CHAPTER XIII.
OPERATIONS IN NORTH CAROLINA AND SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA.
August 1, 1861-January 11, 1862.
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CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE.

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HEADQUARTERS, Bethel Church, August 8, 1861.

Dr. N. S. CROWELL, Medical Director of Department:

SIR: I am directed by General Magruder to say to you that they report to him that there are 1,800 sick at Yorktown; that there is a great deficiency in medical supplies for the different regiments. The supplies sent for the regiment under my care have been totally inadequate. I am without morphine, no alcohol to make tinctures with, and have never {p.633} had but three pints. Not less than half my regiment are unfit for duty. I am greatly in need of a good supply of medicine.

C. H. RICHARDSON, Surg. Sixth Georgia Vols., and Act. Med. Dir. in the Field.

[Indorsement.]

SURGEON-GENERAL’S OFFICE, August 22, 1861.

The medical purveyor reports that the bulk of supplies for 10,000 men (General Magruder’s command) were turned over for shipment to the quartermaster on the 8th and 9th instant; the balance of those supplies on the 21st instant, and that a special agent, with certain articles, was dispatched yesterday.

Respectfully returned,

S. P. MOORE, Acting Surgeon-General.

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WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, August 9, 1861.

His Excellency HENRY T. CLARK, Governor of North Carolina:

SIR: The Hon. Warren Winslow, secretary of military affairs of North Carolina, has referred to the President, with your approval, a copy of the report of Brig. Gen. R. C. Gatlin, of July 17, 1861, with regard to the necessity of erecting additional batteries at points designated for the coast defense of North Carolina, and has further stated the proposition on your part to take charge of these operations if approved of by this Government, provided this Government would advance to you the sum of $50,000 in Confederate bonds.

These documents have been referred by the President to this Department for reply. This Department acknowledges the necessity for these works of defense, and approves of the plan proposed by Brigadier-General Gatlin. The proposal of your excellency to take charge of the construction of these works is also accepted, and the sum of $50,000 in Confederate bonds will be placed at your disposal for the purpose.

Respectfully,

L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War.

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RICHMOND, VA., August 14, 1861.

Maj. JOSIAH GORGAS, Chief of Ordnance, C. S. Army, Richmond, Va.:

MAJOR: By direction of Brigadier-General Magruder, commanding the Department of Yorktown, I have the honor to call your attention to the barbette gun-carriages in the works at Yorktown. These carriages are carelessly constructed, of very inferior pine timber, and are already much damaged from slight exposure to the weather and from their use in the exercise of the men at the guns. These carriages are so low that the guns cannot be used at ranges attained with the slightest depression without damage to the parapet. The general commanding the department, considering that the safety of the post depends very materially on this battery, earnestly requests that other properly-constructed carriages be furnished him immediately.

I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

RO. JOHNSTON, Colonel Second Virginia Cavalry, Acting Inspector-General.

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HEADQUARTERS, Young’s Farm, August 14, 1861.

A. T. BLEDSOE, Esq., Chief of the Bureau of War, Richmond, Va.:

MY DEAR SIR: This will be handed you by the late minister to one of the South American States, the Hon. Mr. Wheeler, of North Carolina, who has spent a night with us.

In one hour the enemy can land 20,000 men if he pleases at this point, mouth of Warwick River, 12 miles from Newport News, and if I can have the Quartermaster-General to send me thirty canal-boats, loaded with sand or stone, I can defend this position and a line from it across the Peninsula, and thus keep the Federal troops below all the time. There are hundreds of canal-boats unemployed which could be got. A steamer is necessary to bring the boats down, and a Navy officer detailed to bring them down and sink them. I have explained the matter to Mr. Wheeler, in hopes that his personal representations may have some effect. Please introduce him to the Secretary of War, and ask the Secretary to give the order to have this done without delay. There is a work going up on Mulberry Island, just above this river, and this work can be taken in rear by the enemy, landing on this river (Warwick River). If these boats are sunk at the mouth of this river, where the channel is 400 feet wide, it will secure the work on Mulberry Island.

Very respectfully and truly, your friend,

J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

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HEADQUARTERS, Yorktown, Va., August 18, 1861.

Col. GEORGE DEAS, Assistant Adjutant-General, C. S. Army, Richmond, Va.:

SIR: I have received information that the enemy is in the habit of landing in Matthews County, and that from $5,000 to $3,000 worth of negroes are decoyed off from that county per week. There are troops stationed at Matthews Court-House, I am told, but they have not reported to me, and I believe they are very inactive. Some murmurs, I learn, have been made as to their inactivity, and the inhabitants who have written or spoken to me on the subject seem to look to me for protection. Please do me the favor to inform me if I am in command of the troops in Gloucester, Middlesex, and Matthews, or if any of them are under my command. If so, I will call for their reports and give them the necessary orders. The troops at Gloucester Point and West Point are in this department, but I have no instructions as to troops elsewhere in the vicinity and on the other side of York River. I ask, lest I might interfere with the command of some other officer.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

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ADJUTANT-GENERAL’S OFFICE, Yorktown, Va., August 19, 1861.

Captain PEYTON, Peyton’s Battery, Yorktown, Va.:

SIR: Your communication dated August 18, 1861, has been submitted to General Magruder. The following is his decision thereon:

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Inclosed is a copy of General Lee’s order in reference to the subject matter of your communication, and by which, in addition to the above, you will be guided:

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. B. COSBY, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

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HEADQUARTERS, Yorktown, Va., August 24, 1861.

Col. L. B. NORTHROP, Commissary-General, C. S. Army, Richmond, Va.:

COLONEL: As I find it difficult to procure the amount of provisions necessary to enable me to keep the field, I have thought it best to communicate my purposes to you directly, in order that I may be furnished with a sufficient supply without delay. I desire to move the greater part of the troops from Williamsburg and Yorktown farther to the front and to within 10 miles of the enemy, and to maintain my position there; but I have not the necessary means to transport the baggage, rations, and forage of the troops all at the same time; indeed, not more than one-third of these means. I must, therefore, establish depots of provisions ahead before I move, say 10 days’ supply of rations at Warwick Court-House and at Harrod’s Mill, each place about 9 miles from here and 20 miles from Williamsburg. I wish to do this without loss of time. I hope to be able to get 6,000 men in the field. This would be 60,000 rations. If, there fore, you can send at once 100,000 rations here and 50,000 at the same time to Williamsburg, and follow it up with 60,000 every 5 days, 10,000 of which should be sent to Williamsburg and 50,000 to this place, I could keep my position in front. Please let me know as soon as you receive this if it can be done.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER, Brigadier-General, Commanding Department.

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SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 261.}

HEADQUARTERS OF THE FORCES, Richmond, Va., August 26, 1861.

I. The counties of Gloucester, Matthews, and Middlesex are added to the District of Yorktown, and the troops serving therein will be included in the command of Brigadier-General Magruder.

...

By order:

GEO. DEAS, Assistant Adjutant-General.

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MONDAY, August 26, 1861.

The SECRETARY OF WAR:

MY DEAR SIR: In pursuance of the very satisfactory interview which we held with you this morning, we proceed to submit to you, very briefly, the objects of that interview in writing, as you desired:

Some six weeks ago General Magruder, commanding in the Peninsula, made a requisition on the slaveholders of the counties of Charles City and New Kent for one-half of their farm operatives, to throw up intrenchments at Williamsburg. The requisition was promptly complied with. The much longer detention of the slaves, which has delayed the thrashing of the wheat crop, has engendered some little feeling of discontent among some of our people, who begin to question the legal authority of the proceeding; nor has this disquietude been allayed by the fact that many of the slaves have returned to their masters, which has been followed by a hope to recover the fugitives [sic]. To allay all discontent, we ask to be informed, not for ourselves so much as for others, of your opinion of the legality of this proceeding on the part of the general, your opinion being entirely sufficient to quiet all further uneasiness.

We also submit whether it would not be altogether proper that the officer having charge of the laborers should give a certificate for the negroes of each proprietor, so as to protect the master against possible contingencies of loss.

We are, dear sir, truly and respectfully, yours,

JOHN TYLER, M. C. C. HILL CARTER, Colonel Fifty-second Regiment Virginia Militia.

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NORFOLK, August 27, 1861.

General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General:

The enemy’s fleet-2 steam frigates, 2 transport steamers, 8 smaller steamers with boats in tow, and a body of troops-left last evening, passed out of the capes, and steered south-I think to coast of North Carolina. No news of him this morning.

BENJ. HUGER, Brigadier-General.

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RALEIGH, N. C., August 29, 1861.

L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War:

A fleet of steamers, with boats with men, left Fort Monroe on Monday evening, going south. Tuesday evening they appeared off Hatteras. {p.637} On Wednesday, about 9 o’clock a.m., they attacked the fort. The firing from the fort ceased after some hours, and the result is only known from rumor, which says the fort was captured. The fort was scarce of ammunition, which contributed to its fall. It is a most important point during the blockade.

HENRY T. CLARK.

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RALEIGH, August 30, 1861.

L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War:

Fort Hatteras taken. Garrison, 550 men, including Commodore Barron and Colonel Bradford, prisoners. An extensive coast frontier now requires all the attention of Confederate Government.

HENRY T. CLARK.

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RALEIGH, August 30, 1861.

Adjutant-General COOPER:

Two regiments at mouth of Cape Fear, five companies at Fort Macon, one regiment captured at Hatteras, one regiment and two battalions at New Berne. A light battery at New Berne, but no ammunition. Two regiments organizing here, ready to move in two or three days. Any number of volunteers offering, but very scarce of arms.

HENRY T. CLARK.

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GOLDSBOROUGH, August 30, 1861.

General S. COOPER, Adjutant-General:

The steamer Winslow, just arrived here from Hatteras, Captain Sinclair, reports the forts there captured by the enemy at 11.30 a.m. Commodore Barron, Colonel Bradford, and the garrison, numbering about 580 men, including the field officers of Seventh Regiment of volunteers, surrendered. I will make such arrangements as lean for present defense against further disaster. Please order General Huger to send four regiments and a light battery to the eastern counties, and a number of heavy guns with an engineer to fortify such points as may be necessary. I have only the Seventh Regiment of State troops at my disposal.

R. C. GATLIN, Brigadier-General, C. S. Army.

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SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 246.}

HEADQUARTERS VIRGINIA FORCES, Richmond, Va., August 30, 1861.

I. Brig. Gen. T. T. Fauntleroy, Provisional Army of Virginia (at his own request), is relieved from the command of the troops in and about Richmond.

II. Colonel Dimmock, Provisional Army of Virginia, is assigned to the command of the Virginia troops in and near the city of Richmond, with his headquarters at the camp of instruction.

[No signature.]

{p.638}

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GOLDSBOROUGH, August 31, 1861.

