Order of Flag-Officer Bell, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. naval forces, Mediterranean Sea, to Commander Palmer, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Iroquois, to proceed without delay to New York.
U. S. Flagship Richmond,
Spezia, May 13, 1861.
Sir: You will get under way as early as possible to-morrow morning and proceed to Leghorn, where I have arranged with the American vice-consul to supply you without delay with coal. As soon after as you are ready in all respects you will proceed to New York, touching on your way either at Gibraltar or Cadiz to replenish your coal. On your way across the Atlantic, if necessary, you can stop either at Madeira or Fayal, according to the route you take, for a further supply. You will exercise your best judgment to make a quick passage, as it is all important that your ship should reach the United States as soon as possible. On your arrival you will report to the Secretary of the Navy and send him a copy of this letter.
Wishing you a safe and quick passage and a happy meeting with your family and friends,
I am very respectfully, yours,
Chas. H. Bell,
Flag-Officer.
P. S.—You will be pleased to write me from Gibraltar or Cadiz , placing your letter in the care of the U. S. consul at Gibraltar, to be handed to me on my arrival at that place.
C. H. B.
Commander J. S. Palmer,
Commanding U. S. S. Iroquois, La Spezia.