Pensacola Lighthouse: Pages from the Past

From: Collector's Office New Orleans
15 April 1823
To: The collector at Pensacola
Sir: The permanent Light-House at the mouth of the Mississippi has been finished and lighted since the 20th Ultimo. The temporary Light Vessel, Aurora Borealis, under the command of Capt. John Gates, heretofore stationed at the N.E. Pass is now, in obedience to the instructions from Stephen Pleasonton, 5th auditor and acting commissioner of the Revenue, sent to your port to be stationed at such place, as you may consider best, calculated to promote the safety of its navigation. I make no doubt but you will have received instructions from the Department. Capt. Gates will report himself to you, and receive any orders you may please to give him.