West, Lewis H., 1829-? to Weir

References Weir's poor health. Says "The only difference between the blockade here now, and last year is, that if possible it is more inefficient than it was. It seems to me that the slowest ships and the thickest headed commanding officers are always specially selected for duty." Is pessimistic about the future because of the leadership of Hunter and Turner specifically. Says there have been recent changes in their blockading system due to intelligence of the many ships reaching Nassau from Charleston, but he doubts they will amount to much. Says his captain is energetic and vigilant. Says he saw him spend "Hour after hour, sometimes the entire night when the weather was such as to favor blockade runners, have I seen him spend on deck sweeping the horizon with his glass." Says his captain is not as successful because he has a slow ship and has to deal with red tape. Tells of some incidents of recent attempts to run the blockade by Confederate ships. Continues letter on 15 March. Has heard Congress passed the conscription bill and says "There will be some 'skedadling' now among some of the 'peace democrats.'" Disparages "gentlemen," who thought the army or the navy would be more comfortable than it really is. Written while aboard the USS "Ladona"