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Porter, David Dixon (1813-1891) to John G. Walker

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03804.10 Author/Creator: Porter, David Dixon (1813-1891) Place Written: Aboard USS "Black Hawk" off Vicksburg, Mississippi Type: Letter signed Date: 16 July 1863 Pagination: 3 p. ; 25.3 x 20 cm. Order a Copy

Written by Acting Rear Admiral Porter as Commander of the Mississippi Squadron to Lieutenant Command Walker, the former commander of the USS "Baron de Kalb," which sunk on its recent excursion up the Yazoo River. Asks him to call on General Grant 24 hours before he is ready to start up the Yazoo River "for the purpose of raising the De Kalb." Porter wants to save the hull of the "Baron de Kalb" if possible. Tells him to get all the materials necessary to do this. Asks him to save the machinery and everything movable on board if he cannot save the hull. Says the "Champion" will be used for a short time to help pump out the "Cincinnati" and then Walker can take command of the "Champion." Wants Walker to take a new torpedo catcher that the staff of Mr. Pickens has developed. When he returns wants him to pick out a good coal barge and place everything in it and get the vessel ready to go up the Red River.

Walker, John

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