Series I - Volume 21: West Gulf Blockading Squadron (January 1, 1864 - December 31, 1864) Page 369

Letter from Captain Drayton, U. S. Navy, to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding pilot for Mobile Bay.

U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Pensacola, July 17, 1864.

My DEAR ADMIRAL: As you said you wanted pilots, I have picked on up one highly recommended by Freeman as knowing every foot of Mobile Bay, and who besides is a pretty good bar pilot. He would, perhaps, do for the Manhattan or Brooklyn. He was in General Asboth's employ, who was very loath to part with him.

He is entirely without clothes and you will be obliged to order some given him.

Yours, very respectfully, P. DRAYTON. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT.

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Asboth was all over the Pensacola area, hiring men to cut timber to repair the forts, etc., etc.

David