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| Research | | ACW | | US War Dept. | | Official Records | | HTML | | Ser. I, Vol. 6, Ch. XV–Confederate Correspondence. |
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| Research | | ACW | | US War Dept. | | Official Records | | HTML | | Ser. I, Vol. 6, Ch. XV–Confederate Correspondence. |
SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 130.}
ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GEN.’S OFFICE, Richmond, August 21, 1861.
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XII. The undermentioned brigadier-generals of the Provisional Army of the Confederate States are assigned to duty as follows, viz:
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2d. Brig. Gen. Roswell S. Ripley will assume command of the Department of South Carolina and the coast defenses of that State.
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5th. Brig. Gen. John B. Grayson will proceed to Florida, and assume command of the Department of Middle and Eastern Florida, and the coast defenses of the same.
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By command of the Secretary of War:
JNO. WITHERS, Assistant Adjutant-General.
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CHARLESTON, August 31, 1861.
General S. COOPER, Adjutant-General:
Two transports with troops off bar yesterday; to-day off Bull Island. Probably enemy from Hatteras, after destroying batteries. Have re-enforced Stono heavily. Have ordered Orr’s regiment to Summerville to reserve. Have called on governor for another, besides holding Charleston volunteers in readiness to move until our batteries are in order. Must have force to prevent enemy’s landing, if possible. Hope, if uninterrupted, to dispense with extra force in fifteen days. If from one to four officers, having knowledge of ordnance or artillery duty, can be sent here, will assist greatly.
R. S. RIPLEY, Brigadier-General.
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HEADQUARTERS SOUTH CAROLINA, September 1, 1861.
Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War:
SIR: Colonel Gregg has two companies here, and desires that they may be received for the war into his regiment. As the law only admits of ten companies to a regiment, I refer the matter to you, and request an immediate decision, as I desire orders extended to these two companies. If agreeable to you I should most cordially assign these companies to his regiment, as he is a colonel of great experience and of the most distinguished standing. If there is any officer to whom twelve companies could be intrusted, then I should urge most respectfully the permission for Colonel Gregg. I shall not be able to arm them, as we have not a single arm to spare out of this State, and I am now remodeling the old arms picked up in the country, so as to try and be able to get arms for the forty-two companies now in camp under your requisition. You recollect you directed them to be formed into regiments and to elect their field officers. One of these regiments has done so, and the others will in a few days.
The President has telegraphed me to retain Colonel Orr’s regiment for our coast defense. The exposed coast of North Carolina will now be in possession of the enemy, and it endangers our whole defenses.
Under these circumstances I would respectfully urge that Colonel Gregg’s regiment be ordered to our coast, for the season is just approaching when an invasion may be anticipated, particularly after our recent disasters on the defenseless coast of North Carolina. If you were to order Colonel Gregg’s regiment into this State I presume his commission given by the President would be of older date than any volunteer regiment in the State, and, if so, it would make him the ranking colonel, and his experience would thus give confidence to the country.
I shall also place Colonel Dunovant and his regiment, recently organized under your requisition for the 3,000, under orders for our seacoast. I can arm and equip his regiment. Colonel Orr’s I have already armed and equipped, and I will go on to arm the others as fast as I can, and if you inform me immediately that Colonel Gregg’s regiment will he stationed in South Carolina, I will try and arm these two companies now here for his regiment, if you decide to receive them. Please inform me by telegram. With Orr’s, Dunovant’s, and Gregg’s regiments I would feel safe, as I have a stationary force organized in the city of Charleston of 3,000 well armed and trained men, ready to act, besides Colonel Heyward’s State regiment, now in actual service on the Beaufort coast and at the batteries recently erected.
I have also Colonel Manigault’s State regiment on the coast of Georgetown, above Charleston, and in the batteries. I have ordered another State regiment of well-trained men, under Colonel Hagood, into the forts at Cole’s Island, on the Stono, 25 miles from Charleston. These three colonels are thorough military men and of the highest standing and military education. 1 have also six companies of infantry (regulars) on Sullivan’s Island, and four of the battalion of regular artillery in Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie. I have ordered five months’ supplies into the former, to stand a siege, if necessary, and am raising two new artillery companies to put into it, but in the mean time will order other companies into it for the present. Besides Colonel Hagood’s regiment, now in the forts on Stono, I have there three regular companies of infantry and the battalion of regular dragoons, mustered in as infantry, under Major Lucas, so that I have in the forts and islands around
{p.269}Charleston about 1,800 men, all well drilled, and a reserve in the city of about 3,000. This, with the State regiments under Colonels Heyward and Manigault, constitute about 7,500 men, and the additional regiments of Colonels Orr, Dunovant, and Gregg would make good 10,000 men. With this force, and ten cavalry companies I have on the coast and the reserves of about 3,000 men at the two camps of instruction, I think I could feel safe for the present. I am thus particular in details that you may understand our position and let the President know it All I beg is an answer as soon as possible, so that I may act as soon as possible.
I also earnestly beg, if possible, that you will order me, if you have it at Norfolk, 40,000 pounds of cannon powder. I loaned the governor of North Carolina 25,000 pounds, and also the governor of Florida, for Fernandina and Saint Augustine, 5,000 pounds, besides what I sent to Memphis, Tenn. If I could be sure of getting 40,000 pounds as a reserve for Charleston, I would immediately order a full supply of cannon powder for about 100 guns I have now on our coast below Charleston. As it is, I fear to drain Charleston entirely. I bought for the State last December and January about 300,000 pounds from Hazard’s Mills, in Connecticut, but I have distributed all of it but about 40,000 pounds, and used a great deal in our batteries in the harbor of Charleston. Please let me know immediately as to this point.
I now desire to get from you permission to raise for the war another regiment of rifles, and I think, if you give me the power, I can get it up with men who will arm themselves from our private rifles, and arms in their own hands. I think I could make a choice regiment, and with little or no expense as to arms, and selected from men who would incur the necessary expenses and, if you will give me the power to do so, and for me to appoint the field officers, and even the company officers, I could select men who were graduates of our State military institutions and of West Point, and I could select officers who are now in our regular State forces, and in the first volunteer regiments now in Virginia, to put in position. I would do so, because our regular forces and our forces in Virginia are only for one year, and most of their terms will expire in January and February next, and I desire to secure, in advance, the services of their officers “for the war,” as many of them have been in the late United States Army, and all of our regular forces have military education. I know them, and could make selections of officers for companies that would advance the public service greatly.
Please let me know on this point as soon as you can, and I will then proceed, in a quiet way, to raise a rifle regiment for the war, with officers all selected with an eye single to secure military education and qualifications. I would also desire to raise two full companies of cavalry, to be attached to it, of men who would arm themselves.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully,
F. W. PICKENS.
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HDQRS. PROVISIONAL FORCES, DEPT. OF S. C., Charleston, September 1, 1861.
GENERAL: I have the honor to request that authority may be given me to provide the force necessary for the defense of the batteries now being finished at different points of the coast. For this I think the following will be necessary.
1st. Authority to muster into service for the war, for special duty on the coast, a force not exceeding 1,500 men.
{p.270}2d. Authority to establish a recruiting service for the enlisted troops now on duty, viz, the regiment of South Carolina infantry and the battalion of South Carolina artillery, that the former may be recruited and filled up to ten full companies, and the latter increased to a regiment, with its proper complement of field officers. This will, of course, require the co-operation of the governor of the State.
3d. Authority to procure, as speedily as may be, such means of transport, armed if necessary, as will insure a speedy communication and transport, by the inland routes, between the different points of the coast, as well as such facilities for guard service as may be necessary.
4th. To enable these things to be done as speedily as possible, and to provide such material as may be required by the chief engineer in charge of the coast defenses and by the ordnance officer on duty here, that means to the following amounts may be placed to the credit of the following officers, subject to draft for no other purpose than the defenses of the coast, unless by order of the Secretary of War: To the chief engineer, Major Trapier, $50,000; ordnance officer, Captain Childs, $25,000; quartermaster, Captain Lee, $100,000; total, $175,000.
The reasons for the above are as follows: For the first, that many men will be willing to muster into service for a particular locality who would not engage to go beyond the limits of the State or the coasts adjacent. It would also be bad policy to take too many men from the vicinity of these plantations, drawn from localities thickly settled with black population.
For the second, is the manifest importance of keeping up the strength of the small force enlisted in the department, being more reliable for the continued service of guarding the forts and batteries than men of a different class.
For the third, that our only means of communication are by the inland routes, which are tortuous and shallow, and only available for certain classes of vessels. If we have these vessels and speedy communication the inland navigation is a great element of strength, but without it it is one of weakness, enabling the enemy, by means of his barges, to overpower weak batteries, out the communication, and lay waste whole sections of country containing valuable property. The guard service is required to enable us to watch the enemy’s fleet, to assist vessels which may be endeavoring to run the blockade, and give timely notice of an attack in force. It is within my knowledge that one or two vessels at least have been warned off the harbor or captured which might have successfully run the blockade had there been a guard steamer to succor them. The brig West Indian, which ran the blockade this morning with 1,500 bags of coffee, came very near being lost by the wind failing when within 2 miles of the range of the forts and batteries. Had the calm lasted half an hour, chased as she was by the steam frigate and sloop of war now blockading here, she must have been captured by the boats of the squadron. A steam guard boat would have secured her from any hazard.
The reason for the fourth is, that while the War Department at Richmond is occupied with business of such gigantic importance as it now has in hand, many requisitions of vital importance lay by for their turn for consideration and action. Meantime master workmen and mechanics, many of them having their capital exhausted or in accounts against the Government, are in the present state of the money market often unable to pay their workmen, and delay ensues in important business. Funds provided for general service in the Quartermaster’s Department often are expended by requisition from abroad. Of the three requisitions {p.271} which have been made by the staff officers, attended to by my order, and which I have the honor to inclose, that most readily dispensed with is that of the Ordnance Department. Most of the material can be provided for by the guard service, but for various articles it would be well to have a fund for special purposes of coast defenses.
The estimate for the Quartermaster’s Department will be wanted especially to carry out the purposes mentioned in the third paragraph.
I have to request that the inclosed special requisitions be submitted with this communication for such action as may be deemed most proper by the Department.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. S. RIPLEY, Brigadier-General.
[Indorsement.]
SEPTEMBER 5, 1861.
The original letter of General Ripley, of which this is a copy, has not yet been received at this office. The subject is, however, of such importance as to require immediate action, and hence this paper is respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War.
S. COOPER, Adjutant-General.
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HEADQUARTERS, S. C., September 2, 1861.
Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War:
DEAR SIR: In my letter of yesterday I urged you to send back Colonel Gregg’s regiment to this State for the coast. Upon further reflection I withdraw any request of the kind, and leave it entirely to your own judgment as to the whole matter. You know the general plans and our resources, and I do not. I desire, therefore, now to leave the matter as to the disposition of Colonel Gregg’s regiment entirely to your own judgment, and hereby withdraw any request of mine on that point. If you will immediately authorize me I can raise many more companies for the war, and put them at the two camps of instruction, and perhaps it would be better for the President to appoint all field officers, or, if he will leave the appointments to me, I will make them from graduates of West Point or our own military academies, or from officers who have shown merit in the regiments now in Virginia whose terms of service will begin to expire in January and February next. I could also take officers from he regular forces now in this state whose terms will expire about February next, and thus save all our best officers by their appointment in forces for and during the war. If I can have discretion of this kind, I can then at these camps increase our forces greatly for the war, and as our twelve-months’ volunteers return from Virginia, I can catch nearly all of them immediately and save the best of their officers. Please give me an early answer on this point. The four regiments at the camps at present are electing, as you have, in yours of the 15th of July last, directed that they should do.
