This letter, framed and double-sided, was written by an aide and signed by Admiral Farragut on 14 September 1864. Five and a half weeks earlier, also on board the Hartford and also in Mobile Bay, Admiral Farragut uttered one of the most memorable phrases in United States military history: Damn the torpedoes. Full speed ahead!

Farragut wrote this letter to order the renaming of several naval vessels to commemorate the recent Battle of Mobile Bay. It reads in part:

I herewith enclose an order Acting Master Jno R. Hamilton, Comdg the Commodore, informing him of the change in the name of his vessel. Also by order of the Department, the side-wheel steamer Tennessee will hereafter be called the Mobile , and the supply steamer Admiral the Fort Morgan.