General S. COOPER:

Owing to the capture of Hatteras it is very necessary to fortify the rivers running into the sound. Have no disposable officer for that duty. Please send immediately a good engineer.

R. C. GATLIN, Brigadier-General.

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RALEIGH, N. C., September 2, 1861.

L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War:

The defense of North Carolina requires two regiments at New Berne and two at Wilmington. Send them down if you can. If North Carolina regiments are convenient they would be preferred. Will you let me know by mall on this subject?

HENRY T. CLARK.

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EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Raleigh, N. C., September 2, 1861.

Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War:

SIR: The loss of Fort Hatteras exposes so many points of attack and invasion, some of them of great importance from their connection with the railroad and public works, that I must ask for the immediate assistance of four regiments-two to be sent to New Berne and two to Wilmington. General Gatlin called on me for more troops (as many as I could spare), but did not specify what number of men or at what post they should go. Acting on my own judgment, I ask for the assistance of two regiments to go to each place; one to each place immediately, the others to follow afterwards. If convenient, the North Carolina regiments in Virginia might be preferable on many accounts, particularly the First Regiment, whose term of service expires in November (six months). I would suggest that General Gatlin’s command is too extensive to be overlooked by one man, being nearly 300 miles of seacoast, besides many inland points of great distance, and far separated from each other. This I hope you will regard as a mere suggestion.

I telegraphed to you this morning that I shall write you for these four regiments, giving you as much notice as I could, particularly as I was not aware that your arrangements with your Quartermaster’s and Commissary Departments were completed.

Very respectfully,

HENRY T. CLARK.

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YORKTOWN, September 3, 1861.

Brig. Gen. J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER, Commanding Department of the Peninsula:

GENERAL: We require at this post to work the guns about to be mounted from 250 to 300 men. There are seven 42-pounder carronades, four long 32-pounder guns, and two long 42-pounder guns, furnished by the Navy Department; four 24-pounder howitzers on field carriages furnished by the State armory at Richmond, and four long 24-pounder guns expected from the same quarter. Ten men to a gun would require 210 men, but to provide for casualties and sickness it would be well to increase the number to at least 15 men to a gun, or 320 for the whole amber. There are also two brass 12-pounder field pieces on the works {p.639} not assigned to any company. Should these be retained for the defenses of this post, it increases the deficiency of men for the artillery. We have now six 8-inch columbiads in the naval battery, to which the companies of Captains Peyton and Bouton have been assigned, and two 9-inch Dahlgren guns and three 32-pounder Navy guns on the land side to which the company of Captain De Gournay has been assigned. These companies are not more than sufficient for the guns committed to them, and we have no other artillery companies at the post except the howitzer battalion, which is frequently required in the field, and have their own batteries of field guns. I respectfully suggest, therefore, that four companies of artillery be ordered here to serve heavy guns. I presume that the redoubts recently determined on will be defended by field artillery, except that one situated in apple orchard, and I have not included any of them except the last mentioned in my estimate. I consider those redoubts as very important for the defense of the place. Without them the enemy can approach our present lines by means of ravines under cover until they are within 500 yards, and they may also plant batteries on a commanding point 800 yards from our inner line. Although our defenses will be somewhat extended by the redoubts, they will be considerably within the lines occupied by Cornwallis.

I have the honor to be, your most obedient servant,

GEO. W. RANDOLPH, Major of Artillery.

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RICHMOND, September 3, 1861.

Brig. Gen. JOSEPH R. ANDERSON, Richmond, Va.:

GENERAL: The President having conferred upon you the commission of brigadier-general, Provisional Army Confederate States, you will proceed to North Carolina, and report to General Gatlin, at Goldsborough, N. C., for duty connected with the defenses of the coast of that State. Reserve forces must be held at Wilmington and Goldsborough. A battery will be erected below New Berne, and immediate attention given to Roanoke Island for obstructing the passage leading to Albemarle Sound, by erecting a battery at that point. One regiment of Georgia volunteers has been sent from Norfolk to Roanoke Island, and the governor of North Carolina reports two regiments at mouth of Cape Fear River, five companies at Fort Macon, one regiment and two battalions at New Berne, besides a light battery; two regiments organizing and ready to move (supposed from Raleigh), and any number of volunteers offering, but scarce of arms. The whole force available in North Carolina at different points is equal to seven regiments, one battalion, and one light battery. Besides, a large number of heavy guns for battery purposes have from time to time been sent to the State, and, if required, an additional supply may be forwarded, as also an additional force to the extent of our means, which are limited. The men for battery or artillery purposes need not be supplied with small-arms, as these will be required for the infantry.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General.

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GOLDSBOROUGH, September 4, 1861.

Hon. S. R. MALLORY, Secretary of the Navy:

Fort Macon has not one practical gunner; has only forty reliable fuses, no rifled cannon, no ordnance officer, and only raw troops, without {p.640} proper supplies. It must fall. It should be supplied at once with a competent naval ordnance-officer. May I suggest Lieut. G. T. Sinclair, with gunners, with two rifled cannon, fuses, &c.? I beg to refer to Mr. President Davis for my position.

H. K. BURGWYN.

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HEADQUARTERS, Williamsburg, Va., September 4, 1861.

General S. COOPER, Adjutant-General:

SIR: I inclose a copy of a letter from Colonel Crump, commanding at Gloucester Point, and also one from Major Randolph,* stationed at Yorktown. I desire to impress upon the department the urgent necessity of sending at as early a date as possible the five companies of artillery asked for. It appears there is one at the Fair Grounds at Richmond, and Captain Jordan, of the artillery, at Jamestown Island, assures me one company, commanded by his brother, could be obtained from Lynchburg. It is desirable the whole five companies, from whatever quarter drawn, should be sent down at once, as they are needed for the defense of the two posts named in the communications.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER, Commanding Army of Peninsula.

The guns are at Yorktown and Gloucester, but not the men to man and serve them.

* Seep. 638.

[Inclosure.]

HEADQUARTERS, Gloucester Point, August 31, 1861.

General J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER, Commanding, &c.:

GENERAL: I have the honor to report that there are now five large guns placed on the fortifications in rear of the Point, viz, two short 32-pounders, one long 32-pounder (barbette), and two 42-pounder carronades, and have no company to take charge of these guns, the guns having been worked by one of the companies at the water battery, who in case of action would be compelled to stay at their post, and these five guns without even a boat’s crew. I therefore respectfully ask that a company be furnished without delay to take charge of these guns. There is now an artillery company at the Fair Grounds at Richmond, under the command of Captain Jeffress, who is a fine officer, and I should be pleased to have him, if possible.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CHAS. A. CRUMP, Colonel, Commanding Post.

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HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF WILLIAMSBURG, September 5, 1861.

Colonel HODGES:

SIR: There are several gunboats and steamers at Newport News and in the Roads, probably with the intention of going up James River. Should the enemy go up the main channel by Day’s Neck, you will immediately take position with your whole force near the work at Mulberry Point, near Crawford’s house, and co-operate in the defense of {p.641} the place and in the prevention of a landing, so far as it may be in your power, leaving a party of dragoons at Mrs. Curtis’ farm, to inform you of the landing of any troops on Warwick River while you are at Mulberry Island Point; and in the latter case you will make such a distribution of your troops as will enable you to defend the causeway and approaches from the land side against the troops that may land on the Warwick River. Should, however, you be attacked yourself (while at Mrs. Curtis’ farm) by ships seeking to enter the mouth of Warwick River, you will defend the position, if the work is sufficiently thick and strong to protect your men, whom you will keep under cover as far as possible. But if you find the work untenable, you will pack what baggage you can in the wagons with you, unless they be required for the sick and wounded, strike your tents and pack them up in the woods, withdraw your force under cover of the trees, and remain there until the enemy passes up the river. Then you will take position, as before ordered, on Crawford’s farm, and make arrangements to defend the causeway across the marsh and other approaches leading to that place. Should they attempt to land, however, at or near Mrs. Curtis’, you will attack them from the woods, by issuing from the woods, and endeavor to cut them to pieces, if not in force much greater than your own, and regardless of the fire of the ships; remembering always that if you cannot prevent their passage up the river or drive them off, you will take position, as before indicated, at Crawford’s farm, to defend the approaches from the land side to the work.

Should the enemy engage the battery at Day’s Point, you will not quit your post until he succeeds in passing it, when you will also march (let it be done in perfect order), taking your artillery with you in any case. In case of an attack there or anywhere, when you are accompanied by artillery, remember to place your horses and caissons in such a way as best to screen them from the enemy’s fire. On the approach of an enemy, send notice to the work on Mulberry Island Point, to Warwick Court-House, to Cockletown, and Yorktown, and by a special message direct to Colonel McLaws, at Williamsburg. In a few days there will be 2,500 troops at Warwick Court-House, and the same number probably at Cockletown. Report the state of your command, the progress of your work, your ability to defend your position, or otherwise; send anything of interest at least every other day.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER, Brigadier General, Commanding.

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RICHMOND, September 5, 1861.

General HUGER, Norfolk, Va.:

Cannot you spare the sailors under your orders for duty on the coast of North Carolina? Send immediate reply.

S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General.

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NORFOLK, September 6, 1861.

General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General:

I cannot spare another man. The forces in my front are increasing, and I need two more regiments. I have already sent more men to {p.642} North Carolina than could be spared from my command, with the hope that their places would have been supplied. I have reported both by telegraph and letter my actions, but no response have I received.

BENJ. HUGER, Brigadier-General.

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NEW BERNE, N. C., September 6, 1861.

General COOPER, Adjutant-General:

Colonel Bridges writes me that the captain of the British steamer Rinaldo, lying off the harbor, sent word to him that the enemy would attack Fort Macon Friday night or Saturday morning. British vessels in the harbor ordered by the captain of war steamer out of range of the guns. Messenger left at 6 o’clock this morning. No ship in sight then. Please hurry on the troops required by Governor Clark.

R. C. GATLIN, Brigadier-General.

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RICHMOND, September 6, 1861.

General GATLIN, New Berne, N. C.:

Governor Clark reported some lays ago that he had two regiments ready for the coast besides the two regiments on Cape Fear River and the two regiments at New Berne. He has been telegraphed to send the first-named two regiments (supposed at Raleigh) immediately to Fort Macon, if he has not already done so.

S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General.

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RICHMOND, September 6, 1861.

Governor CLARK, Raleigh, N. C.:

General Gatlin reports an expected attack on Fort Macon either on Friday night or Saturday morning, and suggests the hurrying on the troops required by you. We have no requisitions for troops by you. Please send forward to Fort Macon the two regiments reported by you some days since, if you have not already done so.

S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General.

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ROANOKE ISLAND, September 6, 1861.