But all to be received after this, I desire field officers to be appointed either by the President or named by me and confirmed by the President or in any way the President thinks proper.
I have four very fine cavalry companies in camp and would be glad if you would allow me to name a major to command them.
I desire you to give permission for me to raise two full regiments of {p.272} cavalry besides, for and during the war, and if you can give me any assurance as to pistols and holsters, I think that I can do it. Let the President appoint their field officers, and let them elect their company officers, and when the number is full order them to the camp for Confederate service. If it is not your policy to raise two more regiments, then perhaps you might allow one.
The present four companies are by express telegraph from President Davis. I have three regiments and four companies of cavalry at one camp, and if you will permit I will appoint a very scientific officer, Major Stevens, the head of our military academy, to command them, and take charge of the camp for temporary purposes. Perhaps I could get Col. Thomas F. Drayton, who is a graduate of West Point, and a perfect and high-bred gentleman.
Very respectfully,
F. W. PICKENS.
P. S.-I most respectfully urge you will receive no more troops for any period except for and during the war, and let it be known.
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COLUMBIA, September 2, 1861.
Hon. Mr. WALKER, Secretary of War:
Will you allow me eight more companies for the war and formation of another regiment-the President to appoint, as he desires-Colonel Drayton to command? Please let me know.
F. W. PICKENS.
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HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DISTRICT, Savannah, September 3, 1861.
Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War, Richmond, Va.:
SIR: I beg to call your attention to the pressing necessity for additional troops on this coast at the earliest possible moment. I have received and mustered into service enough to replace the two regiments suddenly ordered to Virginia (Semmes’ and Williams’ regiments), and these are but enough to man the batteries on the coast, leaving us no protection on the main-land in case of trouble. Nearly all the companies I have at this moment are entirely raw and undisciplined.
The large calls upon the State of Georgia have taken away nearly every trained company and all the arms, except such as may be found in private hands. I am now endeavoring to organize all such as can furnish their own arms and muster them into service. In this way only can I secure a force that will give any protection to this coast May I ask the favor of you to say at once, by telegraph, that I may continue to organize new regiments and battalions on and near this coast? I wish to quiet the apprehensions of the people, by assuring them that I have full authority to organize and muster in until we have a sufficient force.
If the Department is willing to make appointments of colonels of these regiments, I recommend that Duncan L. Clinch (son of the late General Clinch) be forthwith appointed colonel, with authority to raise a regiment {p.273} for this coast. In any event please send me the telegraphic dispatch which I have above requested.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. R. LAWTON, Brigadier-General, Commanding.
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HEADQUARTERS SOUTH CAROLINA, Columbia, September 4, 1861.
Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War, Richmond, Va.:
SIR: In reply to your communication of the 9th of August last to the governor of South Carolina, in relation to the First Regiment of South Carolina Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Glover, I have the honor to state that in consideration of the large number of State troops already in Virginia, and the recent requisitions of your Department for five additional regiments (which regiments are now nearly ready to take up the line of march), and in view of the anticipated invasion on our coast this coming winter, as evidenced by the Northern press and the Hatteras affair, the State authorities deem it inexpedient to permit the First Regiment South Carolina Volunteers (State troops) to leave the State for their unexpired term of service. The regiment is now guarding an exposed portion of our coast. His excellency the governor and the State authorities feel assured that you will not accept the services of any independent troops without they present the consent of the governor.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. R. GIST, Adjutant and Inspector General of South Carolina.
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HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DISTRICT, Savannah, September 4, 1861.
Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War:
SIR: In addition to what I said in my letter of yesterday in reference to the urgent necessity for a large addition to the military force on this coast and a recommendation that Duncan L. Clinch, esq. be authorized to raise a regiment for local defense, I take leave respectfully to suggest that the elections for field officers of regiments within my observation have proved very disastrous to discipline and efficiency. If consistent with the views of the War Department I would be truly pleased to see all such appointments here made by the President, and I will suggest names, if desired.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. R. LAWTON, Brigadier-General, Commanding.
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WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, September 6, 1861.
Brigadier-General RIPLEY, Commanding Charleston, S. C.:
SIR: A copy of your letter of September 1 to Adjutant-General Cooper has been submitted to this Department. In view of its importance I take the earliest opportunity to reply. {p.274}
The authority for which you ask, “to muster into service for the war, for special duty on the coast, a force not exceeding 1,500 men,” is granted, but at the same time I take occasion to say that, as Governor Pickens is already organizing a force for home defense, it will be proper for you, so far as practicable, to act in concert with him, to avoid both unpleasant complications and unnecessary expenses.
2d. The authority asked for “to establish a recruiting service for the enlisted troops now on duty,” &c., as proposed, is also granted.
3d. With regard to the proposal “to provide means of transport, armed, if necessary,” &c., this Department must be, to a great extent, guided by your own view of the actual necessity of your position. The Department is, therefore, unwilling to refuse any means of defense which you recommend as necessary, and such armed transports as you propose will be allowed within the limits of as reasonable expenditure as may be rendered necessary. All requisitions made in consequence of this expenditure within the limit of necessary defense will be granted promptly, and the difficulties which you suggest as likely to arise in the execution of these plans, and in view of which you ask a departure from the usual rule, may, it is hoped, be without necessity of such departure, easily and satisfactorily obviated, without the necessity of such arrangements as you propose.
The requisitions inclosed by you have been sent to the proper bureaus, and will doubtless receive prompt attention.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War.
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SAVANNAH, September 8, 1861.
Hon. L. P. WALKER:
There is much alarm here about the coast. Stronger force and vigorous action absolutely necessary. Will you increase the force and quicken the energy, or will you furnish funds to support troops and approbate prompt State action for that purpose? I wish to avoid all conflict of authority, but prompt action is indispensable. Please answer immediately.
JOSEPH E. BROWN.
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RICHMOND, September 9, 1861.
Governor BROWN, Savannah, Ga.:
In a letter to General Lawton I have ordered him to increase his force as he may deem necessary. All legitimate expenditures for this purpose within the line of his approval will be paid by the Government.
L. P. WALKER.
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RICHMOND, September 9, 1861.
General A. B. LAWTON, Savannah, Ga.:
You are authorized to organize such military force as is in your opinion necessary for the defense of the coast of Georgia.
JOHN TYLER, JR., Acting Chief of Bureau of War.
{p.275}–––
WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, September 10, 1861.
His Excellency FRANCIS W. PICKENS, Governor of South Carolina:
SIR: It affords me very great pleasure to acknowledge your very interesting communication to this Department of the 1st and 2d of the present month, and to congratulate you upon the evidence they furnish of the ceaseless energies put forth by the governor of South Carolina during your administration. Where such faithful manifestations of public concern exist, guided and controlled by such admirable wisdom and policy, it is profoundly to be regretted that this Department is so circumscribed by law as not always to have it in its power to second your suggestions. Under the law a regiment is limited to ten companies, and therefore your proposition to incorporate two additional companies into Colonel Gregg’s regiment, although based on sound reasoning and solid facts, cannot be granted. Colonel Gregg has been informed more at large of the manner in which the action of this Department is circumscribed in the premises, and will doubtless communicate with you on the subject. Nor does there exist any authority by which I can authorize you to appoint company officers. They are invariably elected, according to the laws regulating the militia of the States respectively, and this is the case where vacancies occur after troops have been received and mustered into the Confederate service. To enable the Government even to appoint field officers troops must come to it direct, without State intervention, under the amended acts of Congress passed at the second session. Then they must come solely by companies, and be mustered into the service as such. Thus your excellency will perceive how utterly impossible it is for this Department to entertain your proposition in these respects. Neither can I gratify you by accepting the two unarmed cavalry regiments you generously offer. The service does not absolutely require them, and our present resources do not admit of their acceptance. But the two cavalry companies to which you allude will be received, if armed and equipped; and where there is necessarily so much negation of your wishes, I am happy to say that the rifle regiment you propose to raise for the war and to arm will be taken into service.
This Department, through an anxious desire to oblige you, will also receive ten companies, to be offered by companies, and to be organized by its authority into a regiment, thus reserving to itself the right to appoint the field officers; but if your excellency can possibly arm these companies, it is sincerely hoped you will arm them, though it be only with the flint musket, country rifle, or heavy shot-gun.
The cannon powder that you ask for cannot be spared by the Ordnance Office unless there be an absolute existing necessity for it, under the pressure of demand in other quarters, where it is indispensable. It is preferred that your excellency will retain your patience upon the subject for the present.
I entirely concur with your excellency in the policy of not accepting any more troops except for the war, and have endeavored ever since the Congress invested this Department with the discretionary power of thus receiving military tenders to limit its favor by this policy; but as our arms have not been abundant, it has been and still is a matter of pure necessity to accept tenders coming to us armed for a less period.
{p.276}With renewed congratulations upon the martial force of your State and considerations of high personal regard, I remain, your excellency’s obedient servant,
L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War.
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HDQRS. MIL. DEPT. MIDDLE AND EAST FLORIDA, Fernandina, September 13, 1861.
Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War, C. S., Richmond:
SIR: The whole population of Florida may well unite with me, as they do, in deploring the condition of the State. I have been in the State nine days and have been at this place for five days. I have pulled down much of the battery and magazine, and when completed (I hope in two weeks) the harbor will be guarded and protected. An alarm existed a few days since, and the governor promptly called out a large force of volunteers, and a strong resistance could have been made, but without aid from Fort Clinch and the battery it would have been useless to expect it. As sure as the sun rises, unless cannon, powder, &c., be sent to Florida in the next thirty days, she will fall into the hands of the North. Nothing human can prevent it. There are not 4,000 pounds of powder at every post combined. The batteries are incorrectly put up and not finished. The enemy can land where they please. Guns and chassis are lying on the beach, though that I have remedied. There is not an officer to put up the guns or an officer to superintend their instruction when put up. There is not an officer to receive the supplies when they arrive I have no assistant adjutant-general, nor an assistant commissary, nor an assistant quartermaster, nor an aide-de-camp. Mr. Wood, if appointed a lieutenant, was applied for as aide, Mr. I’Anson as assistant quartermaster. Captain Gott was applied for, and received orders, which were revoked; I applied for no one else, as I knew no one to apply for. I applied to General Cooper for Lieutenant Thomas, adjutant of Colonel Ward’s regiment Florida volunteers, who was dissatisfied with his position. Colonel Ward, Lieutenant Thomas informs me, will object to the transfer. I trust, Mr. Secretary, that you will take this communication under your immediate notice, and have the ordnance stores and the various officers sent at once. I send a list of guns and ammunition wanted forthwith. Florida will become a Yankee province unless measures for her relief are promptly made. I leave to-morrow for Tallahassee, and shall, with all dispatch, visit Saint Mark’s, Apalachicola, Cedar Keys, and Tampa. I will communicate my movements from time to time. I send a copy of my requisition for ordnance; also a circular found, with many others, posted about this city.
Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
JOHN B. GRAYSON, Brigadier-General, C. A., Comdg. Middle and East Florida.
[Inclosure.]
-Requisition for ordnance and ordnance stores required to be filled at the earliest moment for the Military Department of Middle and East Florida, and to be consigned to Capt. William Hickman, assistant quartermaster, Fernandina, East Florida:-
14 32-pounder cannon; six to be rifled, if possible.
4 42-pounders, if possible, and rifled, with chassis. The chassis for the 32-pounders are promised from Charleston.
{p.277}23,000 pounds of cannon powder for 29 cannon.
12,000 musket cartridges; few or none on hand.
300 shells for three 12-pounder howitzers at Saint Augustine. The fixtures for the 32-pounders are promised from Charleston.
12 12-pounders, with chassis and fixtures complete; the 32-pounders to be the army pattern.
JOHN B. GRAYSON, Brigadier-General, C. A., Comdg. Middle and East Florida.
SEPTEMBER 23, 1861.
Notice.
All loyal citizens of the United States are hereby notified that the Federal troops will take possession of the island of Amelia in a few days, and if they desire to escape the vengeance of an outraged Government they must assemble on the south end of the island. All those found at that point, except the military, will be regarded as good citizens of the United States.
Assemble on the right.
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FORT PULASKI, September 15, 1861.
Capt. R. M. CUYLER, Chief of Ordnance, Military District of Savannah:
CAPTAIN: I am in receipt of yours of the 14th. In compliance with your request I inclose herewith a statement of the companies stationed at this post, with number of men, number and description of arms, and amount of ammunition, as given me by the captains of companies.* Seven thousand of the 8,000 cartridges sent here, subject to the order of Colonel Mercer, have been sent to Tybee. Out of the 1,000 left the guard are being supplied.
The 4,000 cartridges in the ordnance store-room, to which you refer, were made by the Irish Jasper Greens, and are ball, without buck-shot. They will answer, perhaps, for the Washington Volunteers, but Captain McMahon prefers the cartridges with buck-shot. There are no caps with them.
We have not made any fuses yet, having no fuse die that we can use. As soon as we can obtain fuse dies we will commence making fuses. We can easily work three or four dies if we have them. We have ours made at the Central Railroad workshops, which is imperfect. I send it up by this boat. If you will send it to Mr. Burns, at the Central Railroad, I have no doubt but that he will have the mistake corrected. If you will examine it you will see around that some of the forms for the fuses are very irregular; the taper does not extend to the small end, and if it did it would make the fuse too large at that end.
We want about a dozen small copper funnels (perhaps tin would answer) for filling shells; there are but two here. We also want a few fuse reamers.
Will you permit me to suggest the propriety of holding a survey upon the carriages of the barbette guns? I very much fear that they are not calculated to withstand the shock of repeated firing. Would it not be well to attend to this at once, and, if it is decided that the pine is not {p.278} suitable, have oak procured and carriages made without delay? I am informed that seasoned oak enough to replace all the barbette carriages can be had at Darien.
Permit me also to bring to your notice the small supply of cannon powder now in our magazines, it being but about 45,000 pounds. The Navy holds an order on the fort for 1,700 or 1,800, which, if delivered, will reduce the quantity of shot made.
Why cannot Captain Echols and yourself visit the fort some day this week and assist us with your advice?
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOS. S. CLAGHORN, Captain, Commanding Post.
* Not found
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WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., ENGINEER BUREAU, Richmond, Va., September 21, 1861.
Hon. SECRETARY OF WAR:
SIR: The project of auxiliary coast defense herewith, as submitted by Col. A. J. Gonzales, though not thought to be everywhere applicable, is believed to be of great value under special circumstances. In the example assumed at Edisto Island, where the movable batteries rest on defensive works and are themselves scarcely exposed to surprise and capture, a rifled 24-pounder, with two small guns, rallying and reconnoitering from each of the fixed batteries, would prove invaluable. A lighter gun than the 24-pounder, and quite as efficient, might be devised for such service, but this is probably the best now available. Colonel Gonzales’ proposed arrangements for re-enforcing certain exposed and threatened maritime Posts seem to be judicious and to merit attention.
Very respectfully,
D. LEADBETTER, Major, Engineer.
[Indorsement.]
SEPTEMBER 23, 1861.
Respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War.
S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General.
[Inclosure.]
RICHMOND, VA., September 14, 1861.
His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS, President C. S. A.:
SIR: I have the honor to place before you the outline of a system of coast defense which, if adopted, will, I believe, very much increase the security of our Atlantic and Gulf States, and render a lesser force than otherwise would be required sufficient for the protection of our coast. I have not been bold to submit it to you for adoption without having first had it before scientific officers of our Army and other gentlemen of military experience, who have highly commended it for practicability and efficiency. As acting inspector-general on Morris Island, and since up to this day as inspector of the troops and defenses on the coast of South Carolina by Governor Pickens, I have probably had opportunities for studying our coast and the way of protecting it not enjoyed by others. Taking the coast of South Carolina as a representation, with but few {p.279} exceptions, of our Southern coast, and taking the island of Edisto as a representation of the nature of its seaboard, we have as roughly marked in the sketch on opposite page:
We have one of our most valuable agricultural regions, with a population of about 5,000 negroes and one hundred and odd voters, with one sand open work (A) on North Edisto entrance, mounting six guns, and another (B) on South Edisto entrance, mounting two guns. On this island, as on the whole of our coast, there is a hard practicable sand beach, and immediately behind it a line of sand hills, forming almost a continuous fort of nature’s own making. The shallowness of the water opposite the coast, extending for several miles, would prevent any but the lightest vessels from approaching it. Hence the enemy’s large steam frigates, except through their tenders and barges, can inflict no injury upon us. By means of these barges, however, a force can be landed, if unresisted, anywhere upon the beach, and the works at the inlets taken in the rear. Through these inlets the batteries can be engaged by third-class steamers and by gunboats. Supposing the armament at these inlets to be so increased (which should be done) as to prevent ingress of ships, and consequently of heavy artillery (for the latter cannot be landed in boats upon the beach), in the absence of an overwhelming land force lining the whole extent of our coast we should have upon the {p.280} latter artillery of the greatest range, in order that it may engage small steamers lying off, sink approaching barges, and should the latter effect a landing with howitzers and men, crush them by the superiority of their metal and the advantages of range, and at the same time so portable that it can easily be used upon the coast, and even in emergencies upon the sandy roads on the island or the mainland. In the rifled 24-pounder on siege carriage we have the gun required.
Experience has shown that a rifled 24-pounder, not banded, can throw an elongated percussion shell, the most formidable to ships, much over 3 miles. The conditions necessary for the safety to the gun are, that the shell do not weigh more than one and a half the weight of the round solid shot of the same caliber, and that the charge for the 24-pounder do not exceed five pounds. This 24-pounder rifled cannon, outranging the largest Dahlgren guns of the enemy’s fleet, and, if provided with good shells, far more formidable than the former, can, on siege carriages, be drawn with the greatest ease up and down the beach at half and at low tide by 6 horses. I will assign, however, 10 horses to each gun and 10 to each ammunition wagon, and I would permanently attach to each gun and ammunition wagon, for protection and support, for assistance in drawing them at high water or on heavy roads on extraordinary occasions, and for co-operation in action against infantry, a body of cavalry, at the rate of 10 mounted men to each gun and ammunition wagon. For such guns, stationed on the coast, no more carriages and no forges, &c., would be required to be moved with the guns, for the reason that this artillery has for its object to link the batteries at the inlets, to close and watch the space which intervenes between them, and to prevent their being taken in reverse. At night they are expected to unite in some central post upon the coast, or to fall back upon the forts which constitute their base. These forts they would flank against a land attack, and re-enforce materially in a contest against ships. For this purpose, at each fort or battery there should be constructed a suitable work, with magazine and stored ammunition, ready to receive these guns whenever recalled. Thus, if there were stationed three 24-pounder rifled cannon on siege carriages on the natural fortress of sand hills (a most important feature of our coast) back of the beach on Edisto Island, at the points marked C, D, and E, they would cross their fire against barges or land forces, and would even advantageously engage, when united, any small steamers that might contrive to approach sufficiently near to protect the enemy’s landing.
To carry out beyond peradventure the operation of moving behind the sand hills, where the road is heavy, to move at high water in great emergencies along the beach, to cross with the seacoast flying artillery a belt of country in order to intercept the enemy or to take a strategic position, a strong rope, with ten straps permanently affixed to it along its length, is to be connected to the chain the draught horses are pulling by. Each of these straps is hooked on temporarily to the breast-band of the saddle of each cavalry soldier assigned to each gun and ammunition wagon, and thus 20 horses will be the draught to each gun in any difficult traveling. In an emergency, to place the guns in position at the shortest notice and in the most difficult localities, the horses and horsemen belonging to the ammunition wagon can be attached temporarily to the gun, and thus 40 horses are at once available to extricate it even from a morass. This duty performed they can return, and still more easily remove the ammunition wagon. In case of an attempt of the enemy to land, the infantry at the two forts, A and B, could, unseen behind the hills, come to the support of cavalry and artillery. I would {p.281} arm the cavalry with sabers and double-barreled guns. Behind sand hills, in defense of a battery from an enemy landing on the beach where the space to be traversed by him is very short and open, I would prefer the double-barreled gun to any other arm, especially as in landing from the boats the enemy must be crowded. Two volleys of large buck-shot and the saber, even on foot, would do quick work. Our men are all used to the double-barreled gun, and they would fire it promptly and confidently. Besides, that weapon can now be furnished to the troops when rifles could not be had. Moreover, if the enemy is in motion, or the horsemen, or if both, he is far more likely to be hit at short ranges with the double-barreled gun than with a rifle. To the uses of a support as infantry the cavalry could add the services peculiar to itself of charging a disorganized or surprised enemy, vedette and patrol duty, and the transmission of intelligence and of dispatches. On the shells for these guns I would have two fuses-the percussion at the apex, to be used against ships, and the Bormann fuse on the side, to be punched when fired upon infantry, barges, or at sharpshooters on the tops of ships while in close action.
Nothing that the enemy can bring can neutralize this system. The inlets being closed, he can land no heavy artillery. These guns would help to close the inlets, and would prevent even the landing of small guns. These, if landed, would be crushed by our artillery, and so would their small ships, if after passing the inlets they should venture into the narrow and tortuous creeks beyond. In connection with these guns nothing prevents the use of howitzers. The former would always remain guns of position, superior in range and accuracy to the Dahlgren, as well as in destructiveness to ships.
To fully complete this system, however, in addition to the above means of defense permanently and immediately upon the coast, I would have at each State center of operations-at Charleston, for instance, for the defense of South Carolina-a central battery of seacoast flying artillery of twelve rifled 24-pounders, organized on the same principle as those hereinbefore mentioned, with forges, sling-carts, extra ammunition-wagons, &c., superadded, as they would have to dart off much farther than the former from their magazines. For this central battery of rifled cannon the personnel of two companies of artillery and two squadrons of cavalry might be sufficient. Adding to these a regiment of rifles or light infantry, a compact, formidable flying column would be at hand-a fortress in itself on reaching any part of our coast where nature has provided suitable sandworks. Upon the receipt of intelligence of the proximate attack of any point upon the coast-North Edisto, for instance, in the above sketch-the whole of this armament, with provisions for a week, could be towed in two flats or lighters (such as Ferguson’s, in Charleston) in the space of six hours by one or two small steamers. At each of our forts upon the coast a temporary work should be constructed to receive these guns, as well as those upon the beach, as soon as they are called in.
