Barney to William H. Morris, February 5, 1864

Mr. Barney to Captain Morris

My Dear MORRIS: I have intended writing to you for several days, but postponed it until I could hear something definite from Nantes. I received your letter this morning, and was sorry to hear that you had been sick. I hope you will soon get to sea, and the change will be beneficial to you.

Reissetson is here, and reports all ready for you. You are to telegraph when ready, as agreed upon. I told him you would not be ready before next Tuesday, I thought. I am sorry to hear of the ill success of the Blower. Bullock says the Florida’s engines were only intended to work up to sixty-five revolutions, and any increase above that mark must be very racking, and should only be resorted to on an emergency. Her maximum speed under steam alone was estimated ten knots. I represented to Bullock that your money chest would be pretty low, and he kindly consented to pay for the carriages. You will approve You bills, and B. will pay them, and so give you a little more money to cruise on.

I am very sorry to hear of the bad behavior of Hawthorne. He promised very fair when I released him. I hope when you get to sea your men will settle down, and by firm and judicious treatment become a good crew. I wrote you about the engineer’s allotments. I find the men are also allowed to leave them. But I suppose there are none of your new men who have been familiar in England. I scarcely think it worthwhile to give them the chance of swindling the government.

There was one man of the old crew who wanted to send money to his mother in Ireland. I forget his name. Averett will know whom I mean. You might let him know quietly that he could leave an allotment. Jones & Co., of Liverpool, act as attorneys for the men of the other ships, and pay the money to their friends in any part of Great Britain, and will do the same service for the Florida. The ticket must be made payable to J. & Co., or any one else in Liverpool, and the person to whom it is to be sent, and his or her place of residence given The amount is sent at the expense of the government. Captain Blakely requests Captain M. F. Maury to caution our officers against overloading his guns, and he adds: “In the Florida we constantly fire twenty pounds of powder from my 6-inch gun, only of cast-iron, banded with steel.” I thought the pivot guns were seven inches, and know he is mistaken about the twenty-pound charges. Ask Averett to give me the true state of the case. What is the diameter of bore of the pivots ?

Remember me kindly to the doctor. I received his note and remittance, and the money and likenesses by Mr. Hough. I don’t think that of you, sent to-day, very good. I gave Seme one; he is well and his family. Young Trenholm has improved very much since I first came up, but still looks delicate. Kind regards to Averett and all hands. My health is improving, but I still suffer much at times. I am at a loss what to do with myself. There is nothing new here. I am glad the things I sent were satisfactory. If I can do anything else for you command me. I hope to hear from you before you leave.

Wishing you every success, I am, very truly, yours,