Chapter XXXIX: Preface (8)

“The howitzers must keep up a constant fire from the time they can
reach with shrapnel until out of its range.” * * * * “There are
certain black buoys placed by the enemy across the channel, from
the piles on the west side of the channel towards Fort Morgan. It
being understood that there are torpedoes and other obstructions
between the buoys, the vessels will take care to pass eastward of the
easternmost buoy, which is clear of all obstructions. The Admiral
will endeavor to remove the others before the day of attack, as he
thinks they support that which will otherwise sink, and at least
to destroy them for guides to the demons who hope to explode them.
So soon as the vessel is opposite the end of the piles, it will be
best to stop the propeller of the ship, and let her run in with her
headway and the tide, and those having side-wheel gun-boats will
continue on with the aid of their paddles, which are not likely to
foul with their drag-ropes.

D. G. FARRAGUT,
_Rear-Admiral, Commander Western Gulf Squadron_.

P. S.--Carry low steam.