West, Lewis H. (b. 1829) to R. West
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03836.16 Author/Creator: West, Lewis H. (b. 1829) Place Written: Alexandria, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 17 August 1861 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; 24.6 x 19.6 cm. Order a Copy
Says their commander will be changed again. Says his ship has had 4 captains since he has been assigned to her. Reports that their first lieutenant will not leave as he is very young, but that he has improved discipline greatly. Wants a young commander to become captain, as their last 2 were in the service for 30 years before taking command. Says it "is a ruinous system truly, where [a] man loses the most energetic part of his life in subordinate positions, before he can command even a little vessel like this." Says the blockade is ineffective. Claims the commerce of the South to be shut down, but that privateers come and go as they please. Blames officers for the situation and claims the navy "will probably have very different notions about duty before this war is over." Reports that the government is relying on merchant marine men to fill the officers corps. Mentions the sad loss of General Lyon in Missouri. Mentions McClellan's address to "the mutinous 79th." Expresses anger at the secessionists who are allowed to advocate their cause behind Union lines.
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