CHAPTER XVI.
OPERATIONS IN WEST FLORIDA, SOUTHERN ALABAMA, SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI, AND LOUISIANA.
September 1, 1861-May 12, 1862.
(New Orleans)
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CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE.

{p.725}

Abstract from field return of troops of the Confederate States near Pensacola, Fla., commanded by Brig. Gen. Braxton Bragg, on the 1st day of September, 1861.

Troops.	Present for duty.		Aggregate present.	Aggregate present and absent.
	Officers.	Men.
1st (Chalmers’) Brigade	76	1,314	1,761	1,895
2d (wood’s) Brigade	81	1,272	2,004	2,177
3d (Tyler’s) Brigade	81	1,487	1,804	1,922
4th (Jackson’s) Brigade	52	892	1,096	1,126
Alabama Mounted Rifles.	2	72	84	101
Walton Guards	4	51	55	55
Total	296	5,088	6,804	7,276

{p.726}

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ENGINEER BUREAU, Richmond, September 2, 1861.

Capt. S. H. LOCKETT, Corps of Engineers, Fort Gaines, Mobile, Ala.:

SIR: Five columbiads and rifled guns have been ordered for arming Fort Gaines and thirteen for Fort Morgan. Two of those for Fort Gaines and some of those for Fort Morgan have been forwarded. Please inform me how many of the latter have come to hand. The order for armament of Fort Morgan consists of five guns, of the size and form of the 8-inch columbiad, bored as 24-pounders and rifled. The shot has about the weight of an 8-inch shot, with greater range, accuracy, and power; one 10-inch gun, bored to a 32-pounder caliber and rifled; the remainder smooth bore 10-inch. At Fort Gaines you are to have two 8-inch guns rifled as a 32. These guns are not yet made, but will be forwarded one or two at a time as fast as finished. Their carriages will be made here. It is said that four flank casemate guns and carriages have been sent forward to Fort Gaines, and had strayed from the road. They have been found and ordered on to Mobile. The remainder of these flank guns are being made at Lynchburg.

The Secretary informs me that he has ordered from North Carolina to Mobile thirty 32-pounders. For these the carriages must be made at Mobile. The elevating screws, male and female, will be made here and sent on. As the 32-pounders differ in size, it will not be well to put together any one of their upper carriages until the gun for it shall have come to hand. It is expected that your armament will be improved by rifling the 32-pounders on hand, and these improved guns should be placed where they are most needed. For example, one should be added to the armament at Grant’s Pass as soon as possible. These guns should unquestionably be reinforced with wrought-iron bands, so as to make up one an inch and a half thick and 8 or 10 inches wide. The gun should be perfectly clean, and the band be shrunk on at a light heat. The preponderance of the breech does no great harm. The shells ought not to be longer than two calibers probably, nor to weigh more than 40 or 45 pounds. The charge of powder will not exceed 5 pounds. I will send to Messrs. Skates a sketch showing the mode of rifling adopted here and the form of the shell most approved. There are many varieties. The heavy guns bored with small calibers carry heavier shot and higher charges. There are some old guns lying at Forts Morgan and Gaines. You are authorized to have them rebored, and to build carriages for them if found fit for service, such as firing round or grape shot for the defense of redoubts or of the city.

I have prevailed on the Ordnance Bureau to order of Messrs. Skates & Co. four batteries of field guns, with harnesses. These may help in your defensive arrangements for the city. For additional means of defense you will proceed to construct the following: Drive a row of piles, beginning at the west bank and running over to the point of Dauphin Island Spit, as shown in the sketch herewith. The piles should be as large as those at the Fort Morgan wharf; be driven as deep as possible, 10 feet apart, and cut off 2 or 3 feet under water. The piles should be lashed together with chain cables. By beginning at the west bank and working westerly the enemy will be pushed towards Fort Gaines in proportion as the work progresses. It is expected that the armament of Fort Morgan will be such as to take care of the main ship channel. You can build two redoubts on the peninsula in advance of Fort Morgan. You will also build a battery to mount four or five guns on piles driven {p.727} at the point (a) on the Southeast Spit of Pinto’s Island. This may be done mostly by contract (say with Mr. John King or Mr. Gregg).

