The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-06-18

rected to keep the department advised of |
the condition of affairs; of any cause of APP |
prehension, should any exist.
On the 11th of April directed Commodore
Breese to send two hundred men to Norfolk,
if that number had been enlisted. Com
man6er-now Commodore-Alden, the pre-
sent Chief of the Bureau of Navigation, was
ordered on the same day, the 11th, to report
to Commodore McCauley, to take charge of
the steamer Merrimack, and deliver her over
to the commanding officer at Philadelphia
Orders were sent to Commodore McCauley
at the same time to have the Merri-
mack and Plymouth prepared Immediately
for removal, and that there should be no de-
lay Mr.. sherwood, Chief of the Bureau of
Steam Engineering, was directed on the fol-
lowing day, the 10Th, to proceed to Norfolk
and give his personal attention to putting
the engines of the Merrimack in working
condition.
On the 14th of April Fort Sumter was eva
cuated and on the 10th President Lincoln
issued his proclamation calling for seventy
five thousand troops On the succeeding
day the following letters we're sent, respec-
lively, to Commodore McCauley, command
ing the navy yard, and to Commodore
Pendergrast, commanding the above squad
ron, by the hands of Commodore Pauld-
ing
NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 16, 1861. - Sir: = The
events which have transpired since my confidential
communication to you of the 10th instant impose
additional vigilance and care in protecting the
public property under your charge, and placing the
vessels and stores, If necessary beyond Jeopardy
Referring my letter of the Oth you will continue
to carry out the instructions therein contained The
Engineer-in- Chief, B. +; Sherwood who was des-
patched to Norfolk to aid in putting the Merrimack
In condition to be moved, reports that she will be
ready to take her departure on Thursday. 1t may
not be necessary, however, that she should leave at
that time unless there is immediate danger pend
ing But time should be lost in getting her
armament on board; and you will also place the
more valuable public property, ordnance stores etc.
on shpboard, so that they can at any moment be
moved beyond the reach Of seizure. With diligence
yoer part, it is not anticipated that any sudden
demonstration can be made which will endanger
either the vessels or stores. The Plymouth and Dol
phn should be placed beyond danger of immediate
assault at once, If possible. The Germantown can
receive board stores and ordnance from the yard
and be towed out by the Merrimack il assault is
threatened. Men have been ordered from New
York to man and assist in moving the vessels; but
recent demands have left an insufficient number to
meet the requistion. Under these circumstances
should it become necessary, Commodore Pender-
grast will assist you with men from the Cumberland
You will please to submit this letter and my conf
dental communication OF the 10th to Commodore
Pendergrast,who will assist and cooperate with you
in carrying the views of the department into effect
AS is difficult at this distance to give instructions
in detail the department has thought proper to des
patch Commodo Paulding to Norfolk, who will be
the bearer OF this communication, and explain to
yourself and Commodore Pendergrast the views and
purposes ol the department You will be pleased to
and the interests Of the Government in the present
threatening emergency. The vessels and stores
under your charge you Will defend at any hazard,
repeng by force, II necessary, any and ali attempts
to seize them, whether by mob Violence organized
effort, or any assumed authority.
have the honor to be- very respectfully, yours,
ETC., GIDEON WELLES,
Secretary of the Navy
Commodore c. S. McCauley, Norfolk Virginia.
NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 16, 1861 Sir:-A state
of things has arisen which renders the immediate
departure of the Cumberland as originally intended
ineXpedient. Events OF recent occurrence and the
threatening attitude of affairs in parts of our
country, call for the exercise of great vigilance and
energy at Norfolk. Confidential COMMUNICATIONS
have been heretofore made to Commodore McCauley
ON these subjects, which he will submit to yoH: and
Commodore Paulding, who brings this letter to you
win verbally and more in detail explain the views
Of the department. Please 10 advise freely and fully
with both these gentlemen, and cooperate with
them in defending the vessels and public property
men in the service at that station for moving the
vessels, 1t may become necessary TO render assist
ance from the force under your command.
Until further orders the departure of the Cum
meantime you win lend your assistance and
that OF your command towards putting the ves-
sells now in the yard in condition to be moved
placing the ordnance and ordnance stores on
board for moving, and in case of invasion, in
surrection, OF violence M Of any kind to suppress it.
berand can render effective service and is deemed
fortunate that the Government is enabled to avail
itself OF your service and that OF your command,
this juncture, at Norfolk.
am, sir, respectfully your obedient servant,
GIDEON WELLEs, Secretary OF the Navy.
Commodore G. J. Pendergrast commanding U. S.
sloop Cumberland Norfolk, Virginia.
Commodore Paulding was at that time at
tached to the Navy Department as its detail
ing officer; and lest there should be some
misapprehension, neglect, or wrong, 1 gave
him verbal orders to go to Norfolk, personally
inspect the condition of the navy yard, satisfy
himself of the fidelity and vigilance of the
officers and men, and to consult and advise
at his discretion with Commodores McCauley
and Pendergrast. Many of the most import
ant orders given at that early day were verbal,
unwritten instructions, for great infidelity
| pervaded the departments. Confidence was
impaired, distrust prevailed, and, when
treachery was so extended and deep, pene-
trating every branch of the Government,
extreme caution became necessary in regard
| to every movement.
10th that the Merrimack would probably be
ready for temporary service on the evening
of the next day. Commodore Paulding re-
| turned on the 18th, and made a favorable re-
port of affairs, of the fidelity and Union feel
| ing of the officers in command; said that the
engines of the Merrimack were in order, and
she would leave on the following day. But
! Chief Engineer sherwood returned to Wash
ington the next morning, the 18th, and re-
ported that Commodore McCauley had refused
to permit the Merrimack to depart after her
engines were in order and men to move her
were on board, and had directed the fires that
were kindled to be drawn.
Immediately on receiving this report went
with the President to General Scott to pro-
cure a competent military officer, and, if pos
sible, military force, for the shore defenses
of the navy yard. Information had reached
us that the convention at Richmond had
yielded to secession. We also heard of the
rapid rising of the insurgents, and of their
intention to seize at once Harper's Ferry.