Letter
Edwin V. Sumner to U. S. Collector, June 6, 1861
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE PACIFIC,
San Francisco, June 6, 1861.
IRA P. RANKIN, Esq., U. S. Collector, San Francisco, Cal.:
SIR: In a conversation yesterday with Doctor Rabe, U. S. marshal, he said you were thinking about chartering a small steamer as a revenue cutter until the revenue cutter belonging to the Government could be repaired. I do not wish to have or exercise any influence in your department, but I have no hesitation in saying that I think a cutter of some kind for the use of the custom-house and the marshal is very necessary at this particular time. I would respectfully suggest that if you should determine to charter a vessel for the purpose, it would be well to report the fact immediately to Washington for the sanction of the proper authorities.
very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. V. SUMNER,
Brigadier-General, U. S. Army, Commanding.
Brigadier-General, U. S. Army, Commanding.
Editor's Notes
From: Operations in Charleston Harbor, S.C., 1861. Location: San Francisco. Summary: E. V. Sumner advises U.S. Collector Ira P. Rankin on the urgent need to charter a temporary revenue cutter and recommends promptly notifying Washington for approval.
Topics
Sources
The War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 1
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