Report of Flag-Officer Bell, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. naval forces, Mediterranean Sea, of his arrival at Gibraltar in the flagship Richmond.1
U. S. Flagship Richmond,
Gibraltar, May 29, 1861.
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that we arrived here yesterday in six and a half days from Genoa. In consequence of thick, foggy weather, I anchored at Malaga for a few hours. I availed myself of this opportunity to communicate to the consulate information received in regard to the probability of privateers being fitted out in Spain to cruise against our commerce in the Mediterranean. I learn here that the Susquehanna left Cadiz for New York on the 19th instant, and the Iroquois on the 25th; this ship will follow to-morrow.
Previous to leaving Genoa we made two attempts, both without success, to raise our propeller. In former communications I informed the Department of this difficulty, and that I intended to dock the ship at Toulon, to have it remedied; but the order to return home, at this important time, did not admit of this delay. We shall have to therefore drag it most of the way across the ocean, as we can not carry coal sufficient to steam the whole distance. This will compel me to stop at Madeira to fill up, but I hope that this detention will not be for more than one day. Under all these circumstances I think the Richmond may be expected to arrive in New York about the 5th of July.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, yours,
Chas. H. Bell,
Flag-Officer, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces, Mediterranean.
Hon. Gideon Welles,
Secretary of the Navy.
…
- Orders had been received on May 4 recalling the ships to the U. S.