Brig. Gen. B. HUGER, Commanding Forces, Norfolk:

GENERAL: I wrote you yesterday by the Junaluski, but as I learn she has broken down on the way I write again, to request that [you] will send on to this place Captain Caswell’s company of my regiment, and also Captain Vincent’s, if it has arrived. I hope to get arms for them from North Carolina in a few days. Please send then down immediately if my regiment is to remain here permanently, which I hope is not the case. Even without arms they can be of great service to us in the inclosure of the defenses here. The North Carolina troops that are here are in a state of disorganization, and but little can be expected from them. If you have not sent the baggage and teams you need not {p.643} do so, as I will try and get along without them; but if I find that I cannot, I will try and get them here. We hope to have seven guns mounted in the Pork Point battery to-night, and will commence on the Weir Point battery so soon as we can get the engineers to look after the work. He needs assistance immediately if the work is to advance rapidly.

We are all well, and the men are working cheerfully. No late news from the Hessians.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. R. WRIGHT.

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RALEIGH, September 7, 1861.

S. R. MALLORY, Secretary of the Navy:

The British ship Alliance, at Beaufort, communicated with a British war steamer off the port yesterday, which informed them that the blockading fleet would attack Fort Macon to-morrow. I hope the fort is ready, but they have no gunners who can manage the guns, and the same complaint is made at Fort Caswell. Can it be supplied with officers who understand the use of guns?

HENRY T. CLARK.

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EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Raleigh, N. C., September 7, 1861.

Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War:

SIR: Allow me to call your attention to the situation of the forts and batteries on the coasts of North Carolina. They are garrisoned with our volunteers in sufficient force, but their officers are all taken from the ordinary occupations of civil life, with no military instruction or education except what they have acquired amidst the labors of camp life, and I hear serious complaint of the inefficiency of all the gun batteries from the want of instructors or suitable drill-masters.

The forts on the sounds have been captured, and I am glad to know that Fort Macon had recently had some attention from the Navy officers who are now out of employ. But Fort Caswell and the batteries at the mouth of Cape Fear River are in urgent need of suitable officers for that purpose. I have received a petition from the people of Cape Fear to send them aid in this particular, and they suggested that probably Captain Whiting or Capt. John A. Brown could be sent to them, and I should be pleased if these gentlemen or any others might be sent them.

Allow me a further suggestion, that, as our coast is now invaded and possessed by the enemy in a vital point and threatened at various others immediately, the command is too extensive for the observation and care of one. The Cape Fear must have several regiments, and is distinctly and widely separated from the defense of Pamlico and Albemarle, and General Gatlin’s undivided attention is now demanded at one of the three divisions. I don’t know what duty or division is assigned to General Anderson, but if it is confined to the coast defense, that is over 300 miles long, with no facilities of travel, and a portion of it divided by the actual possession of the enemy. Under these circumstances I would suggest the assignment of General Hill to the Cape Fear forces. His military experience and success would give decided tone to that command.

Very respectfully,

HENRY T. CLARK.

{p.644}

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DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, Williamsburg, Va., September 7, 1861.

General S. COOPER, Adjutant-General, C. S. Army:

SIR: Additional re-enforcements have arrived at Newport News, and our lower picket has been driven in to-day. The enemy’s re-enforcements are now all sent to Newport News, none being kept about Old Point, as has been the case up to this period. His parties are advancing farther up the country than usual.

I have ordered about 2,000 men to take post at Warwick Court-House, under Colonel McLaws, with one battery of artillery. There will be, after their departure, about 1,500 men left at Williamsburg, and 1,000 of these will be advanced to within 5 miles of Warwick Court-House as soon as the wagons return. Warwick Court-House is a healthy position, and 2 miles in the rear of the line of defense (that is, from Young’s Mill to Harrod’s Mill), the advantage of which, when occupied by the enemy, in command of both flanks, by his vessels of war, I have had the honor to explain in person to his excellency the President. These flanks are on Warwick River and on the Poquosin River. The first emptying into the James River, and the second into York River, 12 miles below Yorktown.

For the sake of health, as well as with a view to defense, I have encamped at and within 2 or 3 miles of Harrod’s Mill at the head of Poquosin River; about 3,000 men infantry and artillery) on the York road, and intermediately all the cavalry except one company, half of which is kept here and the other half at Yorktown, for express duty. One regiment and a battalion of two companies are also at Mulberry Island Point, covering the fortifications on James River, now being erected there, opposite Harden’s Bluff I have left only two regiments at Yorktown. The Fifth North Carolina Regiment, which had (when heard from a few days ago) only 230 for duty out of 1,150 (total strength), is in Gloucester County, at a healthy position 6 miles from Gloucester Point, and I fear no great improvement in its sanitary condition can be expected until after frost.

The troops near Harrod’s Mill are under the immediate command of General Hill. I shall take command of the forces in front within a few days. As soon as it is possible to get through the arrangements necessary for their transportation and supplies, and for the organization of tie artillery here, a portion of which I am endeavoring to supply with horses or mules, caissons and harness. An excellent gun carriage for a 32-pounder has been manufactured here under my orders by Captain Morrison, of the artillery, the ordnance officer stationed here. I have also detailed a party of workmen from the Warwick volunteers, and put in operation, with the assistance of Captain Carter, of the Virginia Ordnance Department, a large saw-mill, on Warwick River, where there is already a large quantity of seasoned timber of the best quality. I have also erected earthworks for heavy guns at the mouth of Warwick and Poquosin Rivers, but have no guns of that description to place in them. This is necessary, to enable me to hold the line of defense, above mentioned, bedeviling Young’s and Harrod’s Mills, interrupted by the enemy’s ships of war.

I have caused four additional canal-boats, loaded with stone, to be sunk in the Swash Channel, near Mulberry Island Point, and hope soon to be enabled to sink twenty-five others across the mouth of Warwick River; but these latter will be of no avail unless the embankments which I have caused to be thrown up on the shores there can be furnished with the heavy guns above mentioned. I have written to Captain {p.645} Ingraham, of the Navy, for six heavy 42-pounder guns, with their carriages, implements, and ammunition. I desire that these should be sent to Yorktown, to be transported thence at night by water to the mouth of the Poquosin River, below the blockading steamers, which can easily be done, and thence to Jamestown in a lighter or lighters, towed by a light-draught steamer, thence to the month of Warwick River.

I also requested re-enforcements when in Richmond, as I considered the position at Yorktown as too vital a one to be permitted to depend any longer upon the chances of a battle in the field. If re-enforcements, therefore, can be spared, I would like to have them for Yorktown and Williamsburg in sufficient force to be in some degree independent of the troops in front of enemy below; but I have great confidence in the troops under my command and believe that they will do their whole duty under any circumstances. As additional security to the work going up on Mulberry Island Point, I have requested Captain Tucker, of our steamer of war Patrick Henry, so to place his ship as to assist in its defense, which he has promised. Should re-enforcements be sent, a portion should come to Williamsburg via James River, and a portion to Yorktown. There is no infantry at Jamestown Island at present, Colonel Hodges’ regiment and two companies of infantry, under Major Patton, formerly there, being now required at Mulberry Island Point as a covering force.

The land defenses at Gloucester Point require about 1,000 men more to man them. There should be a regiment at Jamestown, to prevent the enemy landing at the lower end of the island and taking the batteries afterwards in the rear. This supposes, of course, that their ships have passed our river batteries below Jamestown Island, which is not by any means impossible. With a regiment there, that island, I think, could not be taken. The landing of the enemy in rear of Gloucester Point can be effected easily and without opposition, an extensive shore and many navigable rivers affording every opportunity; hence the importance of that position being protected on the land side by strong works. These I have had strengthened, but there are not men enough there to defend them properly.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER, Brigadier-General, Commanding Department.

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NEW BERNE, September 8, 1861.

General COOPER, Adjutant-General:

The enemy’s fleet is off Fort Macon. By 7 p.m. yesterday four ships had arrived and anchored. I have heard of no re-enforcements from Raleigh, nor have any arrived within the last five days. General Anderson is here. We go down to Fort Macon this morning.

R. C. GATLIN, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

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MOREHEAD CITY (via GOLDSBOROUGH), September 9, 1861.

General S. COOPER:

Only one war steamer now off Fort Macon. Very doubtful whether others were seen, as reported. Rifled cannon have reached this point. Will be placed in position in the fort forthwith.

R. C. GATLIN, Brigadier-General.

{p.646}

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HEADQUARTERS, Williamsburg, Va., September 9, 1861.

Colonel FORNO, Fifth Louisiana Regiment:

SIR: You will keep a strong picket at Denby Church in front of Young’s Mill, and one in the woods at the head of the mill-pond, near Miranda Wall’s; encamp your troops in the strongest positions, and establish your guns in the most commanding places at or near Warwick Court-House, in front or rear, as the ground may offer the greatest advantages. If there be a cavalry guard at Young’s farm you will direct it to report to you at once the appearance of a fleet off the mouth of Warwick River and the landing of an enemy on either side of that river. Should the enemy land on the Mulberry Island side of the river, you will march your whole force down the Mulberry Island road to take him in rear, if he should attempt to attack Colonel Hodges on Mulberry Island Point, permitting him first to engage with Colonel Hodges before attacking him with all your force with the greatest vigor. Should he land on Young’s farm, which is the eastern side of the river, you will remain in your position at or near Warwick Court-House, taking care to call in your pickets at once from Miranda Wall’s and Denby Church, which is the name of the church in front of Young’s Mill, and will have the enemy watched at Young’s farm. You will also place a picket on Warwick River, which at that point is said to be half a mile from Warwick Court-House. About this spot you will consult Captain Curtis and his officers, they being acquainted with the country. Should the enemy advance upon you by Young’s farm, you will fall back to Blow’s Mill, taking your position on the west or Williamsburg side, and there defend it, in all cases sending information of his movements by express to General Hill, who is near the cavalry camp, and to the commanding officer at Williamsburg, as well as the commanding officer at Yorktown. In case it should be absolutely necessary to retreat farther, you will fall back upon the works at Williamsburg.

By order of General Magruder:

H. M. STANARD, Lieutenant and Aide-de-Camp.

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C. S. STEAMER RALEIGH, Off Roanoke Island, September 10, 1861.

General B. HUGER, Commanding Forces:

GENERAL: As you have doubtless been informed by the engineer of the progress of our works here, I will confine myself to one remark; it is this: From all I have seen and heard since taking possession of this island, I am free to declare that I regard the maintenance of this position possible only so long as it is defended by troops from another State or from a more loyal part of North Carolina.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

THOS. T. HUNTER, Commodore C. S. Navy, Commanding Expedition for Defense of North Carolina.

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DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, Williamsburg, Va., September 11, 1861.

