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Mobile Ala, January 21st 1866. 

Brevet. Maj. Gen. Wager Swayne
Asst. Commissioner Bureau R.F.& A.L. 
Montgomery Alabama, 

General, 
I have the honor to state that I have been aboard the two vessels lying in this Port, and made an examination of them. The transfer to my custody was delayed until Monday morning, on account of the severe storm which prevailed here yesterday. Col. Montaque not wishing to venture out.
  
The Red Gauntlet is a small vessel and much damaged, her bow being broken in and leaking some. She was also injured some on her trip up the river by springing her ribs and will require a considerable outlay to put her in running order.  Her motive power has been splendid but has been much neglected.
 
The Virgin is in much better condition, and is a much larger vessel. These vessels, for the purpose for which they were built (Blockade Running) cannot be surpassed. 

But for commercial purposes in time of peace, are not worth much more than their machinery, on account of the great expense of running them, their chief quality being speed they consume a vast amount of coal. They therefore will not bring at sale as much as vessels differently constructed.
  
The Mary is still lying up the Tombigby River seventy five miles above Gainsville or about four hundred miles above this place with but little prospect of getting down before the March rise. 
Col Montaque informs me there is a crew and