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[First Letter]

Duplicate C. S Navy Department, OFFICE OF ORDNANCE AND HYDROGRAPHY. Richmond, January 11th , 1864

Sir: The rapid progress now being made in England and France in the construction of Ordnance, and in all that relates to the armaments and shield defences of vessels of war, renders it extremely important that one of the Naval Officer’s abroad should be directed to procure for this Office such information on these points as may be required to enable us to apply our means to the best advantage. A supply of standard works embracing all branches of art and manufactures connected with the construction of guns, projectiles. fuzes, powder, timber work, mining &c. is much needed. Lieut. Murdaugh who is familiar with the subject and peculiarly well qualified for the work has expressed his willingness to undertake it. I therefore request that if not incompatible with the interests of the Government he be assigned to this duty until such time as his services may be required for other purposes.

Commander Bullock will be instructed to supply such funds as may be necessary , not exceeding amount of L 500, which it is presumed will be found sufficient.

Respectfully Your obt. Servt John M. Brooke Commander in charge

Com: S. Barron C. S. Navy England.

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Brooke to Barron Jany 11 1864

From Miss J. B.

[Second Letter]

C. S. Navy Department OFFICE OF ORDNANCE AND HYDROGRAPHY Richmond, February 3rd, 1864.

Sir: I enclose a list of books required for this Office which you are requested to have purchased by the Officer who may be selected to attend to the pur chase of the standard works referred to in the letter to you of the 11th Ultimo, duplicate of which is forwarded by the mail which takes this letter.

Respectfully Your obt. servt. John M. Brooke Commander in Charge

Comm: S. Barron C.S. Navy England

(over)

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Brooke to Barron Feb. 3d 1864

From Miss J.B.

[Third Letter]

C. S Navy Department OFFICE OF ORDNANCE AND HYDROGRAPHY Richmond, February 12th, 1864

Commodore: I have to request that you will transmit to the Officer detailed by you to attend to Naval Ordnance matters abroad, the accompanying letter of instructions re: -lating to the purchase and shipment of material for cartridge bags now much needed

Mess. Fraser, Trenhom & Co will pay bills for the same under general instructions from Departments Appropriations, “Ordnance.”

By direction of The Secretary

Very respectfully Your Obt Servt. John M Brooke Commander in charge

Com S. Barron C. S. Navy England

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Brooke to Barron Feb. 12 1864

From Miss J.B.

[Fourth Letter}

C. S. Navy Department OFFICE OF ORDNANCE AND HYDROGRAPHY Richmond, March 18th, 1864

[?]

Sir: Four complete sets of the articles, except Machinery, enumerated in the accompanying list are to be carefully selected by a Naval Officer or a com: -petent person under the supervision of a Naval Officer, to be designated by Com: Barron, or in the event of his absence by Commander M. F. Maury, and shipped as follows:

Two sets to Nassau N.P. consigned to L. Heyliger Esq. Agent Navy Department, and

Two sets to Bermuda, consigned to Lieut. J. Fry, or in the event of his absence to Norman S. Walker Esq., to be shipped at those points for a Confederate port in single sets, consigned to this Office. Thus the whole number of articles purchased, excepting machinery, will be four times that of the list, the object being to secure the safe arrival of at least one fourth, if not a greater proportion of the whole quantity required.

The machinery and its belting (exclusive of other belt: -ing) which it is estimated will cost about $26,000, will be re-shipped for a Confederate port. Should there be however a vessel under the control of the Navy Department, sailing from England, the machinery and

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and one set of the articles before referred to may be sent direct in her.

You will certify all bills for purchases made under this order, and present them to Commander Bullock, who will direct Mess. Fraser Trenholm & Co to pay them from the proceeds of sales of cotton on account of the appropriation of Ordnance for the Navy.

Respectfully Your Obt. Sevt John M. Brooke Commander in charge

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C. S. Navy Department OFFICE OF ORDNANCE AND HYDROGRAPHY Richmond, ,186

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Brooke to Barron March 18 1864

From Miss J.B.