Office of the Historian

Mr. Preston, Secretary of the Navy, to Commodore Parker, United States Navy.

Navy Department, August 14, 1849.

Sir: The United States steamer Alleghany, under the command of Lieutenant W. W. Hunter, has been directed to proceed to Oat Island, and the mouth of the Mississippi River, and there to report to you for further instructions.

This additional force it has been deemed advisable to send you, in connection with the confidential instructions to your address under date of the 9th instant, and you will be pleased to detain the Alleghany no longer than may be absolutely necessary to accomplish the objects set forth in the order of the 9th instant, before referred to.

She will return to Washington.

Very respectfully, yours, &c.,

  • WM. BALLARD PRESTON.
  • [683] *Commodore F. A. Parker,
    Commanding Home Squadron, off Cat Island,
    Mouth of the Mississippi.