Hon. S. R. MALLORY, Secretary of the Navy, C. S.:

SIR: Captain Henderson was detached from the naval battery at Yorktown three or four weeks ago. I have detained him, nevertheless, {p.647} until a naval officer could be sent to relieve him. When in Richmond, ten days ago, I was informed that Lieutenant Fauntleroy, of the C. S. Navy, had been ordered to report to me at Yorktown, to fill Captain Henderson’s place. He has not yet arrived, and I am much in need of his services. About the same time I ordered Major Randolph to report to the Navy Department the utter worthlessness of the carriages in this battery. He informed me that the Navy Department had immediately ordered every barbette carriage for these guns (8-inch columbiads, six in number), and that they would be furnished-probably one a week. I have not heard of the arrival of any as yet. Please do me the favor to let me know when to expect them. They are of the first importance, indeed, and absolutely essential to the successful defense of the mouth of York River. Please address me at Yorktown.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. B. MAGRUDER, Brigadier-General, commanding.

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HDQRS. THIRD REGIMENT GEORGIA VOLUNTEERS, Camp Georgia, Roanoke Island, September 11, 1861.

Brig. Gen. B. HUGER:

GENERAL: The two wagons and four mules sent down by the quartermaster from Portsmouth arrived here last evening. I shall for the present endeavor to get along without the wagons, and I am to-day getting two howitzers, 12 and 24 pounders, which we brought down from the navy-yard, moved down by the mules to a point 5 miles below here, to protect us from a landing in our rear. I shall use the front wheels and axles of the wagons for limbers for these pieces, and think I shall get a pretty good battery of light artillery fixed up during the day. I have a 24-pounder brass field piece which is so heavy that with the teams sent I cannot handle it. I propose to place it this morning at Weir Point to operate upon the channel there until we get the battery completed. If I could get horses and harness for this piece, it would be much more effective placed on the lower end of the island. If possible these horses and harness should be sent at once. The battery at Pork Point is now ready to give the Hessians a warm reception.

The work on the Weir Point battery is under way, and shall be pushed as rapidly as possible. I need not call your attention to the fact that the force on this island is entirely inadequate to the proper defense of this point. I shall do all that man can do, but feel very much crippled for want of men. The North Carolina companies here are completely disorganized and demoralized. I can hope nothing from them.

Since commencing this letter I have received a communication from Edenton offering to furnish horses for artillery service, and also offering a small company of cavalry for vedettes on the island. I have no doubt I can get horses here cheaper than they could be bought in Norfolk, but I shall take no action in the matter until I hear from you. The citizens of the surrounding country have been very kind and obliging to us, ministering largely to our wants, and are still anxious to do more. I have some 200 negro laborers, and could easily increase the number to double that amount, but think that, with my own men and what we now have, we can get along for the present. We have some sickness among the men-bilious fever-but no cases as yet of a very serious character.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. R. WRIGHT.

{p.648}

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WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, September 12, 1861.

Governor CLARK, Raleigh, N. C.:

SIR: I have been urgently requested by gentlemen of high position to have ordered to Wilmington additional troops. I regret to say that the necessities of the public service absolutely forbid the transfer of any troops from Virginia at the present time. Under these circumstances I beg to urge upon your excellency the importance of organizing at least one regiment to be sent on this special duty as soon as practicable. I trust that some means may be provided by which to arm it.

Very respectfully,

L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War.

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RICHMOND, VA., September 12, 1861.

General J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER, Commanding, Yorktown:

GENERAL: Every effort is being made to send you the six heavy guns required and to re-enforce your command by four regiments, orders in each case having been given; the guns and troops to be sent with the least possible delay. In explanation of order removing Captain Brown from your command, circumstances imperatively requiring his presence in North Carolina have come to the general’s knowledge to-day. So soon as one can be obtained an artillery officer will be sent down to replace him.

I am, respectfully, &c.,

R. H. CHILTON, Assistant Adjutant-General.

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RICHMOND, September 12, 1861.

S. D. WALLACE, Esq. Secretary of Committee of Safety, Wilmington, N. C.:

GENTLEMEN: In reply to your resolution of September 4, 1861, requesting the President to appoint a general to supervise operations on the coast of North Carolina, the President directs that you be informed that Joseph R. Anderson, esq., a graduate of West Point, and formerly an officer of the Engineer Corps, U. S. Army, more recently engaged extensively in the manufacture of ordnance and munitions of war, has been appointed a brigadier-general, and ordered on duty in North Carolina, with special reference to the coast defenses.

I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. H. CHILTON, Assistant Adjutant-General.

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GOLDSBOROUGH, September 13, 1861.

General S. COOPER, Adjutant-General:

Governor Clark is urgent in his demand to have troops sent into Hyde County to counteract evil influences said to have extended from Hatteras to the main-land. I have no troops to spare unless I withdraw one of the regiments from the vicinity of Fort Macon, and am unwilling to do it without the sanction of the War Department, as from report that fort is threatened with siege or bombardment. The only regiment {p.649} put at my disposal is at Asheville, without arms, could not be and available here in a week.

Dispatch of yesterday just received. Colonel Riddick will give you the number of troops in the department. Will reply by mail.

R. C. GATLIN, Brigadier-General.

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RALEIGH, September 14, 1861.

Adjutant-General COOPER:

The disaffection in Hyde County demands the immediate presence of a regiment, which General Gatlin declines to order from another post-Macon-without your sanction. He promised to ask it.

HENRY T. CLARK.

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RICHMOND, September 14, 1861.

Governor HENRY T. CLARK, Raleigh, N. C.:

Brigadier-General Gatlin, being the commanding general of the forces in North Carolina, must exercise a sound discretion in distributing the troops for the defense of that coast. The importance of maintaining a sufficient garrison at Fort Macon need not be here urged further than to state that the fort must be defended against attack at all hazards, and that the garrison must not be reduced beyond the possibility of such defense. General Gatlin has been instructed to use his best exertions to call troops for local service for limited periods under a recent act of Congress, a copy of which has been furnished him, and it is hoped he will be enabled in this way to supply the necessities of Hyde County. The cavalry regiment from your State under Colonel Ransom had better be retained in the State for purposes of defense until further advised.

S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General.

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DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, Williamsburg, Va., September 14, 1861.

Captain HIGGINS:

SIR: I am instructed by the general commanding to say that he has received information from Headquarters, Adjutant-General’s Office, Richmond, that four additional regiments have been ordered to report to him at Yorktown, and consequently he desires you to make all necessary arrangements to receive them, and see that an abundant supply of provisions are on hand.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. M. STANARD, Lieutenant, Aide-de-Camp.

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DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, Williamsburg, Va., September 14, 1861.

Colonel CRUMP, Commanding Gloucester Point, Va.:

SIR: You will take charge of the defenses of Gloucester and Matthews as far as the Piankitank River, inclusive. You will cause every boat on all the rivers leading into Mob Jack Bay, and the other waters, {p.650} forming the eastern boundary of these counties, to be seized and kept under direct guard, in a place of entire security. You will visit these rivers and the exposed places of these counties in person, and, after communicating with the commanding officers of the volunteers and militia in service in these counties, you will make such disposition of their forces and give such orders as in your judgment the security of the property of the citizens and the defense of the coast may demand, and you will make a report to me of what you have done with the least possible delay. And you will also recommend anything necessary for its defense that you may not have power to execute. You will consult with the commanding officers of the troops in Middlesex also ,and make a report of the state of defenses in that county. You will communicate to all these commanding officers the inclosed order.

By command of General Magruder:

J. M. JONES, Assistant Adjutant-General.

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ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT, Go SPORT NAVY-YARD, Norfolk, Va., September 16, 1861.

Brigadier-General HUGER:

GENERAL: I am directed by the commandant to apprise you that already fifteen of the guns laid aside for the defenses of Norfolk and its vicinity, on the requisition of the engineer, approved by yourself; have been otherwise disposed of by the Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography, and to suggest the propriety of the speedy removal of the remainder to the custody of your own ordnance officers. The commandant also recommends the garrisoning of the outworks for the defense of this yard between Paradise and Scotch Creeks, previous to and preparatory to laying the platforms and mounting the guns, which would not be safe without a guard. There is as yet but one magazine among them all. Some definite understanding between the engineer and myself as to the kind of carriages to be used there is desirable. Your twelve last 24-pounder shells from Richmond will be ready to-day, with navy fuses.

Respectfully, &c.,

A. B. FAIRFAX, Inspector of Ordnance.

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WILLIAMSBURG, September 16, 1861.

General COOPER, Adjutant-General:

Four large steamers passed down to Fort Monroe from Washington just before daylight this morning. Re-enforcements are reported at Newport News this morning. The above must be in addition to those already reported.

J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

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FLAG-SHIP MANASSAS, Off Roanoke island, September 17, 1861.

Brig. Gen. B. HUGER:

GENERAL: So great is the breadth of Croatan Sound, with a channel of 6 feet near the main-land, 3 miles distant, that I am reluctantly {p.651} forced to the conclusion that but little dependence can be placed upon land batteries for its defense. After a careful reconnaissance I am persuaded that the defense of this sound must be made at the marshes, 7 miles below, with floating batteries and gunboats, there being no soil wherewith to construct redoubts. But, general, if my information be correct, there is another point demanding immediate and serious consideration.

The fortification at Oregon Inlet, being on the south side thereof; was of course untenable, with Forts Hatteras and Clark in the possession of the enemy; but if, as pilots represent to me, a fleet outside can sail within a mile of the beach, thus covering an advancing force towards Norfolk, it seems to me important that the northern side of the inlet be fortified, with a strong sustaining force at hand, and the troops upon this island be held in constant readiness to be conveyed across Roanoke Sound, to re-enforce the former.

I respectfully suggest, if the information I have received be confirmed by experienced pilots, that you send an officer, in whose judgment you confide, to accompany me to the inlet.

Before this I would have made a reconnaissance of that locality, but that I had not a vessel of sufficiently light draught at my command.

I have the honor to be, &c.,

W. F. LYNCH, Flag-Officer, Commanding Naval Defenses of N. C. and Va.

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HEADQUARTERS OF THE FORCES, Norfolk, September 18, 1861.

Flag-Officer W. F. LYNCH, &c.:

SIR: I have received your letter of the 17th instant, and am obliged for the suggestions. As Col. Custis Lee, aide-de-camp to the President, has been to Roanoke Island especially to examine it and the defenses, and 1 hope to see him to-morrow, I will defer immediate action until I consult with him. It does not appear to me possible for any large body of men to advance on Norfolk by the sand-spit along the coast.

I remain, very respectfully,

BENJ. HUGER, Brigadier-General.

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RICHMOND, September 19, 1861.

General B. HUGER, &c., Norfolk, Va.:

GENERAL: Lieutenant Sinclair left a verbal message from you to the effect that six rifled cannon were much needed at Sewell’s Point. The Secretary of the Navy has directed all the rifled cannon at his disposal to be sent South, but Lieutenant-Colonel Gorgas, Chief of Ordnance Bureau, informs me that he will send you two 8-inch rifled cannon at an early day. These seem to be all the rifled pieces which can be sent you for some time to come.