Let us suppose North Edisto fort, when the enemy’s fleet appears off it, to have but the six guns it has at present. The three 24-pounders, rifled, on the beach, as soon as in battery, would increase its armament to 9. The arrival of the central battery would in six hours increase it to 21, of which at least 15 are rifled. Should the fleet move to attack another point upon the coast, the battery and its support would also move inland in the creeks on a line parallel to it, to meet it wherever its services are required, the fleet all the time unconscious that a fort is closely following it. Nothing but a few light-draught steamers and {p.282} large flats always at hand is required for this most important service. Let us roughly estimate the value of the succor brought in this way at the beginning or in the progress of an engagement at North Edisto:
| Guns from the beach | 3 |
|---|---|
| Guns from Charleston | 12 |
| Total | 15 |
| Artillerists from the beach, say | 50 |
| Cavalry from the beach, say | 60 |
| Artillerists from Charleston, say | 190 |
| Cavalry from Charleston | 240 |
| Regiment of rifles | 700 |
| Total | 1,240 |
Fifteen pieces of formidable ordnance and 1,240 men, which, added to the force of even so small a post as it is at present, would give us 21 guns and 1,500 men.
Of course this infantry support from Charleston is what should at all times be ready to leave at a moment’s warning. Other regiments could immediately follow-at any rate, within twelve hours. With suitable bomb-proofs at the fort and proper discretion on the part of the commanding officer the enemy could be held in check until the arrival of re-enforcements sufficient to discomfit them. Depots for ammunition for these guns should be kept at each post expressly for them, and all ammunition for them should be uniform.
Supposing Georgia to have a similar provision made for her defense, and Savannah to possess, too, her central battery and flying column in the same time-in somewhat more time than it would take to dispatch the Charleston flying column if Edisto is the point attacked, but in much less time if it be the important port of Port Royal Harbor-24 rifled guns can at once be sent to the scene of action from both cities, and together with them over 2,000 men. In a few hours more 5,000 men from the two States, uniting at Savannah by means of the railroad, would at Hilton Head fort defy the power of any assailant. The first point is to prevent surprise. This the seashore guns will do. The second is to prevent the enemy from seizing any inlet in less than a day’s fight. This the flying column and central battery should do. The third is that he shall not move inland, and this the succors which can and should be sent in support of the flying column should be able to do. With more guns and of heavier metal at every inlet and strong garrisons at our isolated posts our coast would be secure, and the necessity of a large force up the country, where it can do no service except in re-enforcing Charleston, would not exist. Because the coast is weak, its support should not be more than a few hours removed; because Charleston is strong, its support might be at Aiken or Columbia. Much can be done in uniting the means of Georgia and South Carolina, and even of North Carolina, in defense of either of the three States against an invasion of the enemy.
At all the centers of operations, as, for instance, Wilmington, Charleston, and Savannah for our Atlantic coast, there should be one regiment assigned to the special duty of forming part of the flying column at a moment’s warning during the said week. Everything needful for the transportation and for the subsistence of this column for one week should be stored up and kept in readiness to be carried off at a moment’s warning. The quartermaster and the commissary of each regiment would upon their regiment entering on duty every week look into the quality and quantity of provisions, equipments, &c., designed for their regiment {p.283} when put in motion. The advantages are obvious of having one regiment assigned each week from the militia of Charleston and other cities for this special duty. The balance are at rest, and the one on duty when called out is not flurried in its arrangements. Should the enemy have forced an entrance into one of our inlets, the central battery at Charleston, as well as the one at Savannah, starling by the railroad, marked upon the sketch, would meet him upon any of the bluffs on the main-land, under which he must necessarily pass in his progress through narrow and tortuous creeks. From these bluffs and within pistol shot the almost vertical fire of rifled guns would be destructive even to ironclad boats, and if the enemy should effect a landing before the arrival of the battery, it is easy to perceive of what advantage it would be in enabling a flying column at the head of a bridge or in a debouch to arrest his progress, or even discomfiting him, before the arrival (necessarily more tardy) of an army. For carrying out such a plan sea-rangers in boats and small steamers on the lookout, telegraphs a good system of signals, facilities of transportation in lighters and steamers, prearranged railroad facilities, and the co-operation of our Navy are a matter of course.
We have in South Carolina very nearly the number of 24-pounders on siege carriages required for the establishment of this system. I understand that there are twelve guns of this description lying idle at the Pensacola navy-yard, which I would recommend our authorities to obtain. By working day and night all these guns can be rifled in two or three weeks. Should there be serious difficulty in procuring horses for these guns, the loan of all the mules required could be obtained, I should think, from our planters for the matter of their own defense. They could be furnished already harnessed by the planters, the Confederate Government reimbursing them their value should they be lost or injured in the service. Cavalry of the very best description exists throughout the seaboard, and is anxious for employment. There is no reason, then, why, in as little time as it will take the Lincoln Government to fit out a squadron, we should not contrive to have an omnipresent fort along the whole extent of our seaboard.
All of which I have the honor to submit, with assurances of my respect and regard.
AMBROSIO JOSÉ GONZALES.
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RICHMOND, September 25, 1861.
Brigadier-General LAWTON, Savannah, Ga.:
Intelligence that I believe reliable indicates that the enemy’s expedition is intended for Brunswick. Inform Governor Brown. Can I do anything to help you? Have ordered the Bartow Artillery company to Savannah.
J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War.
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SAVANNAH, September 25, 1861.
Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War:
I can do nothing, for want of arms, unless I hold those now landing from steamer Bermuda. I sent to-day a special agent to Richmond on {p.284} this subject. Georgia is stripped of arms. Men in abundance, if a few days are allowed.
A. R. LAWTON, Brigadier-General.
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ATLANTA, GA., September 25, 1861.
J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War:
Colonel Stovall, whose battalion is at Lynchburg, is here. Cannot send another gun out of the State. I ask that you order his battalion back to Brunswick on the coast, and I will fill it up to a regiment in the State. I also request that five other armed companies of Georgia troops be ordered back to the coast without delay, as an invasion of the coast is looked for daily, and you have nearly all the State guns in the Confederate service. Please answer both requests immediately. Colonel Stovall will wait here till I hear from you.
JOSEPH E. BROWN.
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RICHMOND, September 25, 1861.
Governor BROWN, Atlanta, Ga.:
Have sent orders to Major Shackleford, as requested. Have ordered Bartow Artillery Company to Savannah to report to General Lawton. Am reliably informed that the enemy will attack Brunswick. Be prepared.
J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War.
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ATLANTA, GA., September 26, 1861.
Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War:
Thank you for the order for the 1,000 guns to General Lawton. Let me beg of you to order Colonel Stovall’s battalion back from Lynchburg and let me fill it up to regiment for the coast.
JOSEPH E. BROWN.
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RICHMOND, September 26, 1861.
Gov. JOSEPH E. BROWN, Atlanta, Ga.:
Your dispatch received. I cannot order back to Georgia any armed troops, for reasons which I will explain by letter. Instead of sending you a thousand men, I have ordered 1,000 of the rifles at Savannah, with the proper quantity of ammunition, to be turned over to General Lawton for arming that number of your men, as I understand you have plenty of men.
J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War.
{p.285}–––
RICHMOND, September 27, 1861.
Gov. JOSEPH E. BROWN, Atlanta, Ga.:
The thousand rifles were ordered to be given you instead of sending back the battalion from Lynchburg. Grave reasons of policy forbid sending back any troops from Virginia.
J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War.
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RICHMOND, September 30, 1861.
E. P. LAWTON, Assistant Adjutant-General, Savannah:
One thousand small-arms and one rifled 12-pounder were assigned by order issued to the proper ordnance officer for the service of Georgia.
J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War.
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Abstract from report of the Provisional Forces, Department of South Carolina, Brig. Gen. R. S. Ripley, commanding, for September, 1861.
| Stations. | Present for duty. | Aggregate present. | Aggregate present and absent. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Officers. | Men. | |||
| Sullivan’s Island (Colonel Orr) | 69 | 1,244 | 1,521 | 1,603 |
| Stono forte (Colonel Hagood) | 54 | 904 | 1,115 | 1,274 |
| North and South Edisto (Colonel Dunovant) | 15 | 293 | 367 | 382 |
| Near Georgetown (Colonel Manigault) | 26 | 397 | 538 | 567 |
| Near Aiken (Colonel Jones) | 38 | 629 | 739 | 898 |
| Field’s Point | 4 | 73 | 106 | 112 |
| Port Royal Harbor | 4 | 185 | 227 | 289 |
| Fort walker | 9 | 195 | 224 | 256 |
| Sam’s Point | 6 | 56 | 69 | 76 |
| Braddock’s Point | 4 | 53 | 57 | 69 |
| Camp Lookout | 3 | 48 | 75 | 96 |
| Near Columbia (cavalry) | 11 | 162 | 173 | 194 |
| Lightwood Knot Spring (cavalry) | 3 | 52 | 62 | 64 |
| Charleston Arsenal (artillery) | 3 | 45 | 68 | 69 |
| 12th 13th and 15th Regiments S. C. Volunteers* | 2,372 | |||
| Total | 249 | 4,336 | 5,341 | 8,271 |
* Stations not given.
{p.286}–––
Abstract from monthly return of the Military District of Savannah, Ga., commanded by Brig. Gen. A. R. Lawton, for September, 1861.
| Stations. | Present for duty. | Aggregate present. | Aggregate present and absent. | Artillery. | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Officers. | Men. | Heavy. | Light. | |||
| Little Cumberland Island | 3 | 48 | 63 | 71 | 5 | |
| Sunbury, Ga. | 3 | 54 | 57 | 59 | ||
| Sapello Island | 6 | 177 | 200 | 208 | 5 | |
| Great Warsaw | 3 | 70 | 75 | 79 | 5 | |
| Isle of Hope | 2 | 42 | 44 | 60 | 6 | |
| Fort Pulaski | 10 | 204 | 250 | 273 | 36 | |
| Thunderbolt battery | 4 | 94 | 110 | 115 | 4 | |
| Genesis Point | 2 | 56 | 72 | 76 | 4 | |
| Oglethorpe Barracks | 4 | 49 | 79 | 80 | 6 | |
| Fort Screven | 6 | 159 | 170 | 181 | 8 | |
| Saint Catharine’s Island | 2 | 67 | 72 | 91 | 2 | |
| Camp Lawton, Savannah | 16 | 242 | 273 | 305 | ||
| Brunswick, Ga. | 32 | 477 | 578 | 587 | 2 | 5 |
| Tybee Island | 40 | 856 | 973 | 1,056 | 2 | |
| South end Big Cumberland Island | 2 | 53 | 65 | 74 | 4 | |
| Blackbird Island | 3 | 90 | 105 | 112 | 5 | |
| Grand total | 138 | 2,738 | 3,186 | 3,427 | 82 | 17 |
APALACHICOLA, October 1, 1861.
