Office of the Historian

Commandant Newton, United States Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Totten, United States Navy.

Commandant’s Office,
Navy Yard, Pensacola, August 19, 1849.

Sir: It is of the utmost government importance that the steamer under your command should be prepared for active service with as little delay as possible. You will be pleased, therefore, to have ready, and, if possible, to go to sea some time during the day to-morrow.

[694] *I am, very respectfully, &c.,

  • JOHN THOMAS NEWTON,
    Commandant.
  • Lieutenant-Commandant George M. Totten,
    Commanding Steamer Water Witch, Off Navy Yard, Pensacola.