I am, sir, respectfully, &c.,

R. H. CHILTON, Assistant Adjutant-General.

{p.652}

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DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, Williamsburg, Va., September 19, 1861.

Col. WERNER T. JONES, Twenty-first Reg’t Virginia Militia, Gloucester County, Va.:

SIR: Brigadier-General Magruder directs me to inform you that the county of Gloucester is one of those included by special orders of the adjutant-general of the Virginia forces in the department under his orders, and that he considers the militia force called out by you as necessarily forming a part of his command. He instructs me further to direct that you take no steps towards discharging any portion of the militia under your immediate command, and to state also that, in deference to a difference of opinion, no doubt sincerely entertained by you as to your obligations to obey him, he has referred your letter, addressed to Colonel Crump, which will be accompanied by a copy of this communication, to the same headquarters from which he received his instructions. General Magruder directs me to say that he considers the militia called into service by you as efficient auxiliary forces for the accomplishment of the purpose he has in view, and would regret if any difference of opinion between yourself and him should deprive the country of their services. Should you decide to keep the militia in service, in accordance with the wishes of General Magruder, you will please inform the headquarters at Yorktown as to the date on which you entered into active service, and send the names of the field, staff; and line officers of your command. I am directed by General Magruder to add that it is very desirable to have in service as many troops from the country threatened with invasion as possible, not only from their natural desire to defend their own homes, but because of their more thorough acquaintance with the country. The general, therefore, hopes that your command may be increased, instead of diminished, and that, should he be deprived of your services as an officer in commission, you will nevertheless communicate freely with him on the subject of those public interests which have been intrusted to your charge.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. A. MAGRUDER, JR., Lieutenant and Aide-de-Camp.

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HEADQUARTERS, Williamsburg, Va., September 19, 1861.

Colonel RANDOLPH, Chief of Ordnance:

SIR: I have just received your note of the 16th. You are authorized to have the two 9-inch guns mounted on the land defenses at Yorktown transferred to the center battery, and to mount two heavy guns (32-pounders) on the land side in their stead. Your views in regard to the defenses at Yorktown have been again sent to the Navy Department and the Adjutant-General of the Army.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

P. S.-The three heavy 32-pounders, with barbette carriages, from Richmond, are intended for the defense of Ship Point, as that position is considerably inland, and ships are obliged to approach bows on, and, as a large number of troops can be assembled in the immediate vicinity, {p.653} supported by field artillery, I am of the opinion that this point, thus prepared, can be successfully defended. But until the naval expedition which is now fitting out by the enemy shall have chosen its destination, I think it prudent to have these guns also mounted at Yorktown, probably on the water side, if space can be had; if not, on the land side, and for this purpose you will direct Lieutenant Douglas or Mr. St. John to cause platforms to be laid without delay, and to have these guns put in position at once. When the expedition shall have sailed from these waters they can be removed to Ship Point, for which latter purpose you will direct, in my name, Lieutenant Douglas to cause platforms to be made forthwith, so that when we move them they may be placed in position without loss of time.

J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

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DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS Williamsburg, Va., September 19, 1861.

Captain LYNCH, Chief of Bureau of Ordnance:

SIR: Several weeks ago Captain Henderson was detached from the Yorktown naval battery, but no officer ordered in his place. I applied to the Navy Department for an officer, and was informed that Commander Fauntleroy had been ordered to repair to Yorktown in his place. He has not arrived. I have since written once or twice on the subject, but have received no answer. As Yorktown is perhaps the most important point on the coast at which there is a naval battery, I beg that this may be attended to as soon as possible.

The heaviest ships can be brought against naval batteries at the mouth of York River, and in great numbers. It is obvious, therefore, that the heaviest guns should be placed there. This subject has been again brought to my notice by Col. G. W. Randolph, Chief of Ordnance, an officer in whose judgment I place great confidence. He says in a letter just received:

I concur fully in this opinion, and would respectfully recommend that six of the long 32-pounder rifled guns, said to be now in Richmond, be placed in battery at this point, or that six of the 10 and 11 inch Dahlgren guns be sent, if possible. I would also report that I fired two shots from the 8-inch columbiad at Spratley’s farm, opposite Hog Island, on James River, with 15-second fuses and charges of eight pounds, giving the guns the highest elevation which its casemate carriage would admit. The river is about 1 3/4 miles wide, and the shells fell short of the other side and exploded in the water, showing that the charges were too small. The carriage, however, was a good deal injured even by these small charges; and if the charges were increased to ten pounds, it would be shattered after a few rounds. This carriage is like that on which similar guns are mounted in the naval battery at Yorktown-almost entirely worthless. The columbiads at Jamestown are mounted on equally unreliable carriages. I indulge a hope, however, from the {p.654} last letter received from the Navy Department, that the columbiads at Yorktown will soon be mounted on army barbette carriages, after which I recommend that those on James River be so mounted with the least possible delay. I beg leave to ask the attention of the Navy Department to the immediate necessity of placing in battery at Yorktown the 32-pounder rifled guns mentioned in the above.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

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HEADQUARTERS, Williamsburg, September 20, 1861.

General S. COOPER, Adjutant-General:

SIR: Some wealthy men of Lancaster County, and a Mr. Underwood, of Surry, have refused to send their slaves, on requisition signed by myself; to work on the fortifications. They are very incomplete, and my troops have worked until they are too sick to work any longer. I have ordered detachments of dragoons to bring them. They have done and will do it. If these gentlemen are sustained in their refusal, no negroes can be had when wanted. The laws of Virginia do not specify negroes, but it is a necessity of war. If sustained, I will carry out my plans. I have already the sanction in writing of the Secretary of War to this course, but will use the free negroes as far as possible. I have never called for more than one-half of the male working hands. I inclose one of my proclamations on this subject.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

[Inclosure.]

DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, Williamsburg, Va., September 7, 1861.

The undersigned having received full authority from the Secretary of War to press into service all the slaves of the country, if necessary, he prefers to rely upon the patriotism of his fellow-citizens for the needful supply of labor, and therefore calls upon the inhabitants of the counties of -, -, - to send one-half of their male slaves to work on the fortifications for the protection of their families and property. They will send with their slaves the necessary implements of labor-spades, shovels, picks, grubbing-hoes, and axes. The negroes will be allowed 50 cents a day and plenty of provisions; the money to be paid by the quartermaster to their masters. All free negroes who are capable of labor will also be employed and paid at the same rate. The bearer of this is hereby authorized by the undersigned to give receipts for the negroes, and from that time the Confederate Government will be responsible for them.

These negroes will be sent to the nearest wharves, to be conveyed to Williamsburg.

J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

{p.655}

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HDQRS. THIRD REGIMENT GEORGIA VOLUNTEERS, September 22, 1861.

Brig. Gen. B. HUGER, Commanding Forces in Norfolk, Va.:

GENERAL: I have finished the earthwork for a six-gun battery on the main-land, nearly opposite Weir Point, at a place called Roberts’ Fishery. The men returned from the work yesterday, having been engaged there thirty-six hours. The lumber and other material necessary to complete it has been ordered from Plymouth, and will be here to-day or to-morrow. The Weir Point battery is nearly finished, and I will finish to-day a field work, about 6 miles below the Weir Point battery, at the causeway, across the marsh, on the center of the island. To complete the defenses of this island a small battery ought to be erected on Midgett’s Hammock (or Island), to command the channel of Roanoke Sound. Boats drawing 4 1/2 feet of water can avoid our batteries by coming up on the east side of the island through Roanoke Sound. The point I have indicated for a battery is about midway the eastern shore of the island, and the guns can be placed within 800 yards of the farthest side of the channel. Vessels drawing over 18 inches of water must come within 700 or 800 yards of the battery. I do not know whether the enemy have as light-draught vessels as that, but if they have they can get through Roanoke Sound.

Colonel Shaw’s regiment arrived here about midday yesterday, and I had indulged the hope that I should be relieved by him. I beg, if I am to remain here, that I be permitted to have the men’s clothing, shoes, tents, and cooking utensils brought down from our old camp. The work which they have been engaged on here has worn-out their clothing and shoes; many of them are barefoot, and when I send to the camp at Portsmouth for the clothing and shoes left there, the officer in command refuses to let the articles come, because we are to return soon. I am very anxious to return to my old command, and think now that the defenses here are so nearly completed that I might be withdrawn. At any rate, I beg, if I am to remain here permanently, that I be informed of it as soon as possible.

Major Lee, who will hand you this letter, can give you full information as to the state of the defenses here. He goes up to attend to the securement of our clothing, tents, &c., left in our old camp.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. B. WRIGHT.

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WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, September 23, 1861.

His Excellency HENRY T. CLARK, Governor of North Carolina:

SIR: The President desires that you will issue your proclamation calling out the militia of the following counties of your State, viz: Currituck, Camden, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Chowan, Bertie, Tyrrell, Washington, Hyde, Beaufort, Craven, and Carteret. It is suggested that the call can be made by volunteers or by draft, at your discretion, but the number must be equal to 10 per cent. of the total population, after deducting volunteers already in service. Brig. Gen. D. H. Hill, now in the Peninsula of Virginia, will be ordered to the command of the coast defenses of North Carolina.

Respectfully,

J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War.

{p.656}

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DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, Yorktown, Va., September 23, 1861.

The following indorsement was forwarded to the Secretary of War on the letter from George Minor, Chief of the Bureau. I have acquitted myself of my duty only when all the facts in this case are made known to the Secretary of War and President. They are these:

I respectfully request, therefore, that the President, through the Secretary of War, be made acquainted with the exact state of this battery. This request is made with no other object than that he may have an opportunity of forming his own judgment as to the relative importance of the places to which these carriages may be assigned.

J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER, Brigadier. General, Commanding.

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RICHMOND, September 24, 1861.

Brig. Gen. J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER, C. S. A., Yorktown, Va.:

GENERAL: The Secretary of War finds it absolutely necessary to send General D. H. Hill to North Carolina, and desires you to detach and order him to proceed to this point and report for detailed instructions. The Secretary hopes you may temporarily arrange to fill General Hill’s place until other general officers to be sent to your command shall report to you for duty.

R. H. CHILTON. Assistant Adjutant-General.

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HDQRS. COAST DEFENSES OF NORTH CAROLINA, Wilmington, September 24, 1861.

General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va.:

GENERAL: I am persuaded from all the indications that the enemy design very shortly to land on this coast in force with a view of invasion, and considering the fact that by taking this harbor they will command the Cape Fear River, which penetrates the heart of this State, as well as the railways terminating here, thereby cutting off communication between important points of the country, I know of no point the seizure of which would give them so great advantage. I therefore think it imperative to organize a force here on a much larger scale than seems to have been proposed.

You are aware that the defenses here are divided by the river into two main classes, each of which must be nearly self-sustaining. These are again subdivided by the various inlets islands and narrow strips of sand bank.

