As the war is likely to continue for two or three years yet, it would be an useless expense to keep a vessel so comparatively worthless so long at her anchors.

I will cause to be sent to the Alabama her chronometers, charts, &c., and I will transfer to the vessel her remaining officers and crew.
In conclusion, permit me to thank you very sincerely for this new proof of your confidence, and for your kind intention to nominate me as one of the "Captains" under the new Navy Bill.
I trust I shall prove myself worthy of these marks of your approbation.
(Signed) R.SEMMES.
Hon.

S.Mallory, Sec.

of the Navy..