Year: 1862

the destruction of rebel vessels was duty
Money could create q navy; but no wealth
could call into immediate requisition educated
naval officers of experience such as these men
possessed.


1t b true thousands of energetic mercantile
marine officers rendered themselves but there
were very few of them who were able
to discharge the duties devolving upon
regular naval officers. These ex-oficers
willingly went to the performance Of ar
duous and hazardous duties in q rank far
beneath their former standing on the Naval
Register never hesitating for an instant, but
trusting that their services would ct least be
appreciated by the country which they we're
defending 1T the peril Of their health and lives.
Congress. at its last session, refused to con
firm the restoration Of these brave officers to
rank they formerly held in the naval service,
on the ground that if they were restored 1t
would impede the advancement of their juniors,
forgetting that it would be great public ca
ianl'ty to lose the talents experience, paval
intelligence end service Of these men; and yet,
Dy refusing to restore them, they are excluded
from the navy.


Is it forgotten that the places of those who
deserted the flag to which they owed every
thing they are that is good were at that time
vacant, and would it have been too much for
Congress to have placed these loyal and eff
cient men in those places? Did they not deserve
some reward for their integrity? But an un-
grateful body Of men often forget those to
whom they owe their very lives, and so it
was with Congress. The loyal people would
have rejoiced to see these men put into the
places left vacant by the dsloyal deserters.


The action of Congress was not only unjust,
but ungrateful, and its bad effects will at some
period be made manifest, and at a time when
we are least prepared to have it affect us. We
want such officers, and we need more of them.
The condition of our country is such that we
cannot afford to lose them, and by refusing to
restore them is virtually disniissing them from
the navy. The public appreciate the services
of these men-men some of whose names
will be found in every important naval en-
gagement of the war-at Hatteras, Port Royal,
Roanoke, New Orleans and on the Western
waters. The operations on the coast of Texas,
which have resulted so successfully, were under
the charge of.Richard T. Renshaw, who had
previously distinguished himself before the
forts at the approach to New Orleans. Joseph
P. Sandford rendered efficient and brilliant SER
vices on the Western waters and to him the
country is much indebted for the efficiency Of
the Memphis has always been noted for his
activity


We might mention each one of these gentle
mems services, showing in each case brilliant
career in the war; The Navy Department is not
insensb!e to the worth of these men, and de-
sires to retain them. Their early record and
their unfinching integrity to their flag are
guarantees of their future An injustice has
been done these brave officers, and the last to
take offence at their restoration will be their
junior brother officers. Worth is appreciated
by naval men, and let Congress do its just duty,
and naval officers will be encouraged the peo-
pie pleased, justice satisfied, and Congress will
have redeemed some of its character for in
gratitude


There are also large number of volunteer
officers who have distinguished themselves, and
deserve, from their ability, talents, skill and
character, to be attached to the regular service;
and when the question is brought up let justice
be done to them also.