I recommend, as the minimum force with which we may hope to cope successfully with the enemy, 2,000 infantry, two light batteries, and two {p.657} companies of cavalry, to be posted each side of the river, say at Smithville on one side and at Confederate (Federal) Point on the other, and a reserve of 2,000 men at Wilmington (these forces in addition to the garrison of Fort Caswell, 300); Teek’s Island, 100, and of Fort Fisher, on Confederate Point, 300. To make up this force it will be necessary to send here immediately four full regiments of infantry, three companies of cavalry, and horses and all the equipments for three light batteries, including the caissons and carriages, for which I have already made requisition on the Ordnance Department, viz, caissons for twelve 6-pounders and two 12-pounders and four 6-pounder gun-carriages. The harness for the light batteries I will endeavor to have made here. In my opinion the safety of this position is so surely menaced that the immediate supply of the forces and munitions named above may alone prevent the loss of all. And in addition to the force above mentioned, which may be overpowered by numbers, I recommend most earnestly that three regiments be posted at Goldsborough as a reserve, to be moved here or to Beaufort as circumstances may require.

Having no doubt of the willingness of the authorities and people of this State to do all in their power to repel the invasion, and as the danger is so imminent, I take the liberty of inclosing a copy of this communication to his excellency the governor of the State, with a request that he will send me without delay the required force in regiments or companies, provided you have not enough at this time subject to your control for this service.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

J. R. ANDERSON, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

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EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Raleigh, N. C., September 24, 1861.

Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War:

The occupation of Hatteras by the enemy gives them the command of the population on the sea beach, and affords them a fine position from which they can make inroads into our adjoining counties, and rumors have been quite current that our citizens on the banks had taken the oath of allegiance, being confined on the island, out of reach of intercourse or assistance, and that their influence and example were spreading on the main-land.

I have just had information from there which assures me that none beyond the island had been infected; but seven or eight islanders had come over into Hyde County, bringing proclamations with them, and offering inducements to the citizens to take the oath of allegiance. These persons were immediately arrested, and are now held as prisoners.

In our State there is no law of treason which will reach these men, and as they are now held by the officers of the Confederate Army, I should like to know what disposition to make of them.

I am, sir, very respectfully,

HENRY T. CLARK. {p.658}

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Raleigh, N. C., September 25, 1861.

Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN, Attorney-General and Acting Secretary of War:

SIR: Since the fall of Hatteras, with a few exceptions, the inhabitants of the island commonly called the Banks, under the fear of the enemy’s guns, have taken the oath of allegiance to Lincoln’s Government, but the people of the main-land, separated from these Banks by Pamlico Sound, remain firm in their devotion and loyalty to the Confederate cause. The enemy has attempted communication with the people in Hyde County, and, through the post-office in that locality, to disseminate documents to influence the public mind in North Carolina. Major Hall, of the Seventh Regiment North Carolina State troops, now in the Confederate service, and in command of the forces in Hyde County, has recently arrested eight men from the Banks, most of whom had been at the headquarters of the enemy and taken the oath. They had in their possession manuscript proclamations (one of which is herewith transmitted) issued by the officer in command to the authorities of towns and villages, as well as certain private citizens in the State. It is very desirable that the prisoners thus taken should be removed from that section of the State. I suppose General Gatlin has reported to the War Department in full on this subject, but I wish especially your opinion as to the legal course to be taken against these prisoners. I herewith inclose a copy of our law of treason against the State, as defined by the recent Convention of our State. It may not reach the offense of all, if any, of the prisoners who have taken the oath to support the Constitution of the United States or others who simply had the proclamations referred to in their possession, besides a letter addressed by one who had taken the oath to a citizen of the State advising submission to the Federal Government.

As to the military defenses of this (eastern) part of the State, I am doing all in my power, in conjunction with Generals Gatlin and Anderson. I take it for granted that they keep you fully advised on the subject, but I cannot refrain from referring you again to the urgent necessity which exists for more arms and munitions of-war for the troops destined for the defense of the coast. The President has informed me that no troops for this defense can be withdrawn from Virginia, but I earnestly trust that if soldiers cannot be spared, I may at least hope that the requisitions for arms and powder and other munitions may be speedily and favorably attended to. I desire to impress upon the Confederate Government the great and pressing importance of defending the coast of North Carolina against actual and threatened invasion.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

HENRY T. CLARK.

[Inclosure No. 1.]

HEADQUARTERS, FORT CLARK, Hatteras Inlet, North Carolina, September 17, 1861.

To the People of North Carolina:

Tue colonel commanding the Federal forces now in North Carolina, having heard of the erroneous impression which exists among the inhabitants as to the object and purpose of said forces, would state that it is no part of the object of said forces to pillage and plunder. We come not to destroy, but to secure peace and uphold the law of the {p.659} United States. The rights of property and persons will be protected and respected, and any Federal soldier infringing upon them will be most severely punished. It is no part of our intention to war against women and children; on the contrary, they shall be protected with all the power under our control. Loyal citizens can enjoy their homes and property without fear of molestation. No law will be abrogated or interfered with unless it comes in conflict with some law of the United States or the Constitution; all others will be obeyed and respected. It is with traitors and rebels in arms who are destroying peace and order and inciting rebellion that the Federal forces are to deal with. We come to give you back law, order, the Constitution, and your rights under it, and to restore peace. We call upon traitors and rebels in arms to lay them down, and upon good citizens, who respect the law, to aid us in our undertaking.

RUSH C. HAWKINS, Colonel Ninth New York Volunteers, Commanding the Post.

[Inclosure No. 2.]

Be it ordained by this Convention and it is hereby ordained by the authority of the same as follows: Treason against the State of North Carolina shall consist only in levying war against her or in adhering to her enemies, giving them aid and comfort. No person shall be convicted of treason unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act or confession in open court.

Read three times and passed, 18th June, 1861.

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HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA, September 26, 1861.

General B. HUGER, Commanding Forces in Norfolk Harbor, Norfolk, Va.:

GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 24th instant.* We are under many obligations to you for promptly sending forward and occupying Roanoke Island. In doing so you but anticipated my wishes, as it was entirely out of my power to send a single soldier to that section. Since the fall of Hatteras I have been compelled to send the few re-enforcements which have reached me to protect the coast of Pamlico Sound, and to strengthen Fort Macon, which has been repeatedly threatened with attack. When I shall be able to send a regiment to relieve Colonel Wright I am unable to say, but until I do I hope you will continue to extend authority over the troops in that section. I should have written more fully, but my health will not permit.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. C. GATLIN, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

* Not found.

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EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Raleigh, N. C., September 27, 1861.

Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN Acting Secretary of War:

SIR: I have just seen an order from General Gatlin, announcing the decision of your Department that our troops should only be paid from {p.660} their transfer, and not, as heretofore from their acceptance by the State. This change of the rule will not only be inconsistent, but will work much wrong to our State, and also to the volunteers. All our volunteers in Virginia have been paid from their acceptance by the State. Why should a distinction be made against those serving the Confederacy in North Carolina? I think if you will look into it you will not allow another act of injustice to be done to North Carolina.

We turned over commissary stores to your commissary officer, and I am informed that your officers now make requisition for money on our officers and have been paid. Besides the arms sent to Virginia in the hands of our volunteers, we have sent to Virginia 13,500 stands of arms, and now we are out of arms and our soil is invaded, and you refuse our request to send us back some of our own armed regiments to defend us, and we are left to chances of buying a few odd arms which may be gathered up. We have disarmed ourselves to arm you, and now the additional grievance is added that our volunteers in Virginia are paid from the first step in the service, while volunteers who remained in this State are not to be thus paid.

The recent invasion compels us again to buy a navy for our protection, not receiving it from the Confederate States. We are denied powder, on the ground that we have received more than any other State, without adverting to the fact that the powder has been made into cartridges and sent back to Virginia with every regiment, and now we are driven to the expense of a powder-mill.

These facts are mentioned not as complaints, but as some inducement to continue the order of payment as it has been done heretofore.

The order, I understand, issued from Adjutant-General Cooper, and I trust these matters will be pleaded before him.

Very respectfully,

HENRY T. CLARK.

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WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, September 29, 1861.

His Excellency HENRY T. CLARK, Governor of North Carolina:

SIR: Your three communications of 24th, 25th, and 27th instant reached me together yesterday. I find that I have already responded to the principal matters referred to in the letter of the 24th. Instructions have already been sent to the district attorney at Goldsborough to indict for treason the men who brought over the proclamation from the Banks, and there seems to be no ground to doubt their conviction.

Immediate attention will be given to replacing Lieutenant-Colonel Bridgers, whose resignation you announce in your letter of 25th, if, indeed, this has not already been done by the general in command.

I now proceed to make answer to your excellency’s letter of 27th instant, in connection with that portion of the letter of 24th which refers to the military defenses of North Carolina. The order in relation to the payment of the North Carolina troops, to which the letter of the 27th is principally addressed, was given by the Adjutant-General under a misapprehension, and had been revoked some days previously to the receipt of your letter. I cannot, however, refrain from some observation on certain other statements in the letter of the 27th instant, lest the silence of this Department be misconstrued into the admission of the truth of the reproaches it has pleased you to lavish on the executive department {p.661} of this Government, and in relation to which your excellency has been most strangely misinformed.

You state that you are compelled again to buy a navy for protection, not receiving it from the Confederate States. If, as appears to be implied, your excellency means to assert the navy received from your State has been diverted to other purposes, and your State thus deprived of naval defense, you will doubtless be pleased to learn how grossly you have been deceived. Not only are the vessels received from your State retained for her defense, but large and costly additions are now being made to the full extent of the resources of your State in shipbuilding. New boats are contracted for, and all boats already existing that can be converted into war steamers have been ordered to be purchased.

You further state that you are denied powder, on the ground “that you have received more than any other State, without adverting to the fact that the powder has been made into cartridges and sent back to Virginia with every regiment.”

Feeling much disturbed that any State should have such good ground of complaint, I was preparing for the delinquent officers the just rebuke which such conduct would merit, when I learned from them that since the fall of Fort Hatteras there had been sent to your State 2,200 rounds of field ammunition, which remained some time at Goldsborough, as being in excess of your wants; that Captain Lawrence had been furnished with all the powder he required on application to the Ordnance Bureau; that there is now here at your disposal for public defense all the powder and fixed ammunition that can be necessary; and I have been unable to trace on the books of the Department any such ground of refusal as is suggested by your letter.