Hon. SECRETARY OF WAR, Richmond, Va.:
SIR: The citizens of Apalachicola, under a deep sense of their present insecurity and anxiety for the safety and protection of their families and property, deem it their duty to address you on the subject of the defenses of their city. About the 1st June last, upon application, the executive of our State ordered two 32-pounders (old guns) to be delivered to us, and these, at the expense of the citizens, were brought here and placed in battery in the most eligible position to command the several approaches to the town. At a later period a messenger was dispatched to Richmond, who succeeded in obtaining an additional number of guns, and it was deemed advisable that these should be placed in battery at Saint Vincent’s Island, to command the entrance (West Pass) to our harbor, and the work was commenced and prosecuted with all the means and men that the city could command.
More recently a regiment in the Confederate service has been organized, five companies of which have been detailed to this point, and are now under command of Colonel Hopkins, who has established his headquarters at Saint Vincent’s Island, removed all the troops to that point, dismantled the battery here, and issued a peremptory order for two rifled cannon, daily expected, and ordered siege guns, mounted for the use of the city, to be sent to him on arrival, thus monopolizing for that station every available means of defense, leaving to our company of volunteer artillery and two companies of undrilled infantry, with less than 100 invalids and exempts, the entire and sole protection of the city, and 1,500 women and children, whose natural protectors are most of them enlisted in the service, and without the means to remove their families to places of greater security. The only means of communication is with boats, not only requiring a heavy expenditure in their employ, but they are subject to capture at any moment, as they may easily be intercepted in their trips to and from the city to the island through a {p.287} wide and deep channel across Saint George’s Island between the two points, and entirely beyond the reach of any guns that can be put in battery at Saint Vincent. The approaches to our town by land, as also from the East Pass, are entirely unguarded, and it would not require a large number of such boats as are now being constructed by the enemy to capture the city before any intelligence of an attack could reach Saint Vincent or assistance be rendered by the forces there. The capture of the city would invest Saint Vincent on the main-land side, their supplies would be cut off, and their entire force easily reduced to the alternatives of death or capture without even a show of defense, as no possible outlet of escape would be open to them. The armament at Saint Vincent consists of four ship-mounted and two long 32-pounders, and recent events at Hatteras have demonstrated the insufficiency of such ordnance against the heavy and long-range guns of the enemy. It is believed by military and scientific men that an abandonment of that position would not leave the city exposed to large vessels, and that by removal of the guns and troops, erecting batteries with long-range guns to command approaches by water, causing earthworks to be thrown up at assailable points around the city, with a battery of light artillery to furnish our present company, our town would be more secure than it could possibly be made in any other manner.
Lieutenant McLaughlin, of the Navy left here a few days since for Richmond, and to him, as an officer qualified by experience and examination of our position, we refer to present these matters more fully before you.
Insecurity and apprehension are predominant feelings now, yet these will in nowise lessen the determination of our people to perish beneath the ruins of their city rather than ignobly desert or suffer it to become the prey of the vandal hordes who threaten to assail it. We would speak modestly and respectfully of the officers who have been furnished by the Confederate Government to conduct military operations in our State, and the announcement of General Grayson’s appointment, from his long-tried and acknowledged capability, gave general satisfaction, but a recent visit from him has exhibited in him such an enfeebled state of health and constitution as almost to forbid hope of amendment, and we must necessarily be deprived, if not altogether, to a great extent, of his valuable aid and counsel in our necessity.
We have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servants,
H. R. TAYLOR et al.
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MARIANNA, October 2, 1861.
Hon. S. R. MALLORY:
DEAR SIR: I returned from Tallahassee on yesterday and received yours of the 15th ultimo. I expected to have received a letter from you at Tallahassee, but was disappointed. Having heard that Governor Perry had received one from you informing him that two rifled cannon, &c., had been ordered to Apalachicola, I inquired of him if it were true. He said it was, and read the part of the letter only which referred to the rifled cannon and powder being sent. I regret that Lieutenant McLaughlin was ordered back to Richmond by Colonel Hopkins and the consequent excitement among the citizens, but I know nothing of the particulars. The fact is, our State is in a most deplorable condition. The regiment at Fernandina is said to be demoralized by habitual intemperance of the colonel and lieutenant-colonel, and I am informed even the cannon have not been mounted, and dissipation and disorder {p.288} prevail. There are but eight companies, and never have been more in Hopkins’ regiment-three companies at Apalachicola, two near Saint Mark’s, one at Tampa, and two at Cedar Keys. You will perceive the useless expense of field officers by the arrangement. Would it not be advisable to concentrate the regiment-if, indeed, eight companies be a regiment-and transfer them to General Bragg’s command at Pensacola, and order the Magnolia Regiment, commanded by Colonel Anderson, at Pensacola, to the defense of Apalachicola? Under General Bragg’s command Hopkins’ regiment would be drilled and made useful, and Colonel Anderson’s regiment, with the aid of State troops convenient to Apalachicola, could successfully defend the place with the aid of Lieutenant McLaughlin and a few experienced artillerists.
Suggest the proposed change to the President and Secretary of War. Several companies are organized and ready to tender their services to the Confederate States for twelve months, and consequently there would be no difficulty in supplying the places of the companies of Hopkins’ regiment, now at Fort Williams, near Saint Mark’s, Tampa, and Cedar Keys, by more efficient companies under suitable commanders. The officers of the regiments mustered into the Confederate service in the State imagine that they are entirely independent of State authority, and if it is proper I wish you would request the Secretary of War to issue a suitable general order upon the subject, especially in this State. I anticipate no difficulty whatever with General Bragg or General Grayson, or any gentleman of military education. We can co-operate harmoniously. By the by, General Grayson and myself are old personal acquaintances and friends, though twenty years have elapsed since we parted, and met a day or two ago in Tallahassee. General Grayson’s health is very bad. He is nearly spent with consumption. I thought he would die last Wednesday night, and I fear will not have physical strength to discharge necessary duties in Florida.
I think there would have been no difficulty in forming the Fifth Regiment, but Governor Perry has organized five of the companies intended for the Fifth Regiment with an artillery battalion, and appointed D. P. Holland, esq., lieutenant-colonel to command it for Confederate service. The governor acted, if by any authority, by such as is unknown to me. In the present deranged state of affairs I shall be inaugurated and enter upon the duties of governor on next Monday with a heavy heart and a fearful apprehension of my inability to perform the duties of the office creditably and very usefully; but to the best of my judgment I will encounter surrounding difficulties, resolved to place the State upon the best war footing, and rely upon the Army Regulations and the laws of the State and the efficient aid of the officers sent here by the President to correct existing evils. From recent indications I think a scheme of systematic opposition to you is designed by some men in our State, and permit me to say to you that under all circumstances you may rely upon my friendship promptly to meet, and, if need be with personal responsibility, the most prominent assailants.
In haste, yours, &c.,
JOHN MILTON.
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SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 176} ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GEN.’S OFFICE, Richmond, October 10, 1861.
...
X. Brig. Gen. E. K. Smith is assigned to the command of the Department of Middle and Eastern Florida, and will relieve Brig. Gen. J. B. {p.289} Grayson, whose state of health is such as to prevent him from discharging the active duties of that command.*
...
By command of the Secretary of War:
JNO. WITHERS, Assistant Adjutant-General.
* Revoked October 22, and Brig. Gen. James H. Trapier assigned.
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HDQRS. THIRD REGIMENT FLORIDA VOLUNTEERS, Fort Clinch, Fernandina, Fla., October 14, 1861.
To the SECRETARY OF WAR, Confederate States of America, Richmond, Va.:
SIR: I have the honor to request that you order me to order one of my officers to muster in for twelve-months’ service Lieutenant Colonel Holland’s battalion of artillery. This battalion is absolutely necessary here. They are now in service under the order of the brigadier-general, and have been under my command and now are. The field officers, Lieutenant-Colonel Holland and Maj. Charles F. Hopkins, are fine officers. They are good artillerists, and thoroughly understand their profession. They were appointed by Governor Perry, and are the unanimous choice of the whole battalion. They are the most important aid that could be given me. I would respectfully request that the Department authorize me to have them mustered in without delay, and that they may muster with six companies. They are now erecting batteries, signal stations, establishing points for the ranges of the guns, and have been for some time. They are in the Confederate service, but not yet mustered in, and Captain Stockton has other companies to attend to, and cannot muster the troops as speedily as their efficiency requires. I have the honor to refer the Department to the accompanying copies of orders and letters for information as to the condition of this force and what it is doing.*
Owing to the illness of Brigadier-General Grayson, I cannot ascertain when the guns and ordnance stores for here will arrive. I have to specially request that the ordnance officer be required to send me without delay a supply of ammunition. I have only 2,000 caps and about fifteen rounds of musket cartridges, and the artillery battalion have four 6-pounders and only about five rounds of musket cartridges. I trust the Department will send me at once the necessary ammunition for musketry which can be spared for this point. I would urge the speedy forwarding of the guns and requisition made by Brigadier-General Grayson. His ill-health has caused me to make this statement and request. The general has done everything that man could. His command have perfect confidence in him, and I trust the officious meddling of scared politicians, who have never raised voice or hand for our independence, will receive that merited rebuke from headquarters it deserves for meddling with the acts of better men. Neither the troops nor the people have confidence in them. We are satisfied, and all we want is ammunition.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. S. DILWORTH, Colonel, Commanding.
* Not found. {p.290}
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Tallahassee, Fla., October 18, 1861.
His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS, President of the Confederate States:
SIR: I feel it my duty to present for your consideration the following facts:
First. That for the defense of Florida cavalry is, perhaps, less efficient than for the defense of any other State. At the most important points we should have batteries with guns of heavy caliber. To guard between important points, boats of light draught, with signals, at proper distances, and convenient to those guarding distant and exposed positions a few good horses, to be used by expressmen to give notice of any imposing approach of the enemy. Not many troops are required in the Confederate service, if those in service shall be commanded at important points by brave and skillful officers. There is much derangement of military affairs in this State, owing chiefly to the desire to enter the Confederate service for short periods and certain pay; but if the War and Navy Departments will respect my opinions I hope to establish such military organizations as will in the end be least expensive and most useful. Our chief reliance in connection with the coast defense should be infantry and light artillery, not in service, but ready to be at a moment’s warning, and to be concentrated where needed to support those in the Confederate service.
The recent authority to W. G. M. Davis, esq., to raise a cavalry regiment has excited a perfect furore upon the subject. The large majority of those who were willing to serve as soldiers of infantry are now in favor of riding into service, and I assure you, sir, a battle will never be fought in Florida by cavalry, unless the want of proper coast defenses, artillery, and infantry, shall induce an invasion, and will then be fought at great disadvantage. I entertain no feeling or thought personally unkind to Mr. Davis. He is a gentleman of the legal abilities. But I do regret that the material for the judicious defense of the State has been so much interfered with by the disposition excited in favor of cavalry service. Independent of the companies raised for Colonel Davis’ regiment I have refused commissions to ten associations for cavalry companies within the last two days. Almost every man that has a pony wishes to mount him at the expense of the Confederate Government, and I would most respectfully urge the necessity of the appointment of an honest, prudent, and experienced officer to visit Florida immediately, and inquire into and report the expenses being incurred. Let him first go to Apalachicola, and ascertain the nature and necessity of the expenditures there in the employment of boats, &c., and report immediately to the proper Departments; thence to other positions, and examine and report. It will afford me pleasure to aid in the investigation, and if the officer will come to Tallahassee I will to the best of my ability, direct the course of inquiry. I am fully persuaded that one-half the amount that will be expended, if there shall be no immediate check to expenditures, wisely appropriated, will secure the defense of Florida, and by means that will be useful in a future emergency. The unnecessary expense for cavalry would supply the means for the proper coast defenses; would enable me to equip companies of light artillery and infantry, which equipments might be preserved to protect the peace which we hope to obtain by the present war. But the hundreds of horses which are now being withdrawn from agricultural industry will be of little avail in war and leave the State without the means of agriculture, which will be difficult to supply.
