Extremely interesting material on William A. Webb. As you say, he disappears after leaving the RICHMOND (allegedly due to illness). I had assuemd he was convalescing in Richmond, or perhaps in Goochland County. His travel to London certainly is peculiar; but at least you've got him located for the duration of the war.

In what collection is this letter? (And what was its date?) I'd like to see it, and would certainly need to know how to cite it if I used the information in publication.

And what about Confederate naval officers' oaths of allegiance and applications for pardon? I'm assuming these are in files in the National Archives, but I don't recall seeing a citation that listed the specifics. Any idea?