who ever served under him, pushed the repairs on the Queen with all the means at his command. Great wood fires were lighted on the shore, and the work continued day and night; and when, on the 19th February, the Queen left Alexandria, work was still going on, and mechanics were carried down to complete her while steaming towards the enemy.
The capture of the Indianola restored to the Confederates for several weeks the command of the Mississippi river between Vicksburg and Port Hudson, and General Taylor was able to forward immense supplies to Port Hudson and Vicksburg, which enabled the defence of these strongholds to be protracted.
But in the spring Admiral Farragut came up from the Gulf, and gave his hand to Admiral Porter, and the great river passed from the power of the Confederates.
Yours, respectfully,
Ashland, La. (New River P. O.), March 31, 1875.
(Copy.)
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******** III. Major J. L. Brent will take supreme command of the two gunboats, the Queen of the West, Captain James McCloskey commanding, and the Webb, Captain Pierce.
He will apply to Major W. M. Levy, commanding post at Fort DeRussey, for such aid and assistance as he may require for fitting out the expedition in the shortest possible space of time, which will be rendered by Major Levy to the extent of his means.
So soon as the boats shall be ready for service, Major Brent will proceed down Red river, taking with him the steamer Grand Duke, if deemed advisable, and into the Mississippi in search of the enemy's gunboat.
In the event of her capture or destruction, Major Brent will act in accordance with the verbal instructions of the Major-General commanding, or in such other manner as circumstances may direct.
By command of Major-General Taylor.
