Sir:—Your letter of the 20th ultimo reporting your arrival at Pensacola is received.
You are to-day detached from the "Tacony" and ordered to duty on the U.S.S. "Piscataqua," as Fleet Captain under Rear-Admiral Rowan, appointed to command the Asiatic Squadron.
In relieving you from the "Tacony" the Department embraces the opportunity of conveying to you its approbation of the manner in which you have discharged the responsible and delicate duties which have devolved upon you as the commanding American naval officer off Vera Cruz at an interesting and eventful period, when important occurrences were transpiring and decisive and correct action were required. For the discretion and zeal manifested by you, the Department takes this opportunity to express its acknowledgment, and the new and more enlarged duties assigned you indicate the confidence reposed in your intelligence and judgment.
Commander F. A. Roe,
U.S. Navy, Pensacola, Fla.
A proud moment must it have been for the commander when he read that letter from the head of the department, to whom he was directly responsible for correct interpretation and faithful execution of orders. Nor did the meed of praise flow only from that high source. On reaching Washington the Secretary of State introduced him to Mr. John-
