Navy Department, January 9, 1862.
Sir: You are hereby appointed to command the Western Gulf Blockading Squadron, and you will proceed to Philadelphia and report to Commodore Pendergrast; and, when the United States steam sloop-of-war Hartford shall be prepared in all respects for sea, you are authorized to hoist your flag on board of that vessel.
The Western Gulf Blockading Squadron commences at, but does not include, St. Andrew’s Bay in West Florida, and extends to the Rio Grande. The coast of Mexico and Yucatan will also be considered within the limits of your command. Further instructions will be issued before your departure.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
Gideon Welles.
Captain D. G. Farragut,
Appointed to command the W. G. B. S.,
Hastings on Hudson.
