EXECUTIVE MANSION, April 1, 1861. SIR: You will proceed to New York, and with the least possible delay assume command of any naval steamer available. Proceed to Pensacola Harbor, and at any cost or risk prevent any expedition from the mainland reaching Fort Pickens or Santa Rosa.
You will exhibit this order to any naval officer at Pensacola if you deem it necessary [after you have established yourself within the harbor*], and will request cooperation by the entrance of at least one other vessel. This order, its object, and your destination will be communicated to no person whatever until you reach the harbor of Pensacola.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
Lieutenant B. D. PORTER, U. S. Navy.
Recommended:
WM. H. SEWARD.
*an act of war- The Powhatan's 10 9-inch SBs and 1 11-inch pivot were all loaded with canister and were to fire upon the Confederate guns along the shore, this was a suicide mission meant to start the war. Meigs knew the plan and since the Fort Pickens had already been reenforced cut Porter off from making the attempt.
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Order of the President of the United States to the commandant Navy Yard, New York, regarding the fitting out of the U. S. S. Powhatan.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, April 1, 1861. SIR: You will fit out the Powhatan without delay. Lieutenant Porter will relieve Captain Mercer in command of her. She is bound on secret service, and you will under no circumstances communicate to the Navy Department the fact that she is fitting out.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
COMMANDANT NAVY YARD, New York.
[Lincoln had issued two orders for the Powhatan, one secret through Porter and Meigs (unknown to its superiors) to attack Pensacola and one to the Dept. of the Navy to Sec. Welles, Welles attached the Powhatan to Fox's expedition as the main combat ship in his fleet...no one told Fox until after the Powhatan was taken from him and he never knew until after Fort Sumter had been evacuated.]
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David Upton