The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1912-02-01

Right. here l wish to make a correc-
ton: have inadvertently mentioned the
names of Farragut as Admiral and that
of Bailey as Commodore. But that is
incorrect. There was no such rank in
the U. S. Navy at that time There was
no rank above that of Captain. The
officer who commanded Squadron bore
the title of Flag Officer, and all commu-
nications addressed to Captain Farragut
by the Navy Department We're directed
as follows: Captain David G. Farragut,
Commanding West Gulf Squadron. After
the capture of New Orleans Congress
created three higher grades, viz, Com
modore, Rear Admiral and Ad-
miral. The latter grade was Gre
ated for Farragut alone. There was
to be, but one Admiral, and after the
death of that brave officer that grade
was abolished by Congress, but was re-
vived again at the time of the Spanish
war, and Admiral Dewey holds that rank
today. Whether or not Rear Admiral
Sampson held it for the short time that
he lived after the Spanish war l am I'M
able to say. But to return to the subject.
Captain Bailey at once demanded the
unconditional surrender of the city to
the Flag officer-Farragut's fleet; but
Mayor Monroe took the ground that he,
as Mayor, had no authority to surrender
the city; that as General Lowell had not
yet left the city the demand should be
made on him, and at the Captains re-
quest the Mayor sent for the General,
who in few moments appeared with his
staff. General Lowell said he would not
surrender the city, adding that he had
already withdrawn his troops beyond the
limits of the city, thus leaving the Mayor
the only person in authority to do so.
But the Mayor persisted that it was not
for him to surrender the city; that the
conquering fleet had the power to take
immediate possession, and could do so at
will, and that he should not surrender
the city. This ended the interview, and
Captain Bailey and Lieut.. Perkins re-
turned to their ship, escorted to the
levee by General Lowell and staff; and
Capt. Bailey reported to the Flag officer
that he found no one to surrender the
city,
Following is letter from the Mayor
to the common council of New Orleans:
CITY HALL, Apr. 25, 1862.
Gentlemen: At half past l O'Clock P.
M. today, | was waited on by Captain
Bailey, second in command of the FEEDER
al fleet, now laying in front of our city,
bearing a demand from Flag Officer
Farragut for the unconditional surrender
of the city Of New Orleans, and the
hosting of the United States flag on the
custom house, post Office and mint. He
also demanded that the Louisiana flag be
hauled down from the city hall.
l replied that General Lowell was in
command here; that l was without au-
thority to act in military matters. Cen
eral Lowell was sent for, and to him,
after stating that his mission was to the
mayor and council, Captain Bailey ad-
dressed his demands.
| General Lowell refused to surrender
the city or his forces, or any part of
them, but accompanied his refusal with
the statement that he should evacuate
the city, withdraw his troops and leave
the city authorities to act as they might
deem proper. 1t is proper here to state
the flag from the city hall l returned an
unqualified refusal. am now in momen-
tary expectation Of receiving second
peremptory demand for the surrender of
the city. solicit your advice in this emer-
gency. My own opinion is that as civil
Magistrate, possessed of no military
power, l am incompetent to perform
military act, such as the surrender of
the city to hostile force; that it would
be proper to say in reply to demand of
that character, that we are without mill
tary protection, that the troops have
withdrawn from the city, that we are
consequently incapable of making any
resistance; that, therefore, we can
offer no obstruction to the occupation of
the city by the enemy; that the custom
house, post Office and mint are the prop
erty of the Confederate Government;
that we have no control over them, and
that all acts involving a transfer of au-
thority be performed by the invading
| forces themselves; that we yield to ply
seal force alone, and that we maintain
our allegiance to the Government of the
Confederate States. Beyond this a due
respect for our dignity, our rights, and
the flag of our country think does not
permit us to go. Respectfully,
JOHN 7. MONROE, Major.
Per MARION BAKER, Secretary.
Following are the resolutions of the
common council of New Orleans, regard
ing non-resistance:
MAYoRALTY OF New ORLEANS,
City Hall, April 26, 1862.
The common council of New Orleans,
having been advised by the military au-
thorities that the city is indefensible,
declare that no resistance will be made
to the forces of the United States.
Resolved, That the sentiments express
ed in the message of his honor the mayor
to the common council are in perfect ac-
cordance with the sentiments entertain
ed by these councils and by the entire
population of this metropolis, and that
the mayor be respectfully requested to
act in the spirit manifested by the mes
sage. S. P. DELABARRE,
President of Board of Aldermen
]. MAGRONI,
President of Board of Asst. Alderman