NAVY DEPARTMENT
April 5, 1861
CONFIDENTIAL
To: Commander S. C. ROWAN, Commanding U. S. S. Pawnee, Norfolk
SIR : After the Pawnee shall have been provisioned at Norfolk you will proceed with her to sea and on the morning of the 11th instant appear off Charleston bar, 10 miles distant from and due east of the light-house, where you will report to Captain Samuel Mercer, of the Powhatan, for special service. Should he not be there, you will await his arrival.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant
GIDEON WELLES,
Secretary Navy