Item No. 1459906

Autograph letter signed by Lieutenant Commander Samuel Magaw, written aboard the U.S. Steamer Yankee on December 10, 1862, to Commodore Andrew A. Harwood, commanding the Potomac Flotilla. Penned just one day before Union forces crossed the Rappahannock River to begin the Battle of Fredericksburg, the letter offers a detailed account of naval preparations supporting General Ambrose Burnside’s campaign.

Magaw reports the disposition of the Union gunboats on the Rappahannock, noting that the Yankee, Anacostia, Satellite, Jacob Bell, Cdr. Leon, and Teazer were already in line, while the Carrituck and Thomas Freeborn were expected to arrive shortly. He outlines plans to establish a signal station at Port Conway to communicate through General William B. Franklin’s command directly with Burnside’s headquarters, writing, “If so, we can open communications by that means through Genl Franklin’s Division to Head-Quarters, thence by telegraph with you.”

The letter also contains valuable intelligence observations made immediately before the battle. Magaw remarks that Confederate troops opposite the flotilla appeared to be actively signaling, adding, “I think we have their signal code… I think this signaling is a ruse and that the force of the Enemy here and below has been withdrawn and gone above opposite Genl Franklin. This, however, is conjecture.” He further reveals one of the flotilla’s greatest concerns, confessing, “My great sense of uneasiness is Ice. I dream of it, but you may rest assured that we will do our best.”

In addition to operational matters, Magaw discusses provisioning the flotilla, the establishment of communications with Burnside’s army, rumors that Harwood might relinquish command of the Potomac Flotilla, and notes that Union cavalry foraging parties were supplying the gunboats with fresh provisions.

The letter was written upon three pages of a four-page letter sheet measuring about 5” x 8”. Briefly docketed on reverse. Creased at the original folds. The letter’s full transcript follows below.

Unofficial

U.S. Steamer “Yankee”
Dec 10th 1862
Oaken Brow

Dear Sir:
The “Wyandank” will leave for the Potomac to-morrow morning. We will have at least one month’s provision. The coal you sent from the Yard is here, but we had coaled from a private coal vessel, and I was obliged to use her, when discharged, to lighten the “Wyandank” when askew below in an exposed position. Act’g Master Shankland sent the telegram to you before I arrived. I write you daily & if anything important occurs I will send a telegram to the first station by courier. The Yankee, Anacostia, Satellite, Jacob Bell, Cdr Leon, & Teazer or now in line. I am expecting the Canituck and Freeborn in the morning. I shall keep one or two vessels moving down as far as Lowry point every day. I have the Signal Officers whom I requested Genl Burnside to detail, and to-morrow I will see if we cannot have a station for one on a Church at Port Conway. If so, we can open communications by that means through Genl Franklin’s Division to Head-Quarters, thence by telegraph with you. The Enemy on the hills opposite appear to pass this time in making signals. I think we have their signal code, but I will tell you of this matter in my next letter. I think this signaling is a ruse and that the force of the Enemy here and below has been withdrawn and gone above opposite Genl Franklin. This, however, is conjecture. My great sense of uneasiness is Ice. I dream of it, but you may rest assured that we will do our best. I enclose you a note from the General. It is characteristic, and I hope you will keep it for me. The vessels not protected by boiler iron on their bows show even what thin flow ice will do. There is a rumor that you will give up the Command of the Flotilla. If this is true, and it is again given to a Lieut. Comd’r, I hope your favorable recommendation. There will be no waste of ammunition. The Cavalry are doing a large foraging business on the neck and supply us so we have plenty of marketing.
I have the honor to be
Yours faithfully
Samuel Magaw
Lt Comd’r

Commo. A. A. Harwood,
Comd’g Potomac Flotilla