Thursday, January 24, 2013

1863 January 12 U.S. Steamer "Currituck"

[from the letterbook of Captain Thomas J. Linnekin]

                                                U.S. Steamer "Currituck"
                                                            Dividing Creek, Va.
                                               January 12  " 1863

Sir
                                 I beg to report on my arrival here from
information obtained from a Negro I proceeded to the
South West Branch, and found a large Manufactory for
Salt in a Steam Saw Mill owned by a man named
Oscar Yerby.  he has been extensively engaged in Supplying
Richmond with Salt.  I sent a party on shore in charge
of the executive Officer to destroy the work  they
destroyed all the Kettles &c with the Exception of the
Boiler, which they were unable to destroy owing
to its being very heavily bricked round and unless
we burned the Mill and a large quantity of Lumber
        I left word for Yerby to discontinue the Manufactory
of Salt. Otherwise I would raise all his buildings
to the ground at some future day.
      I also ascertained that vessels run in here, with
Contraband Goods, very frequently, furnishing the
inhabitants with all they needed.  Not having
any chart of the place I did not venture in until
to day.  the weather being so moderate I successfully
Entered.  now that I am acquainted with the Entrance
to the Creek I shall Keep a sharp look out, as
long as I am on this Station.

                                             Very Respectfully
                                                    Your obt Servant
                                                       T. J. Linnekin
                                                   acting Master Comdg.

To Commodorre
    A.A. Harwood
Comdg Potomac Flotilla
           Washington
                            D.C.

MSS  15134

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