I went down to my cabin, opened the letter, and read:—
A. V. Lieut. Robert Kelson, Commanding U. S. S. Benton:
Sir,—Upon the receipt of this order you will at once detach your executive officer and order him to proceed immediately, without any delay, in the tug Rover up the river to the U. S. S. Brilliant, where he will take command of that vessel, putting her commanding officer, Acting Master Daniel Glenny, in close confinement.
When this duty is accomplished send the Rover back to me here.
Very Respt’y,
Yr. Obt. Servant,
(Signed) Henry W. Morris,
Commodore Commanding West Gulf Squadron.
Here was a pretty kettle of fish! And what did it all mean? I touched my bell. “Orderly, send the captain of the Rover down here to me.”
The ensign in command of the tug came down to my cabin. “Captain,” said I, “do you know what duty you are on?”