and will be sent down to-morrow. The White River has fallen so much that our vessels are obliged to leave it. I presume we will move down the river soon, as this place may be considered safe. General Grant arrived here last evening, and takes command. Our troops are not very strong here, but will soon be increased. Colonel Webster is military commandant at Memphis (local). The place has rapidly improved since our arrival. There is one thing very evident-that it was unfortunate for the rebel cause that the gun-boats should have chosen this spot for their fighting ground. There were too many witnesses. Captain Dove flourishes here. Walke is a perfect ship-keeper. There is a prospect that the Eastport will be ready in 'one month.' I flatter myself that I have arranged our quarters on board of her so as to promise the greatest amount of comfort. The Bragg has been fitted up with extra accommodations for the flag-officer in case of need. The Price will be repaired-is now in Cairo-so that we shall have to thank the rebels for three rams, to say nothing of the Little Rebel. I will now arrange with Commodore Davis about the mess affairs, and will have the ration matters settled, so as to send to you the proper amount. Your kind proposition, so far as regards myself—my share is so like you that I recognize the same spirit of increasing kindness. The mortars I will send to New Haven by express. Is there any thing else here? I do trust this will find you greatly improved.

"Respectfully and very truly yours,

S. L. PHELPS."

"WASHINGTON, June 24, 1862.

"MY DEAR SIR,—I regret that through any inadvertence or informality you should have suffered a moment's uneasiness. On receiving your letter proposing to relinquish your command, I gave the matter full consideration; and while I deeply regretted the necessity, I came to the conclusion that you had acted wisely, and that it was due to you and to the

service that you should be relieved from all care until your system had recovered its vigor. When this decision was reached, the mere routine letters were prepared and sent; but when I reached home that evening, and had a moment to myself, I felt it right to express my feelings and opinions in a free and less formal manner in regard to the great service you had rendered. This I followed up with an additional line the next morning.

"I might, perhaps, have embodied some of the views and thoughts that naturally presented themselves in my official letter, but I think it better as it is. The history of events that have occurred during your active command on the Mississippi and its tributaries is yet to be written; and if my life and health are spared to a season of greater leisure, I hope I may be able to do yourself and others justice. Should it not survive, the hasty notes I have addressed to you will be testimony from one who, better than any one else perhaps, knows of the difficulties and embarrassments which beset you; and there were some connected with the anomalous organization of the flotilla that (even) you can hardly be aware of. Every step I have watched with inexpressible solicitude; for I was, of course, held accountable for your success. Had you made a false step, or been unfortunate, the censorious would have held me responsible for your acts. I was willing to assume that responsibility, and have not been disappointed.

"I believe the public justly appreciate your labors and sufferings, and will be ready to manifest it. They should; for all honor to the men who peril their lives for their country. Those of us who labor in another sphere must be content to witness the applause bestowed on those whom we have had the good fortune or sagacity to select, for it reflects credit on ourselves. I have been very proud of your achievements in every respect.

"27th. I was interrupted the other evening, and meeting your brother the following morning, I had discarded my letter; but finding it on my table this evening, I conclude to send it.

"I was extremely glad to meet your brother, and to hear from him that you are so rapidly improving. We shall, I trust, have the pleasure of seeing you here before a great while, but first take care of your health; get that fully re-established and your wound well. There is a good deal yet to be done, I apprehend, before this causeless and wicked rebellion is suppressed. Certainly our Navy has great labor in future, and its best men will be required to give it efficiency and character. It is evident

from what has transpired on our Western waters, that the Navy, as a means of national unity and strength, has an importance that few had anticipated before these domestic troubles developed its capabilities. We all know its value and necessity for exterior purposes, but were not aware of its internal strength in sustaining the government. Our armies in the West would have been comparatively powerless without the gun-boats, and no future conspiracy can make such formidable headway, if, availing ourselves of the wisdom derived from experience, we shall be prepared with a proper naval armament on the interior waters.

"I trust it will benefit you to get home and visit old scenes, breathe the natal air, and meet early friends. You will have more leisure than

myself, and must write me freely and without reserve, making such suggestions and giving such advice as your experience and observation authorize, and as you believe will be valuable.

"Hoping we may see you before a great while, and glad to learn that your health continues to improve, I am very truly and sincerely yours, "GIDEON WELLES."

"MY DEAR SIR,-Congress has just passed a bill for reorganizing the Navy Department. You will have seen it perhaps; but if not, you will, from your familiarity with the service, understand its general provisions. I am desirous of gathering here as our Board of Admiralty the very best men that we have. The Chiefs of Bureaus must constitute the advisory and suggestive counselors of the Department. Our country is to be one of the great maritime powers of the world, and must have a Navy commensurate with its strength and position as a nation. This domestic war and attending events are creating a revolution in many respects in our Navy, and it becomes important that we take a new departure. The bill alluded to is a pioneer measure, and if we can get the Department properly officered and manned, we shall make a successful beginning.

"I doubt if you would render more valuable service to the country elsewhere than in Washington at this juncture, or perhaps at any period. The Bureau of Equipment and Recruiting is one requiring administrative ability, and must necessarily be one of the most important, if not the most important, pillars of the Department and the service.

"Are you disposed to take this position, and give us your talents and experience in the creation and government of a Navy that shall be wor