East Saginaw courier. (East Saginaw, Mich.) 1859-18??, 1861-11-05
COMMODORE sTRINGHAM.

1
at the removal of Commodore StrIngham
from tho Minnesota, the flag ship of the
Atlantic squadron, which distinguished
itself by the capture Of tile Hattcras
Forts; and this feeling is heightened in
stead of being removed by the explana-
tion. A trivial occasion, II seems, was
seized upon by the government for repri-
manding the old hero, and when he re-
piled that, if the government had not
faith in his capacity to command, they
] might appoint his successor, he was
promptly taken at his word We copy
an account of the affair issHHl8 ri ola
REASONS FOR THE comMoDoRE's WITH.
.. DRAWAL, srsr ~
The following extract, from the jour
nal or log-book, viii explain the cause
of Commodore Stringham's withdrawal
from the command OF the sqnadron---a
matter which has heretofore been the
subject of considerable speculation.
HAnpros ROADS, Sept. 23d, 1861.
Flag-officer Stringham, having asked
previously to be relieved, and having
been detached, babe farewell to the ofh-
GERS ard crew, and Commodore Colds
borough took command of the squadron.
Before taking his departure, Commodore
,Stringham explained to all the officers
and crew assembled on the quarterback
the reasons why he had asked to be re-
lieved from the command Of the "Atan-
tic Blockading Squadron" He said that
some time ago the United States sloop-
of-war jamestown came into the Roads
with two wster-tanks bursted, to have
them repaired. He said that as water
was of the utmost Importance on board
of ship, especially man-of-war, and
being "great water man. himself, he
saw the necessity of having the tanks
properly repaired, consequently he deem
ed it expedient to. send her to New York,
which he did. .... I..
Shortly afterwards the United States
gun-boat Flag came in with her wood
ends started aud bowsprit gone, having
been in collision with the United States
steam. .frigate Susquehanna. lie sent her
round to Washington Navy Yard to have
her repaired. He had had command of
three Navy Yards, and knew perfectly
well that tho Flag could be repaired in
two days, whereas it would consume a
week here (as it really did) to finish her.
The Department sent the Flag back
again to Hampton Roads, and at the
same time wrote him letter oensurIng
him for want of proper Judgment and
ability to have command of this squadron.
The Department suggested that the
Flag could have been repaired at New
port Ncws--a most absurd suggestion to
any one who is acquainted with the place.
He then read to the officers and crew the
correspondence which passed between
himself and the department, and com
mented upon them, but not in heightened
speech. He said he was too much ex-
cited and affected to give full express
sion Of his feelings. He wished us all
well, said the Minnesota was fine ship,
that we had done our duty on every oc-
casion, to his satisfaction, aud that if any
one thought we could have done better al
Hatteras, they had better try some other
place.
He then bade MS farewell, and returned
to his cabin deeply affected, as were most
of the officers and ships company Aftel
having changed his uniform and put OF
civilians dress, he left his cabin for the
last time. The Marine Guard, under
Captain Shuttleworth, were drawn up OF
the port side Of the quarter deck. Front
ing them, on the starboard side, were ar
ranged the officers, according to rank
The sailors thronged the remainder Of tho
spar deck, with heads uncovered, leaving
a space open to the gangway, where stood
our b atswain, ready to pipe him over th,
side. lt Hl-H .tj lo llaf.-'I
After lingering a short time by the
cabin door to give some direction as to the
disposition of his baggage, the old gen
tleman, alone aud unattended, advanced
to the line of officers aud shook hand'
with each one separately. Upon reach
ing the gangway he raised his hat to the
men, whipped nimbly over the side, ant
entered his barge, which was lying along
side. Tho word, "Lay sloftl" was given
and in an instant every man was in th'
rigging, from truck to dead-eye, and nin'
rousing cheers went up for as good I
man as ever trod war ships deck.