It is true that we have not been able to furnish your State all the cannon powder you desire, and in this respect you share the fate of South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Louisiana, all of which make the same complaint. But rest satisfied with the assurance that the Government is straining every nerve to increase its supply of that article; that it is establishing factories at numerous points, and supplying the material for the manufacture to private factories; that it is distributing its supply as fairly as it can between the points threatened with immediate attack, and will daily add to that supply as its means increase. Each of those States has established powder mills, as North Carolina has done, and I feel persuaded your excellency, on being apprised of these facts, will not continue to believe that your noble and patriotic State could possibly have been treated with designed injustice by the Confederate Government. The labors of this Department deprive its chief of the repose even of the Sundays, as your excellency will perceive by the date of this letter; and it is, therefore, impossible for me to learn to what fact your excellency alludes when you state that the Confederate commissaries are making requisitions for money on the State officers. I cannot conceive how such a thing can be possible, still less that your officers should pay such requisitions, and still less again that the remedy of the evil complained of should not have been found in your orders to your own officers to refuse honoring requisitions utterly illegal and unauthorized. I will, however, make the proper inquiries of the Commissary-General to-morrow, and trust to be able to give you a satisfactory reply.

In conclusion, may I not pray your excellency to rest assured, in spite of any apparent evidence to the contrary, that it is not only improbable, but impossible, that any officer in high position in this Government can {p.662} have the remotest intention to do injustice to any one of the Confederate States Believe me, your own solicitude for your gallant and patriotic State cannot exceed that felt, not only by the President, but by every member of the Cabinet. Pray consider that the war has recently assumed such formidable dimensions as to make it impossible that human beings can satisfy all the exigencies of all the people at every point that may be exposed or threatened with attack.

In Missouri, in Kentucky, in Western Virginia, on the Potomac, in the Peninsula below the city, on the whole Southern seaboard, in Western Texas, everywhere, ceaseless efforts and vigilance are required. I feel sure that, in view of this extended field of labor, you will rather be disposed to aid in patriotic effort to defend your own coast by hearty co-operation than to complain of neglect or injustice which may possibly occur from other causes, but never from the absence of an earnest desire to do everything in our power in defense of your State.

Your obedient servant,

J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War.

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SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 166.}

ADJT. AND INSP’R GEN.’S OFFICE, Richmond, September 29, 1861.

Brig. Gen. D. H. Hill is assigned to duty in North Carolina, and will be charged with the defense of that portion of the State lying between Albemarle Sound and the Neuse River and Pamlico Sound, including those waters. He will proceed to Goldsborough and report to Brigadier-General Gatlin, commanding North Carolina.

By command of the Secretary of War:

JNO. WITHERS, Assistant Adjutant-General.

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Abstract from return of the Confederate Department of North Carolina, Brig. Gen. Richard C. Gatlin commanding, for the month of September, 1861.

Troops.	Present for duty.		Total enlisted present.	Aggregate present and absent. Aggr
	Officers.	Men.
DISTRICT OF CAPE FEAR (BRIG. GEN. J. R. ANDERSON).
Fort Caswell	13	371	404	483
Fort Johnston	31	412	489	601
Camp Wyatt	36	609	740	829
Confederate Point	4	82	85	100
Camp Davis	36	965	1,016	1,077
Wilmington and vicinity	78	1,668	1,691	1,910
Camp Winslow	4	65	68	72
Camp Hopkins	4	96	103	107
Total	209	4,339	4,669	5,272
DISTRICT OF THE PAMLICO (BRIG. GEN. D. H. HILL).
Fort Macon	25	404	561	648
Camp on Bogue Island	68	1,185	1,584	1,808
New Berne and vicinity	24	497	667	855
Beaufort, Washington, and vicinity	44	682	807	926
Hyde City and Middletown	15	313	213	330
Roanoke Island	62	1,124	1,468	1,729
Total	218	4,205	5,400	6,296
Grand total	447	8,544	10,069	11,568

{p.663}

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RICHMOND, October 1, 1861.

Brig. Gen. D. H. HILL, (Care General Gatlin,) Goldsborough, N. C.:

SIR: Your letter of 29th ultimo* has been received and submitted to the Secretary of War, who instructs me to inform you, in answer, that the suggestion in respect to the transfer of the First North Carolina Regiment from Virginia to your command in the district of country assigned to you is under consideration, but cannot be determined until the President’s return to Richmond.

In answer to your several interrogatories, I am further instructed to state that you are subject to the orders of Brigadier-General Gatlin, commanding in North Carolina, and your brigade reports will necessarily be made to him. Being in command of a section of country confided to your care, you must exercise your judgment in making such arrangements for its defense, &c., as the means at your disposal will admit, without awaiting the sanction of the commanding general of the department. These arrangements will necessarily include all objects of defense and attack, such as the erection of batteries, the sending forth expeditions, and the engagement of the enemy. You are in no sense subject to the orders of the governor of North Carolina, as you are not acting under his authority, but under the authority of the Confederate States.

In respect to marauding parties caught in the act of burning and plundering, you must act according to the exigencies of the case, and with due regard to the rules of civilized warfare.

I am, respectfully, &c.,

S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General.

* Not found.

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HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA, Goldsborough, N. C., October 1, 1861.

General B. HUGER, Commanding Forces at Norfolk, Va.:

GENERAL: I feel very anxious to increase the armament of Fort Macon by adding to it four rifled cannon. At this time they have but five long-range guns in the fort, viz, one 10-inch and two 8-inch columbiads and two rifled cannon. This number cannot be very effectual against such large batteries as the fleet may be able to bring against it. I am aware that you have nothing to do with this matter, but I have tried every means (official) to get the guns, as also the projectiles for the guns sent me from Norfolk, but have failed, and now, if you will not come to my assistance, in using your influence with Commodore Buchanan, I must give up the matter. The rifled 32-pounder has but seven projectiles. Ninety-three additional are desired; or, in case no other gun or guns can be furnished, then a much larger supply would be required. Please do me the favor to see the commodore and try to induce him to supply my wants. If he agrees to furnish-the whole or part, I will, upon being informed, send a messenger to see them safely to this point.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. C. GATLIN, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

{p.664}

[Indorsement.]

DEAR GENERAL: Having been placed in charge of this part of the coast defenses, I would add my strong solicitations to those of General Gatlin. There is much apathy among the people. They do not want to have their towns destroyed, neither are they disposed to do much for their protection. We are greatly in need of cannon powder. If I could get a supply from Norfolk (as none can be had in Richmond), I would be able to fit up enough of small craft for the effectual defense of the river. Our batteries, too, are badly supplied with that essential article. Anything that you could do for me would be most gratefully appreciated. I will send a machinist in two days to Richmond, to get models of rifle balls of different calibers to be sent here. I know that you will assist him in every way. A letter addressed to me at New Berne would reach me.

Yours, truly,

D. H. HILL.

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NEW BERNE, N. C., October 2, 1861.

S. COOPER, Adjutant-General C. S. Army:

SIR: I find things here in much confusion, but I trust to be able to make an efficient defense if the enemy allow a delay of ten days. We need cannon powder badly, fuses, and friction tubes. We have no fuses at all, and the shells have to be loaded with sand. We also need a regiment of cavalry as pickets and scouts. As the enemy can land at so many points on this flat coast, it is impossible for infantry to give notice of his approach or reach with rapidity the point of landing. A few more regiments of infantry are also needed very much. If authority is granted to me to raise them and recommend to the President their field officers, they can be raised without difficulty. I understand that the vesting of the appointing power in the State executive has been an obstacle in the way of raising troops, as many of these appointments have been of a political character. Again, the system of particular individuals setting out to raise companies is also objectionable. The soldiers feel bound to vote for the men who raise the companies, though it may be that these men are least qualified to command. I am told that the troops to be raised would prefer for me to designate beforehand not only their field but also their company officers. Would this be legal?

There are quite a number of sailors of the merchant service here who are anxious to get guns on their small craft to operate in the sound. Could I muster these men into service?

Are the naval officers commanding the Beaufort and other Confederate vessels in these waters subject to my orders? This is a point of great importance, which the President ought to decide. The co-operation of the Navy is essential to the defense of the sound.

With great respect,

D. H. HILL, Brigadier-General, C. S. Army.

P. S.-I have omitted the most important matter. We need an experienced artillerist to command Fort Macon. It is at present in charge of Major Sloan, a merchant. I would be glad to get the services of three artillerists from the Confederate Army. If these cannot be procured, I would respectfully suggest that Lieutenant Pierson, of De Gournay’s {p.665} battery, at Yorktown, and Sergeants Crane and Hobson, of Randolph’s battalion of howitzers, be commissioned and sent here.

With great respect,

D. H. H.

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HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE VOLUNTEERS, Intrenched Camp, October 2, 1861.

Maj. Gen. B. HUGER, Commanding Department of Norfolk, Va.:

GENERAL: Yesterday I made a more minute reconnaissance of the country in the immediate vicinity of Sewell’s Point, and determined upon advantageous locations for all the several forces at present designed for the support of that position, and at once gave directions for the immediate concentration of the Second North Carolina and Forty-first Virginia Regiments upon the ground respectively prescribed for these two commands. The remaining five companies of the North Carolina regiment at Ward’s farm were moved forward to-day and the Forty-first will be accordingly transferred to-morrow. I would now respectfully request that, in view of your previous conclusions with reference to the command of this position, the batteries, fort, and forces thereof be transferred by your order to the immediate jurisdiction of the brigade, in order that I may, by proper directions, place the same under the command of Colonel Chambliss. I would also respectfully urge that one, and if possible two, of the artillery batteries may be at once located with reference to-the defense of the position, and in like manner be made subject to the authority of the brigade. I shall visit Sewell’s Point to-morrow, in company with the governor of Virginia, and will see you on Tuesday or Wednesday.

I am, general, your most obedient servant,

WILLIAM MAHONE, Colonel, Commanding Second Brigade.

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DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, Yorktown, Va., October 2, 1861.

Colonel HUNT, Commanding Post at Williamsburg, Va.:

SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication in relation to the affairs of your post. I am aware of its wants in defensive means and its incompleteness of preparation, and I left orders with the engineers and other officers of the general staff; but I thank you for your suggestions, which I approve.

You will cause the three 42-pounder carronades to be mounted as soon as the engineers can provide platforms. These, and such other guns as may be left behind by the artillery officers ordered to the front, you will station for the present in the redoubts (from Tutter’s Neck to Fort Magruder, inclusive), in such manner as you think proper, after consultation with the senior engineer, Lieutenant Boswell. You will cause the ammunition and the necessary means for serving these guns in action to be ready for use, remembering that you cannot be attacked until the enemy’s fleet shall have passed three strong batteries, 15 or 20 miles below you.

