1862 June 9 Washington, D.C.

By Telegraph from Washington June 9th 1862

To Col Chas Ellet Comdg

       Ram Fleet 

           Memphis

The news of your glorious achievement at Memphis reached here last 

evening and our joy was only dampened by your personal injury.  You

will accept for yourself, and return to your officers, Engineers, 

pilots, soldiers and boatmen the cordial thanks of the department for 

the gallantry, courage and skill manifested on that occasion.  When

your official report is received official recognition will be made of

their respective merits.  I went in the evening to your house and as

carefully as I could communicated to Mrs Ellet your injury.  She was

of course deeply affected but bore the information with as much spirit

and courage as could be expected.  It is her design to proceed im-

mediately to join you.  I have furnished her with a pass and free

passage and she will be accompanied by your daughter. I hope you will

keep me advised of your state of health and everything you want.

To my official thanks I beg to add my personal regards.

                                                                Edwin M. Stanton

                                                                          Secretary of War

U.S. Military Telegraph

Telegraph copied at later date by family member

MSS 276