March 24, Thursday. Tom and Admiral Dahlgren returned from Fortress Monroe, but without the remains of young Dahlgren.
We are running short of sailors and I have no immediate remedy. The army officers are not disposed to lose good men, and seem indifferent to the country and general welfare if their service can get along. Commodore Rowan writes that the times of the men are running out and no reenlistments; the army is paying enormous bounties. Between thirty and forty vessels are waiting crews.