{p.291}General Grayson is in a dying condition. General E. K. Smith, I am informed, has been appointed to succeed him, and permit me to suggest that his command shall extend west, so as to embrace Apalachicola and Saint Andrew’s Bay, and to express the hope that his staff will be composed of gentlemen of military education and experience. This suggestion is made because Colonel Hopkins entertains the opinion, if I am correctly informed, that General Grayson’s command does not embrace Apalachicola, and I regret to say that Colonel Hopkins’ military ability is much doubted by many worthy citizens, and unpleasant circumstances have consequently occurred, which I apprehend will result unhappily.
From a misapprehension of facts, the Fourth Regiment was tendered by my worthy predecessor without a full complement of companies. Colonel Hopkins has three of these companies at Apalachicola; there are two at Saint Mark’s, two at Cedar Keys, and one or two in the neighborhood of Tampa. Thus scattered, it is impossible for them to act as a regiment without previous instructions and competent officers.
I would respectfully suggest that Colonel Hopkins be ordered with his three companies to Saint Mark’s, to protect that place and the coast between the Ocella and Crooked Rivers, and if the Departments will furnish me with two good engineers and two good drill officers of artillery I will defend Apalachicola with State troops, and such troops as I may be able to raise and place in a camp of instruction for the army of reserve. If such an order should be deemed advisable, I would be pleased to be informed of it three or four days before Colonel Hopkins shall leave there, and I will visit the place and put the troops in proper positions of defense.
There is another matter to which I would respectfully invite attention. By letter from the War Department, dated June 30, 1861, the governor of this State was required to furnish 1,000 men as the quota of the State in the army of reserve, and to place them in a camp of instruction. For this purpose four companies were raised under special commission, and only four, and these were assembled at Fernandina, called a battalion of artillery, and put into the Confederate service, under command of Mr. D. P. Holland as lieutenant-colonel, with Mr. Charles F. Hopkins as major. I am not apprised that such a battalion, if any, was called for or authorized by the Secretary of War, and the appointment of the officers by the governor was, in my judgment, without authority, and contrary to the ordinances of the Convention, the Constitution, and the laws of the State, and that,if in the course of events, any court-martial shall be ordered, the matter will be inquired into by the civil authority, the commissions declared void, and the so-called battalion will be disorganized and demoralized.
I have felt it my duty thus candidly to submit to you my opinion, and invoke your judgment upon the matters submitted for your consideration. It has been said that perhaps General Smith would not accept the command in Florida, in which event I hope the regiments and companies which have been or may be accepted for service in this State by a general order of the War Department, not interfering with General Bragg’s command, may be made subject to my orders, and the defense of the State shall be successful, and at the least possible expense.
I am, sir, very respectfully,
JOHN MILTON, Governor of Florida.
{p.292}–––
OCTOBER 21, 1861.
Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War.
MY DEAR SIR: The following are the only points that occur to me to suggest:
1. That the special attention of General Trapier be directed to such points in his department as the governor may consider to be of chief military importance.
2. That he should be instructed to arrange with the governor for obtaining the ten companies in the speediest manner possible, and, in order to avoid delay in bringing the post at Fernandina under better command, he should be authorized to appoint a colonel to take command of the companies as they are mustered, unless the Department is prepared to designate one at once for the command.
3. That he should be authorized to make such alterations in the number and organization of the forces employed in Florida as may in his judgment be advisable; for which purpose he might be authorized to muster or discharge troops according to exigency, keeping the Department advised of his acts.
4. It would also be well to authorize him, if he deems it advisable, to arrange with the Cuban Telegraph Company for the surrender of the line between Savannah and Florida to the Confederate States during the war.
5. If it requires special authority to enable him to do so, he might be authorized to employ and attach to each post a capable drill officer.
Respectfully, yours,
D. L. YULEE.
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COLUMBIA, October 22, 1861.
Hon. Mr. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War:
I have been informed another large vessel has arrived at Saint Mary’s with arms, &c. From your last letter I am in hopes you will send 2,000 rifles for our flanking companies and 300 cavalry pistols for the men just mustered in. It is essential to our service, as I have put out 4,000 of arms in a few days past, which entirely exhausted our supply.
F. W. PICKENS.
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WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, October 22, 1861.
Brig. Gen. J. H. TRAPIER:
SIR: The President has, as you will perceive from the inclosed papers, accepted your tender of service, has appointed you brigadier-general, and assigned you to the Department of Eastern and Middle Florida. Your instructions are brief and simple. Do everything that your means and energies will permit to place the coast of Florida in a state of defense. You will first proceed to Fernandina, as the point most important and most likely to attract the attention of the enemy; but you are left to your own discretion as to the proper location of your headquarters.
{p.293}Your staff will be appointed and commissioned in accordance with your recommendation, unless some special objection should exist. Upon one point you may require the aid of this Department. You will find, as I am informed, that troops have been mustered into the service of the Confederacy in such manner as to render their services almost valueless, either by reason of the incompetency and inefficiency of their officers, or because mustered for cavalry or artillery where such arms are not required or cannot be procured, or for other like reasons. In a word, I am informed that a radical reform on this subject is required in Florida. Under these circumstances you may be at a loss how to proceed, and I would therefore suggest that on your application the Department would not hesitate to muster out of service all such organizations as would come within the class above described, and then muster the men afresh by companies, so as to leave it in our power to organize the regiments and appoint the field officers, instead of leaving them to be elected by the men. We might thus hope to obtain efficient and competent officers; and for your guidance I inclose you a circular letter, prepared in answer to the constant inquiries addressed to this Department, and which will inform you of the policy on which we act in receiving tenders of troops. I send you likewise a set of the laws, so far as passed, which you will require for your guidance in many cases that must arise.
I am informed by Mr. Yulee that the Cuban Telegraph Company would place its line at the service of the Government at little or no cost, with the view of having it kept in order until the return of peace shall make it profitable. If this be so, you are authorized to make arrangements with them for that purpose, as the keeping up of your communications with Savannah cannot but be very useful in your operations.
You will be sustained by this Department as far as possible in your efforts to discharge the duties confided to you, but our resources in small-arms, in ordnance, and ammunition are very limited when compared with the enormous coast line we have to defend, and we cannot therefore supply, as we would wish, the several points where defenses are necessary. We must concentrate our means as promptly as possible at the different assailable points after the attack, not having enough to furnish any but the most important in advance.
Wishing you success and distinction in your new command, I am, your obedient servant,
J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War.
[Inclosure.]
SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 186.}
ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GEN.’S OFFICE, Richmond, October 22, 1861.
...
X. Special Orders, No 176, Adjutant and Inspector General’s Office, of October 10, 1861, is revoked.
Brig. Gen. James H. Trapier, Provisional Army, is assigned to the command of the Department of Eastern and Middle Florida, and will proceed at once to Fernandina, under such special instructions as may be given him by the Secretary of War.
By command of the Secretary of War:
JNO. WITHERS, Assistant Adjutant-General.
{p.294}–––
HDQRS. MIL. DEP’T, MIDDLE AND EAST FLORIDA, Tallahassee, October 23, 1861.
Hon. SECRETARY OF WAR, Richmond, Va.:
SIR: I have the honor to inclose a copy of the report of Maj. W. L. L. Bowen, announcing the capture of two sloops and their crews. I have submitted a like copy to Col. W. S. Dilworth, Third Regiment Florida Volunteers, at Fernandina, who succeeded to the command upon General Grayson’s death.
The vessels you notice sail under the “American colors, with papers from Key West, with license to engage in the fishery on the Florida coast, and supply the Rey West market with the same.” There is a feature in this case that induces me to inform the Department, after a consultation with his excellency the governor of Florida. It seems the smacks belong to a firm in Key West, known as William H. Wall & Co., who I learn from a refugee here from the island are men good to the Southern cause. One of the firm, though a signer of the ordinance of secession, has taken the oath to the Federal side, but says it was done under duress. The refugee states he was a book-keeper for several years in the house of the Messrs. Wall & Co., the alleged owners of the smacks, and says, in addition, that he is sure the firm has not only wished for the success of our struggle, but that they have aided with money. It has not been made known to any one here that they (the vessels) are true to the Confederacy; so, in the absence of Colonel Dilworth at his post near Fernandina, I, acting as assistant adjutant-general during Lieutenant Wood’s absence, most respectfully write the Department, that a delay of several days may not occur in this case, where doubts exist as to whether the smacks are prizes or not, it being said they belong to friends, yet sail under our enemy’s flag. In the mean time I have written to Major Bowen, and said it would be well to keep his prisoners under guard until he can hear from higher authority. His excellency Governor Milton informs me that the crews are for the most part Spaniards, and may claim protection of that flag, and also that at Key West the Federal authorities force all persons, regardless of nationality, to take the oath of allegiance to the United States.
I respectfully inform you that in my letter to Colonel Dilworth I mentioned my intention of addressing you, to avoid delay.
I have the honor to be, sir, most respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEORGE UPSHUR MAYO, First Lieutenant, C. S. Army.
[Inclosure.]
HEADQUARTERS, FORT BROOKE, Tampa, Fla., October 16, 1861.
Brig. Gen. JOHN B. GRAYSON, Commanding Middle and East Florida:
DEAR SIR: After my complimentary regards, permit me to report for your orders 13 prisoners of war, captured under my command on the 10th and 11th of this month, being the crew of the sloops William Batty and Lyman Dudley, sailing under the American colors (Stars and Stripes), with papers from Key West, with license to engage in the fishery on the Florida coast, and supply the Key West market with the same. The sloops are of the first class, well rigged, and in good order. One measures 65 16/95 tons, the other 56 80/95 tons.
{p.295}The sloops have been duly turned over to the prize commissioner as legal prizes to the Confederate States, and the prisoners are detained in safe custody for your disposal; and, in consequence of the inconvenience and difficulty of subsisting troops at this post, I hope you will order the prisoners to be sent to some other place, or disposed of in some other manner as soon as practicable.
With a deep regret for your ill-health, and with due regard to your orders, I am, sir, most respectfully, yours, &c.,
W. L. L. BOWEN, Major, Commanding Military Forces, Tampa Bay.
The sloops William Batty and Lyman Dudley are, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the property of William H. Wall & Co., of Key West. They have been seized at Tampa Bay by the military for sailing under the Federal colors and with papers from Key West. Having been in the employment of Messrs. William H. Wall & Co. for several years, I know them to be true Southern men, and have largely aided the Confederate cause.
William Pinkney, one of the firm, has taken the United States oath under duress on the island, but signed the ordinance of secession. The permission for their vessels to sail under the Federal flag is only to keep him from seizure and imprisonment.
CHAS. ANTONIO.
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RICHMOND, October 23, 1861.
