Despatch 39 (1862)

US Ship Colorado
Ship Island, March 22, 1862

Sir

On my arrival at this place, I found the Gun Boat Schooner Kittatinny in a bad state of disorganization, the commander upsetting the officers, and the officers upsetting the commander, and although nothing could have been more embarrassing to me, at this moment as her services are absolutely necessary on the blockage. I was compelled to order a Court of Inquiry, as things had come to such as that it was absolutely necessary to separate the parties. I send you the records of the Court by which you will perceive that there was little or no justification for the high handed measures taken by the Commander in putting in irons the Acting Assistant Surgeon and other arbitrary acts. I have not however thought proper at this moment to remove the Captain from his command, but have ordered his First Officer and the Acting Surgeon to the Calhoun where the service will be much more recognized. If the Asst Surgeon is a man of ability the case be certainly useful at the Hospital at Pilot Town in the River, where I propose to place my sick and wounded.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

Very respectfully
Your obedient servant
D. G. Farragut
Flag Officer
Gulf Blockading Squadron

Honorable Gideon Welles
Secretary of the Navy
Washington DC

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