Lewis feared that his flotilla would be greatly weakened through drafts of his crews for other duties These fears were realized when he was asked to recruit for the Lake Champlain service. Secretary of Navy William Jones also didn't spare New York from the gunboat reduction order.
On 26 February, he was ordered to further reduce his force to fifteen gun vessels.
Public reaction to this reduction was not very favorable.
In February 6, 1863, he wrote to Secretary Jones saying that he still needed 350 men but that the Rendezvous (place to get recruits) in New York City was closed for lack of money to pay the recruits. "I am very much apprehensive that the Flotilla which I have the honor to Command will fall very short of that state of preparation which may be expected...."
--Brock-Perry
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