Rear-Admiral Raphael Semmes.
Sir:—You are hereby informed that the President has appointed you, by and with the advice of the Senate, a Rear-Admiral, in the Provisional Navy of the Confederate States, “for gallant and meritorious conduct, in command of the steam-sloop Alabama.” You are requested to signify your acceptance, or non-acceptance of this appointment.
S. R. Mallory,
Secretary of the Navy.
An old and valued friend, Commodore J. K. Mitchell, had been in command of the James River fleet, and I displaced him very reluctantly. He had organized and disciplined the fleet, and had accomplished with it all that was possible, viz., the protection of Richmond by water. I assumed my command on the 18th of February, 1865. My fleet consisted of three iron-clads and five wooden gunboats. I found my old first lieutenant, Kell, who had preceded me to Richmond, and been made a commander, in command of one of the iron-clads, but he was soon obliged to relinquish his command, on account of failing health. As reorganized, the fleet stood as follows:—
Virginia, iron-clad, flag-ship, four guns, Captain Dunnington.
Richmond, iron-clad, four guns, Captain Johnson.
Fredericksburg, iron-clad, four guns, Captain Glassel.
Hampton, wooden, two guns, Captain Wilson, late of the Alabama.
Nansemond, wooden, two guns, Captain Butt.
Roanoke, wooden, two guns, Captain Pollock.