As soon, however, as you hear of an attack below on the forts, you will march the Zouaves without delay to Spratley’s farm, to assist the Louisianians in defending that place. At the same time you will man {p.666} the forts with the four companies of your regiment now with you, who will act both as artillerists and infantry, and Colonel Marigny will have orders from me to fall back promptly to your assistance on the lines in front of Williamsburg, the few troops in that town being marched out for that purpose also. At the same time orders will be given by me for four regiments, with the other six companies of your regiment and Montague’s battalion, with four batteries of field artillery, to fall back rapidly on Williamsburg, three of the regiments to proceed directly to Spratley’s farm by means of the lighters, which I have had moored near the mouth of College Creek. Of the field batteries, three will be sent rapidly round by the road to 5pratley’s, whence two of them could be withdrawn for front defense, should the enemy land. As soon as you are perfectly certain that an attack in force is made on the forts below, you will immediately telegraph to Richmond for heavy re-enforcements, one regiment of which will stop at Jamestown Island, and report to Captain Jones, of the Navy, for my instructions.

As soon as you receive this letter you will send to Captain Jones for a navy officer, to teach a detachment from the battalion of your regiment, now at Williamsburg, the service of the 42-pounder carronades, and you will detail the officer of your regiment (of whom you spoke to me as being a good artillerist) to teach the rest of the battalion the use of the field pieces which you will have placed in position in the redoubts. The men of the battalion will have their small-arms at hand, to act as infantry in case of need, and their services as artillery will be temporary.

You will direct Captain Geddy to keep his company of cavalry together and to drill them twice a day, and particularly to see that his men feed and groom their horses thoroughly. You will please be very sparing of leaves of absence to these men, as it is hard to keep them together.

Regulations of the Army and the orders of this department will be your guide for the management of your post in other respects.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

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RICHMOND, October 2, 1861.

Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War:

SIR: In connection with the conversation which I have had the honor to have with you this morning, I beg to state that in my opinion the position west of Nansemond River, which is now under my command, absolutely requires for its safety and that of the surrounding country a re-enforcement of at least 1,500 men, and, if possible, a mounted battery of four field pieces. I beg to state that General Huger, commanding at Norfolk, concurs with me in these opinions.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. C. PEMBERTON, Brigadier-General, P. A. O. S.

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ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERAL’S OFFICE, Richmond, October 3, 1861.

Brig. Gen. D. H. HILL, Goldsborough, N. C.:

SIR: Your letter of the 29th ultimo, requesting authority to draw directly from Norfolk such ordnance as the navy officer there could {p.667} spare, without the delay and hinderance of an application in any other quarter, was duly submitted to the Secretary of the Navy, who has control of the ordnance referred to. He has returned your letter to this office with the following indorsement, viz:

Flag-Officer Lynch, of Confederates States Navy, is charged with the naval defenses of the coast of North Carolina. He is now at Roanoke Island, and it is suggested that you confer with him in regard to the armament of the coast within your district, as he may be able to give you more information on the subject than may possibly be had elsewhere.

I am, respectfully, &c.,

S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General.

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DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, Yorktown, Va., October 3, 1861.

Col. A. C. MYERS, Quartermaster-General, C. S. Army:

SIR: I am instructed by General Magruder to state that, in consequence of the arrival of six additional regiments on the Peninsula without being accompanied by any means for their future transportation, he is seriously embarrassed in his contemplated change of position. The main body of troops have taken up a line some distance below their former location, and it is of the utmost importance that their supplies should be kept in advance some days, in order to facilitate any rapid movement against the enemy. The present number of wagons is inadequate for this purpose, and consequently the movements are greatly restricted. The roads in this neighborhood are exceedingly rough and bad in winter, and it is certainly requisite that the supply of wagons should be one to each company on hand. The number of ambulances is extremely limited, some of the regiments having none whatever; and, in case of a severe action, would not be sufficient for one-half the army. The number of wagons, required to make out our quota is forty-five and the number of ambulances fifteen. These are absolutely necessary for the efficiency of the command.

I am, sir, yours, respectfully,

W. A. ALSTON, Aide-de-Camp.

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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, Executive Department, Raleigh, October 3, 1861.

Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War.:

SIR: Your letter of the 24th September informs me that the President desires me to issue my proclamation calling out the militia in the counties bordering on Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds. I have given much consideration to the matter, and have concluded to ask a further consultation with you before it is done.

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For some considerable time our militia have ceased to have any organization, but our legislature, which has just adjourned, has revised our whole militia system, and it is now undergoing a reorganization, and I doubt whether a call now would effect to much extent the desired object. Their great deficiency in arms presents another difficulty.

Among the acts just passed by our legislature is one authorizing the formation of companies for “local defense and special service,” similar to an act (229) of the Confederate Congress, which it is hoped will supersede the necessity of calling out the militia.

Under these circumstances I would respectfully suggest the propriety of postponing the call for the militia. I need not add that in the mean time I will give every attention to increase the efficiency of the militia.

Very respectfully,

HENRY T. CLARK.

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GENERAL ORDERS, No. 89.}

HDQRS. ARMY OF THE PENINSULA, Yorktown, Va., October 3, 1861.

I. The infantry forces on the Peninsula are hereby organized into brigades, as follows:

The First Brigade: Tenth Georgia Regiment and Second Louisiana Regiment, Brigadier-General McLaws; Second Brigade: Fifth Louisiana Regiment, First Louisiana Battalion, and Louisiana Zouaves, Colonel Hunt; Third Brigade: Fourteenth and Fifteenth Virginia Regiments, Colonel August; Fourth Brigade: Sixth and Sixteenth Georgia Regiments, Colonel Colquitt; Fifth Brigade: Eighth and Thirteenth Alabama Regiments, Colonel Winston; Sixth Brigade: First and Fifth North Carolina Regiments, Colonel McKinney; Seventh Brigade: Tenth and Fourteenth Louisiana Regiments, Colonel Sulakowski; Eighth Brigade: Thirty-second Virginia Regiment, and Montague’s, Waddell’s, and Tomlin’s Virginia battalions, Colonel Ewell. The above organizations take effect upon the promulgation of this order.

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II. The following assignment of troops is hereby made, to wit: To the position known as Young’s Mill, and extending from Mr. John Patrick’s on the left to the mouth of Deep Creek on the right, are assigned: First, McLaws’ brigade; second, Fifteenth Regiment Virginia Volunteers; third, Forno’s battalion, Fifth Regiment Louisiana Volunteers; fourth, Montague’s battalion, four companies; and, fifth, Second Florida Regiment, to be held in reserve in rear of Young’s grist-mill. These troops and this position will be commanded by Brigadier-General McLaws.

III. To the position known as Harrod’s Mill, commencing at John Patrick’s on the right and extending to Bartlett’s on the left, are assigned: First, the Fourteenth Louisiana Regiment on the right; second, the Sixth Georgia Regiment; third, the Sixteenth Georgia Regiment; fourth, ten companies of the Fifth North Carolina Regiment; fifth, Cobb’s Legion, which will be stationed at Cockletown and held in reserve. These troops and this position will be commanded by Brig. Gen. G. J. Rains.

IV. To the position at Land’s End, the Fourteenth Virginia Regiment, Colonel Hodges.

V. To the position at Ship Point: First, the First North Carolina Regiment; second, the remaining companies of the Fifth North Carolina Regiment; third, the One hundred and fifteenth Regiment Virginia {p.669} Militia, Colonel Mallory. Colonel McKinney will command this station and these troops.

VI. Colonel Hodges and Colonel McKinney will report, the former to General McLaws, the latter to General Rains. Major Waddell’s battalion will remain, until further orders, to garrison the works at Mulberry Point.

VII. The First Louisiana battalion will proceed to Spratley’s farm, near Williamsburg, and will report to Colonel Hunt. The battalion of the Tenth Louisiana Regiment, now at Spratley’s, will proceed to Lee’s Mill and report to Colonel Marigny. The battalion of the Tenth Regiment will leave as soon as it is relieved by the First Louisiana battalion, and will use the same wagons. The remaining infantry at Williamsburg will remain in their present positions.

VIII. To Yorktown are assigned: First, the Eighth and Thirteenth Alabama Regiments, Colonel Winston commanding the post; second, the water batteries at that post, which will be served by Peyton’s and Bouton’s companies, the detachment of Captain Macon’s company, De Gournay’s Zouaves, and such other men as may have been detailed to report to Captain De Gournay. The rifle section of Brown’s battery and Smith’s company (Hampton Artillery) will proceed to Ship Point and report to Colonel McKinney. The remaining section of Brown’s battery and Southall’s company of artillery will take post at Harrod’s Mill, reporting to General Rains.

IX. Cosnahan’s, Garrett’s, Hankins’, and Sands’ batteries, and the rifle section of Standard’s battery will take post at Young’s Mill, reporting to General McLaws. Positions for the artillery assigned to the stations of Harrod’s and Young’s Mills will, after consultation with General McLaws and General Rains, be designated by the chief of artillery, Colonel Randolph, and the officers and men made familiar with these positions, after which the pieces will be withdrawn and the artillery companies will be encamped-those designated for Harrod’s Mill at a convenient place in rear of that station, and those intended for Young’s Mill in a similar position. At each of these stations a school of practice will be established by Colonel Randolph-that on the right to be immediately commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Cabell, and that on the left by Major Brown, both of the Second Regiment Virginia Artillery, the whole under command of Colonel Randolph, of the same regiment.

X. The two 32-pounder guns on field carriages and the 12-pounder guns assigned to the batteries of Cosnahan’s, Garrett’s, and Hawkins’, respectively, will be placed in position by Brigadier-General McLaws in the work being erected on Young’s farm. Those pieces will be served by companies to which they have been assigned.

XI. Colonel Johnston, Second Cavalry, is placed in charge of all the vedettes that are or may be on duty in this department. He will equalize the details for this purpose from his own regiment, and from the cavalry of Cobb’s Legion, calling on its commanding officer for such cavalry details as may be necessary. Colonel Johnston will report directly to the commanding general of the department. The cavalry of Cobb’s Legion will remain encamped with the Legion when not detailed for other service. A squadron of dragoons, under the senior captain of the Second Cavalry, will be stationed at Bethel Church, with Sinclair’s and Hudgins’ companies of infantry, the whole to be commanded by Major Goggin, of the Thirty-second Virginia Regiment. Ten dragoons will be assigned to duty at Yorktown with the commanding officer of that post for express duty. On their arrival at that post the commanding {p.670} officer there will relieve Captain Vaiden’s company of cavalry, and order it to report to Colonel Johnston. Two squadrons (four companies) of the same regiment will take post on Deep Creek, about midway between Young’s saw-mill and the mouth of the creek. They will encamp in one body, but will be shown by General McLaws the positions they are to occupy on the creek in case of an attack from the front. Roads will be made by them from their camp to these positions. These squadrons will be commanded by Major Goode, Second Cavalry. The remaining companies of this regiment will take post, under the immediate command of Colonel Johnston, at Mr. John Patrick’s farm, about midway between Harrod’s and Young’s Mills.

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XVI. The troops will be hutted for the winter under the direction of the commanding officers of regiments-and detachments, the work to be performed by details from each command.

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XX. Troops stationed at or near Harrod’s Mill, including those at Ship Point, Cockletown, and Bethel, will constitute the First Division. Those at or near