Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Lieutenant Brasher, U. S. Navy, commanding U.S. Brig Bainbridge, to protect California steamers.
Navy Department, May 15, 1861.
Sir: Having been appointed to the command of the U.S. brig Bainbridge, you will proceed with that vessel the moment she is ready for sea with all practicable dispatch to Aspinwall, New Grenada. You will remain there with her until otherwise ordered by the Department or the flag-officer of the home or West India Squadron , Captain Pendergrast.
Your principal object at Aspinwall will be the protection of the California steamships with their passengers and treasure against piratical vessels, or vessels sailing under pretended letters of marque issued by the insurrectionary States. Should you fall in with any such vessels, you will promptly seize them and send them either to New York or Boston.
For the present you will send your communications to the Department direct, reserving copies to be handed or forwarded to the flag officer of the squadron when an opportunity may offer.
Before sailing from Boston forward to the Department a muster roll of the Bainbridge and a separate list of her officers. Blanks for the purpose have been transmitted to the commandant of the navy yard, Boston.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
(Gideon Welles
Secretary of the Nary.]
Lieutenant T. M. Brasher,
Commanding U. S. Brig Bainbridge, Boston.