Commandant Newton, United States Navy, to Commander Randolph, United States Navy.
Navy Yard, Pensacola , August 18, 1849.
Sir: You will proceed with the United States sloop-of-war Albany, under your command, and carry out, as far as practicable, the instructions of the honorable Secretary of the Navy, addressed to Commodore Foxhali A. Parker, commanding the home squadron, a copy of which instructions is contained in the accompanying parcel, and which you are hereby expressly enjoined not to open until after you have discharged the pilot.
[693] The schooner Flirt is daily expected here, and I will *send her to join you to assist in carrying out the views and wishes of the Department.
[Page 705]You will not fail to communicate to the Department, direct, any information you may obtain relative to the important object for which you are sent, and at the same time forward to me duplicates of your report, &c.
I must refer you to the honorable Secretary of the Navy’s instruction for your further government.
When in want of stores and provisions, you will return again to this port.
Wishing you a pleasant cruise. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
- JOHN THOMAS NEWTON,
Commandant. - Commander V. M.
Randolph,
Commanding United States Sloop Albany,
Off Navy Yard, Pensacola.