Gov. JOHN MILTON, Tallahassee, Fla.:
General Kirby Smith has been assigned to duty with Army of the Potomac. General Trapier, of South Carolina, has been assigned to your State, and Mr. Yulee leaves to-morrow morning with his instructions.
General Trapier will go first to Fernandina, and you can address him there.
J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War.
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EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Tallahassee, October 24, 1861.
Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War:
Well pleased that General Trapier has been assigned to the Military Department of Middle and East Florida. Would respectfully suggest that the Military Department of the State be so arranged as to embrace the State, distinguishing the departments to which General Bragg and General Trapier have been assigned. The reason of the suggestion is that Apalachicola and Saint Andrew’s, two important points, are not embraced in a general order. We have at Saint Mark’s howitzers and empty shells. No powder or fuse to prepare them. We need guns of large caliber and ammunition.
Respectfully,
JOHN MILTON, Governor of Florida.
{p.296}–––
SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 300.}
HDQRS. MIL. DIST., SAVANNAH, GA., October 25, 1861.
...
2. By direction of the Secretary of War all unarmed troops in camps of instruction, who have been mustered in for the war, will hold themselves in readiness to proceed forthwith to Richmond, Va. Commanding officers, quartermasters, and commissaries of such troops will make the necessary arrangements for an immediate move, and report, by letter, to these headquarters.
By order of Brig. Gen. A. R. Lawton:
THOS. J. BERRY, Aide-de-Camp, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
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WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, October 26, 1861.
Col. W. S. DILWORTH, Comdg. Third Regt. Fla. Vols., Hdqrs. Fort Clinch, Fla.:
SIR: I am in receipt of your letter of the 14th October, with its several inclosures, submitted to this Department by Capt. Thomas E. Buckman, who came to Richmond by your orders. Captain Buckman’s company having been accepted as a “company of infantry, armed with double barreled shot-guns, for twelve months,” I have directed Brigadier General Trapier to have the company mustered in on those terms whenever the required conditions are fulfilled.
With regard to your request that Lieutenant-Colonel Holland’s battalion of artillery be mustered in as organized, with six companies for twelve months, I have to say that this battalion has never been accepted by this Department, nor can we accept artillery companies in battalions, but only by independent companies or batteries, leaving the question of any further organization to rest with the proper authority. Neither do we furnish any batteries to companies of artillery offered for twelve months only. It appears, however, that this battalion possesses but a single battery, sufficient only, and barely sufficient, for a single company. I have therefore directed Brigadier-General Trapier to accept, and muster in a single company, if offered, furnished with this battery for twelve months, but not to accept any other company of artillery for twelve months not armed with batteries, except such as he may deem necessary for working heavy guns in battery, and those only by independent companies. Lieutenant-Colonel Holland has been informed that his battalion cannot be accepted as at present organized, and therefore that his commission cannot be confirmed. However able he may be as an officer, and however valuable his services may be to you as an artillerist, of which I have read with great pleasure your flattering testimonials, this course is dictated necessarily by a regard for the interests of the service and for the general policy of this Department, a brief view of which, so far as concerns the accepting and organization of troops, &c., you will find stated in the accompanying circular, which I respectfully inclose. It is now, of course, needless for me to add that the additional field pieces which you ask for on behalf of this battalion cannot be furnished.
An artillery company furnishing its own battery will be equipped for the field when mustered into service, but no person other than the proper officer of the Government can be authorized to purchase horses {p.297} or any other equipments or supplies for the battery or for the company, and such as may be furnished will be accepted only at a fair valuation.
The remaining topics of your letter shall receive due consideration, and your requisitions for ammunition, &c., are referred to the attention, of the Chief of Ordnance.
Very respectfully,
J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War.
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NORFOLK, October 26, 1861.
Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN:
A Federal soldier’s hat was picked up to-day at Colonel Taylor’s farm, near Willoughby’s Point, 3 1/2 miles from Old Point. It contained two Boston papers, one of the 19th and one of the 21st. They contain important developments as to the destination of the great expedition. The gunboats are to concentrate in Hampton Roads, and the transports are to repair to Annapolis, and there embark a force of 25,000 men, under General Sherman. Several of the larger steamers are loaded with surf-boats. The papers state that the expedition is intended for Charleston and other places on our coast. At sundown the lookout reports over 100 sail of vessels in the Roads. They are arriving and departing continually. The main part of the expedition is still at the Roads, and great activity prevails in the fleet. Will send papers by Monday’s mail.
JAS. F. MILLIGAN, Captain, Signal Officer, Department of Norfolk.
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SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 190.}
ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GEN.’S OFFICE, Richmond, October 26, 1861.
...
XIII. The State of Georgia will hereafter constitute a separate department, to be designated the Department of Georgia, the command of which is assigned to Brigadier-General Lawton, headquarters Savannah, Ga.
XIV. The Department of Middle and Eastern Florida, announced in paragraph XII, Special Orders, No. 130, Adjutant and Inspector-General’s Office, of August 21, 1861, will extend west to Choctawhatchee River.
...
By command of Secretary of War:
JNO. WITHERS, Assistant Adjutant-General.
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EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Tallahassee, October 28, [861.
Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War:
SIR: The special order by which the Chattahoochee River is established as the line between the two military departments of Florida excludes Apalachicola and Saint Andrew’s Bay from the department to which General Trapier has been assigned, both places being west of the river and therefore in West Florida. It may be best that these places should be in General Bragg’s department, for the following reasons. viz:
{p.298}First. For necessary supplies Apalachicola and Saint Andrew’s are more conveniently connected with Pensacola than with any important position in Middle or East Florida.
Second. The means of communication by telegraph and mail facilities are more speedy and less expensive; also for transportation of troops, guns, ammunition, &c.
Third. The military department east of the Chattahoochee River, in the present deranged state of affairs, is more than sufficient to command the utmost energies of any general to make a successful defense of the various important positions subject to and threatened with attack.
You may inquire, then, why I suggested by telegram that Apalachicola and Saint Andrew’s Bay should be embraced in General Trapier’s command. At the time the suggestion was made these places were not, by any general orders emanating from or authorized by the War Department known to me, embraced in any military department. From a misapprehension of the locality of Apalachicola General Grayson had assigned Colonel Hopkins to the command of the fort at Apalachicola, meaning, I suppose, the fort at Saint Vincent’s Island, 12 miles distant from Apalachicola. The public interest and the proper defense of the place required the immediate attention of an experienced and competent officer. Very heavy, and in my judgment, upon the information received, very unnecessary, expenses were being incurred. As to expense, one item of $130 per diem for a steamboat, for which there was neither urgent nor reasonable necessity. As to defenses, one item: a ditch was commenced, to be 3 feet deep, 3 feet wide, and about 3 miles long, to be depended upon to enable not exceeding 500 men to defend the city from an attack by land.
Moreover, unpleasant differences had arisen between Colonel Hopkins and Captain Dunham, of the State troops, which excited and alarmed the citizens and threatened most serious and disreputable consequences, the official orders relative to which by General Grayson and myself will be made known to you by certified copies inclosed by next mail. I did not suppose that General Bragg could give his immediate personal attention at Apalachicola, or that I could confer as promptly with him as with General Trapier, to remedy existing evils. Colonel Hopkins is a gentleman, but perhaps a little too excitable, and may not be possessed of, in an eminent degree, the knowledge of men and science of war requisite in a military commander.
In a letter bearing date 30th June the Secretary of War notifies the governor of this State that “the President deems it prudent, if not essential to the public safety, to form and organize a reserve army corps of 30,000 me and apportion to Florida the quota of 1,000 men. Your excellency will therefore receive for the war 1,000 men by independent companies,” &c.
When I came into office not a company had been raised, and the opinion, I think, was entertained by my worthy predecessor that the requisition could not be even partially complied with. I entertain a different opinion, and hope to be able in a few weeks to report to you 1,000 men in camps ready for instruction. For one battalion I shall establish a camp near Apalachicola, to be known as Camp Benjamin, in honor of the Acting Secretary of War, when, if necessary, the companies can be used in defense of the place. I have not yet decided where the other camp will be established, desiring, after an interview with General Trapier, to place it where it can be sustained at least expense and the companies that compose it made most useful; but permit me, with due deference, to protest against any authority in future to individuals to raise a company {p.299} or companies of any kind in this State. It brings their influence to accomplish the objects they have in view in conflict with State authority, and has prevented, and will continue to prevent, if not checked, the executive of the State from being able to comply with the requisitions of the President through the War Department.
Your attention, and through you that of the President, is respectfully invited to the following extract of a letter addressed to me officially by Col. J. P. Anderson, commanding near Pensacola the First Florida Regiment, viz:
You will have heard of the affair on Santa Rosa Island, on the morning of the 9th instant. The object of the expedition was fully and completely accomplished, though the loss of such men as Captain Bradford of Florida; Lieutenant Nelms, of Georgia; Sergeant Routh, of Tallahassee Private Tillinghast &c., would not be compensated for, in my opinion, by the total annihilation of Billy Wilson and his whole band of thieves and cut-throats. The Florida Regiment only had 100 men in the expedition out of 1,060, and lost 6 killed, 8 wounded, and 12 prisoners, as follows, viz: Killed, Captain Bradford, Sergeant Routh, Privates Tillinghast, Hale, Thompson of Apalachicola, and Smith. Wounded, Corporal Lanier, Privates Echols, McCorkle, Sims, William Denham, Hicks, Sharrit, and O’Neal (Peter, of Pensacola). These are doing well and will recover; some are only slightly wounded. Prisoners: R. Hale, Company A, and Bond, Company A; Mahoney, Company B, and Nichols, Company B; Bev. Parker and Finley, Company E; Holliman Godlie, John Jarvis, M. Mosely, and Patterson, of Company F; also Lieutenant Farley, Company E. I deeply regret that such men as Lieutenant Farley, Parker, and Finley should have fallen into the enemy’s hands. However, they write to us that they are well treated, but destiny unknown. By any civilized nation in the world most of these prisoners would be promptly delivered up, for they were taken while standing as a safeguard over the enemy’s hospital, to prevent it from sharing the fate of the balance of the camp. They protected it from flame and sword most scrupulously, but failing to hear the signal for us to retire, only remained too faithful to their trust, and have fallen into the hands of the enemy by so doing. Their names should illustrate one of the brightest pages of Florida’s history.
In a few days I will present to your consideration my views in regard to the defenses of Florida and the organization of a military department embracing parts of Georgia and Alabama adjacent to the Chattahoochee River, the importance and advantage of which will be readily understood.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN MILTON, Governor of Florida.
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RICHMOND, October 29, 1861.
General LAWTON, Savannah:
Colonel Mercer was appointed brigadier-general to-day. The enemy’s fleet sailed South this morning; destination unknown.
J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War.
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TALLAHASSEE, October 29, 1861.
Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN:
Florida wants arms. She has never received a musket from the Confederate States. The Gordon brings sabers and pistols. Can I get some?
Respectfully,
JOHN MILTON, Governor of Florida.
{p.300}–––
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Tallahassee, Fla., October 29. 1861.
His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS, President C. S. A.
SIR: On the 28th instant I addressed a letter to the Hon. J. P. Benjamin, Secretary of War, in which I invited his attention and requested him to call the attention of your excellency to the extract made from a letter of Col. J. Patton Anderson, First Florida Regiment, relative to members of his regiment being made prisoners “while standing as a safeguard over the enemy’s hospital to prevent it from sharing the fate of the balance of the camp.”
