Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 02.djvu/254

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244
Southern Historical Society Papers.


circumstances under which he was placed, was all that could be expected by the country and the naval service of a capable and gallant officer.

S. Barron,

Flag Officer, President of the Court.

Geo. Lee Brent, Recorder.


Navy Department, March 17, 1863.

Proceedings and, finding approved. Office of Orders and Detail will dissolve the court.

S. R. Mallory, Secretary of the Navy.

Confederate States Navy Department,
Office of Orders and Detail,

Richmond, March 18, 1863.

Flag Officer S. Barron, Commanding, &c.:

Sir—The naval court of inquiry on Commander Mitchell, of which you are the presiding officer, is hereby dissolved.

This court convened in this city on the 5th day of January, and has been continued thus long in session, awaiting the attendance of General Mansfield Lovell and Lieutenant-Colonel Edward Higgins, who were summoned to appear before it as witnesses, by orders from the War Dopartment.

Learning that one of these gentlemen, Lieutenant-Colonel Higgins, cannot be spared from his present command, and that General Lovell has made no answer to the summons from the War Department, although they have been more than two months since summoned again and again, there is no course left but to dissolve the court, which is done accordingly, and you will so inform the members and the judge advocate.

You will be pleased to have this letter, or a certified copy, spread upon the records of the court.

Respectfully your obedient servant,
F. Forrest, Chief of Bureau.

The foregoing is ordered to be published for the information of all whom it may concern.

S. R. Mallory, Secretary of the Navy.