Booth and the U.S. Navy

[RJNorton]

John, I found this order from Gideon Welles:

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NAVY DEPARTMENT,

Washington, D. C., April 22, 1865 - 9 p. m.

Lieutenant-Commander EASTMAN, U. S. Navy,

U. S. Steamer Don, Saint Indigoes, Md.:

Booth was near Bryantown last Saturday, where Doctor Mudd set his ankle, which was broken by a fall from his horse. The utmost vigilance is necessary in the Potomac and Patuxent to prevent his escape. All boats should be searched for and destroyed, and a daily and nightly patrol established on both shores. Inform the people that more than $100,000 is offered for him. Allow none of your boats to leave, except for search elsewhere.

GIDEON WELLES.