Permit me, sir, with all due respect, to invite such demand on the part of your excellency as the laws of nations will sustain for the honorable release of all the prisoners, and especially those from Florida, captured under these circumstances; but, should the enemy be insensible to such demand, then, that in any exchange of prisoners which may be made, the prisoners thus taken may be among the first exchanged.
October 30.-I had the honor to receive your highly-esteemed favor of the 25th,* and avail myself of the courteous invitation to a free correspondence.
The extent of our coast and its character are easily ascertained by maps and coast surveys, but a personal acquaintance with the localities, settled portions of the State, and mixed character of the population would be requisite to a just appreciation of our exposed position in the present war. My opinion has been and is yet, that if General Scott, as the Commander-in-Chief of the United States troops, with full powers to direct their movements, really desired the subjugation of the South, of which I have no doubt, and had possessed the distinguished qualities of a soldier which have been ascribed to him, with the least intelligence as a statesman as to causes and effects, the conquest of Florida would have been promptly made. Virginia would not have been disturbed. The conquest of Florida, as one of the seven States, would have had a powerful influence upon foreign nations, an inspiring effect upon the minds of his troops and of the citizens and Government of the United States, and formed a basis for future operations which would have checked Virginia and other States that have not seceded, and dispirited many in the seceded States who apprehended with fear and trembling the consequences of a change of government. The fate of the South would have been hair-hung. But, as if God in mercy permitted General Scott’s madness and folly, every movement he made but gave strength and vigor to our cause. As it is, unable to conquer any other State, may not Florida claim their attention? With our feebleness they are well acquainted through traitors, some of whom yet remain among us.
Independent of the force at and about Pensacola there are no troops by proper authority in Confederate service except the Third and what is termed the Fourth Regiments, and such companies of cavalry as have been received. The Third Regiment, commanded by (Col. W. S. Dilworth, a civilian, is scattered from Fernandina to the mouth of the Saint John’s River and Saint Augustine, and, if I am correctly informed, is in a deplorable condition. I presume there is not a field officer attached to it, unless it may be Major Church, at Saint Augustine, of {p.301} strict sobriety; but the colonel, W. S. Dilworth, is improving, and will. I think, make an efficient officer.
With regard to what is called the Fourth Regiment, commanded by Col. Edward Hopkins, there were but eight imperfect companies when he was elected, and I shall not consent that another may be added to it, for reasons you will appreciate. Of two companies ordered to vote, one was never attached to it, but was under the command of General Bragg, and did not vote. The other was in State service for six months, commanded by a nephew of Colonel Hopkins, voted for him for colonel, was in three weeks afterwards mustered out of service, and has never had a moment’s connection with the regiment. The time of election was only known a day or two before it occurred, and was intended to secure the command to D. P. Holland, who happened to be a pet of Governor Perry, and whose character was so odious that he was beaten by Hopkins-the only man, perhaps, in the State that, if the election had been properly advertised, Hopkins could have defeated; and the reason assigned by Governor Perry to the attorney-general of the State, to myself, and perhaps others, why he commissioned Hopkins, was that he apprehended that if he refused to do so he would be charged with having refused because he defeated Holland. For the character of Mr. Holland I refer you to Mr. Mallory, Judge Hawkins, or any other gentleman in West or Middle Florida, where he is known. In East Florida, where his true character is not yet ascertained, he is figuring in command of four companies, by the illegal appointment of Governor Perry as lieutenant-colonel of an artillery battalion, to which I have, in a previous letter, invited your attention.
Governor Perry is. I reckon, as you have perceived, a man of strong prejudices, without very extraordinary intellectual abilities.
The eight companies said to compose the Fourth Regiment are some of them in a deplorable condition, and scattered as follows: Three of the companies are on Saint Vincent’s Island, 12 miles from Apalachicola, relative to which you will find papers inclosed; one company at Saint Mark’s, commanded by Captain Dial, an efficient officer; one at the light-house, 12 miles off, commanded by Captain Law, a well disposed but ignorant man, and his men, that would have made fine soldiers if properly commanded, are much demoralized; one company is at Tampa, and an effort making there to get another, commanded by a major of no military education, and, if I am informed rightly, on an accidental visit to Florida; the other two companies at Cedar Keys, commanded by Lieut. Col. M. Whit. Smith, who is said to drink to great excess.
Hopkins, whom I now believe most honestly to be too irritable, involved himself in difficulties at Apalachicola, and was ordered by General Grayson to remain on Saint Vincent’s Island, with his three companies, but left without permission and came to Tallahassee. General Grayson was very sick and would not see him, but I have reason to believe if he had lived he would have had him dismissed from the service.
General Grayson requested me to direct all military movements. We were personal acquaintances thirty years ago. To discourage young officers from coming in conflict with officers claiming to be in Confederate service, I ordered Lieutenant-Colonel James, in command of State troops at Apalachicola, to report to and obey the orders of Colonel Hopkins, and for a few days intrusted the defense of the place to him; but his conduct has been so extraordinary that I have revoked the order, and thrown him back upon General Grayson’s order-to confine himself to Saint Vincent’s Island and its defenses.
{p.302}As a matter of economy and public safety I would respectfully suggest that, inasmuch as the regiment has never been completed according to the terms upon which it was understood to have been accepted the field officers be retired from the service, and the companies be retained, for the present, under the command of their respective captains, subject to the orders of General Trapier or the governor of the State: that the pretended battalion of artillery be refused, and thrown back for the present upon the State. There was but one order relative to it obtained from General Grayson, a copy of which is inclosed, and under circumstances a knowledge of which you can obtain from Dr. Sabal, the medical director of General Grayson, now on his way to Richmond.
Then, sir, if you will accept of twenty companies for twelve months, and reserve to yourself the appointment of field officers, and appoint such as are known to you, or such as I may recommend, I can have the companies ready, I think, in a fortnight, embracing the eight companies now under Hopkins’ command. Freed of him, I will add two fine companies, and the regiment will be complete and equipped. Then, by adding six companies to the four now commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Holland, another regiment of infantry may be formed, with an artillery company attached, equipped with the guns, &c., now used by Holland’s battalion, the entire equipment being not more than sufficient for one company, allowing, meanwhile, Holland’s four companies to remain on duty where they now are until the regiment is completed.
The State troops at Apalachicola are under command of my aide-de-camp, Col. Richard F. Floyd-an accomplished gentleman and competent officer-and a copy of his orders is inclosed. By letter he is ordered to defend the place, if attacked, to the last extremity.
Now, permit me to say that Georgia and Alabama are as much, if not more, interested in the defense of Apalachicola, so far as commerce is concerned, as Florida; therefore, in view of our extended coast, and the almost insurmountable obstacles to its successful defense, I would recommend, most respectfully and earnestly, that a military department be composed of the counties contiguous on both sides of the Chattahoochee River, so as to embrace Columbus, Ga. Look at the map and the relative positions of the counties in Georgia, Alabama, and Florida. Such a military department, under a brigadier-general of military education, experience, and sobriety, would contribute greatly to Southern defense.
The military department proposed, most respectfully, may be composed of the following-named counties in Georgia, Alabama, and Florida, viz: In Georgia, the counties of Decatur, Thomas, Miller, Early, Baker, Clay, Calhoun, Randolph, Quitman, Stewart, Muscogee; in Alabama, the counties of Henry, Dale, Barbour, and Russell; in Florida, the counties of Leon, Gadsden, Wakulla, Jefferson, Madison, Liberty, Washington, Calhoun, Jackson, and Franklin.
The proposed military department has been submitted to the consideration of the governors of Georgia and Alabama. The remaining counties of Middle, East, and South Florida will form a military department sufficient in itself to command the utmost vigilance of an experienced and able officer.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully,
MILTON.
* Not found.
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ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERAL’S OFFICE, Tallahassee, Fla., October 30, 1861.
His Excellency JOHN MILTON, Governor of Florida:
SIR: In obedience to your instructions of the 16th instant, requiring me to visit Fernandina and report to you the condition of the defenses at that place, I have the honor to submit the following, viz:
The defenses consist of a sand and palmetto-log battery of eight guns, all mounted, to wit: Five 32-pounders, two 24-pounders (smooth bore), and one rifled 6-inch gun on a ship carriage. This battery I conceive to be very injudiciously arranged, having 24-pounders, 32-pounders, and rifled guns all in the same battery in barbette, except that two of the 32-pounders are partially masked by slight traverses on the parapet. These traverses confine the field of fire seaward to about 150. These guns are all placed on a straight line, except the rifled gun, which is placed just in rear of the left gun, and when fired its direction will be obliquely over the short-range guns, thereby endangering the men at these guns, and at the same time drawing the fire of the enemy on the whole battery long before they come within the reach of the 24-pounders and 32-pounders. There is also one 24-pounder and two 32-pounders unmounted at Fort Clinch, and one 8-inch columbiad landed at the wharf at Fernandina on the 27th instant.
The weather during my visit was so stormy as to render it impossible for me to visit Colonel Holland’s camp at the south end of the island, 18 miles distant; neither did I witness the drill of the troops in the immediate vicinity of Fernandina for the same reason; but the idea formed by seeing the men and officers about the streets was anything but favorable to their discipline, having seen several staggering through the streets on the Sabbath day. They are sadly in want of an efficient commander and a good drill-master for both artillery and infantry. I learned that Colonel Holland had not yet located his permanent camp at the south end of the island; neither had any breastworks been thrown up, he having but a few days before moved to that point. His command consists of four companies of artillery, with four brass 6-pounders, 500 6-pound balls, and 75 grape and canister, and 500 cannon friction tubes-his men are armed with muskets and carbines-4,000 caps, and a lot of balls. Of ammunition, as far as I could learn, there are 300 32-pounder caps, 500 cannon friction tubes, 770 32-pound balls, 80 32-pound shells, 100 rounds of shell and fixed ammunition for the 32-pounder rifled gun, 90 24-pound balls, 12,000 ball and buck-shot cartridges, 2,000 caps (the latter-balls and caps-delivered to the officer in command of the fort), 7,000 caps still in possession of General Finegan. The above constitutes, as far as I could learn, all the ammunition on the island.
There are at this time seven companies on the island, one of which is a cavalry company and the others are infantry. These are exclusive of the four companies belonging to Colonel Holland’s battalion of artillery. This battalion has never been mustered into either State or Confederate service, but an order for them to be furnished with the requisite arms and equipments issued by General Grayson has been forwarded to Richmond, showing the amount necessary to place this battalion in condition for active and efficient service.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. L. DANCY, Adjutant and Inspector General.
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TALLAHASSEE, October 31, 1861.
Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN:
Have not seen or heard from General Trapier. Full investigation satisfies me that troops, guns, &c., should be removed promptly from Saint Vincent’s Island to Apalachicola. Shall I order the movement? A messenger here waiting for the order.
JOHN MILTON, Governor of Florida.
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RICHMOND, October 31, 1861.
Gov. JOHN MILTON, Tallahassee, Fla.:
You are authorized to remove the guns and other munitions of war from Saint Vincent’s Island to Apalachicola. General Trapier will be in Fernandina in two or three days.
J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War.
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EXECUTIVE DEPARTME