DeCamp letter re Cunningham and Briggs

Gulf Squadron
US Flag Ship Estrella
Pensacola Bay
April 4th, 1867

Sir
I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of a letter from Captain J. DeCamp of the Potomac, reporting Acting Third Assistant Engineer J. G. Cunningham and John W. Briggs for violation of orders. These officers just released from arrest and trial by Court Martial, are permitted liberty and their first act is, violating the regulations of the Navy, and the orders of their Commanding Officer.

Mr. Cunningham who is an intemperate man, has been four times tried on this station for offenses consequent on his habits.

Mr. Briggs, a younger man of like habits was recently found guilty by a Court, of an unprovoked attach, and shooting a man very dangerously, for the course taken by the latter in resisting an indecent attack upon a woman.

The present offense I learned indirectly is owning to intemperance, these officers I have been told were seen drunk on shore.

Very Respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
John A. Winslow
Commodore
Commanding Gulf Squadron

Honorable
Gideon Welles
Secretary of the Navy
Washington

US Ship Potomac
Pensacola Bay, April 3 1867

Sir
I have to report John W. Briggs and J. G. Cunningham, Third Assistant Engineers, for violating the rules and regulations of the service and setting at defiance the discipline of the ship.

On the 31st March Mr. Briggs and Mr. Cunningham went on shore, by permission, to remain until nine o'clock PM. They each remained on shore more than twenty four hours after liberty had expired, not returning to the ship until ten o'clock at night on the first instant.

Those gentlemen are suspended by my order to await your decision.

Very Respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
J. DeCamp
Captain

Commodore
John A Winslow, USN
Commanding Gulf Squadron