On Dauphin Island you will want some batteries, and should consult the commanding officer as to their dispositions. One or two rifled 32-pounders opposite Pelican Island, another of the same kind half way thence to the point of woods, and a strong battery across the island at that point, would seem advisable. For the armament of all these redoubts and batteries you have available fourteen 32-pounders at Fort Morgan, and thirty to be sent from North Carolina-44. You will want for the advanced redoubts at Fort Morgan, say, 12 guns, including several rifled batteries; on Dauphin, 12; at Grant’s Pass, rifled, 7; at Fort Gaines 2 additional on each curtain-10; at battery near Choctaw Point, rifled, 4; in all required, 39. The remaining 5, together with the old guns rebored, should be mounted on siege carriages, and be placed at the disposal of the city troops, to serve as batteries of position for defense of the city. These, with the light artillery disposable there, would be sufficiently formidable. You will go on with Fort Gaines as rapidly as possible, finish the bastions and curtains, with the privy, and the opening there should be closed at once. Make the rampart, the parapet, and the breast-height wall continuous. The breast-height of the covered way will be revetted with planks, and the glacis should be brought essentially to its proper height and shape as well as the covered way. Above all, make carriages and mount guns (green heart pine will answer very well), say, the traverse circles at the flank casemates.

It has proved impossible to get funds, probably because of the sickness of the President. They will be sent at the earliest possible moment. Up to the end of August it will be best to pay in my name, and I will sign and certify the accounts here.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

D. LEADBETTER, Major Engineers, Acting Chief of Bureau.

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ENGINEER BUREAU, Richmond Va., September 4, 1861.

Capt. S. H. LOCKETT, Corps of Engineers, Mobile, Ala., Fort Gaines:

SIR: I have now every prospect of getting all the irons for 32-pounder gun-carriages made here, and I propose, therefore, to send them on to you. You should go on in the shortest possible time to have the timber sawed and all the sticks got out of the proper sizes, the chassis made, and for the upper carriages everything done but the assembling, for the guns on the carriages can be furnished. The Department is now very anxious to push forward the rifling of guns, and I am sure you will see that there is no delay in that of our 32-pounders. A few of those not yet mounted should be sent first to Mr. Skates, and as soon as one is finished let it be returned and substituted oh the carriage of a smoothbore and try it. This matter should go on night and day, Sundays and week days, cheap or costly.

Presuming that you are to have the 32-pounders from North Carolina, (30), 14 on hand, and, say, 6 old guns, you will have 50 in all. You have on hand a few carriages, but how many I don’t know. Telegraph me the number of carriages for which you want me to provide irons. The columbiad carriage lately received do not fit the guns. Let all of {p.728} them be made to fit, and this without delay, for you will get no carriages in lieu of them.*

Very truly, yours,

D. LEADBETTER, Major Engineers, Acting Chief of Bureau.

* Some matters of detail omitted.

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NAVY DEPARTMENT, CONFEDERATE STATES, Richmond, Va., September 6, 1861.

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

SIR: I have the honor to request that Capt. George N. Hollins, commanding naval station at New Orleans, may be supplied as early as practicable with 100,000 pounds of cannon and 1,500 pounds of musket powder, required for the defense of New Orleans.

With much respect, your obedient servant,

S. R. MALLORY, Secretary of the Navy.

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HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT No. 1, New Orleans, La., September 6, 1861.

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

SIR: Ship Island is now in the best condition for defense that my means allow, Col. J. K. Duncan, with four officers of the Regiment of Louisiana Artillery as instructors, has been detailed for temporary duty on the island. I beg leave again to remind the Department that I have not one officer of any army experience at my disposal.

I do not wish to appear pettish or to be importunate in the matter of powder, but if it cannot be obtained the sad spectacle will be presented to the Confederacy of the Mississippi Valley falling into the hands of the enemy because of the lack of ammunition. There is not in my mind the slightest doubt that this city will be attacked early in the autumn. One company of Louisiana troops has been moved to the Grand Caillou, and another will be sent to-morrow. If I had ammunition I would order a gun to be sent with these companies.

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

D. E. TWIGGS, Major-General, C. S. Army.

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ENGINEER BUREAU, Richmond, Va., September 11, 1861.

H. B. WARREN, Esq., Fort Gaines, Mobile, Ala.:

SIR: Captain Lockett was long ago ordered to relieve me at Mobile, and I have taken it for granted that he was there; but hearing nothing from him, I conclude that he has been delayed by some cause. You were telegraphed on the 5th instant to open the letters of this bureau to Captain Lockett, and to act in accordance with the instructions to him as far as possible.

{p.729}

The most urgent matter is first to have the 32-pounders rifled and put in position, with shells fit for their use. I have written to Mr. Skates to hurry up this business. Next get cement from New Orleans, and finish the bastions and close up the north curtain. The postern arch at the main entrance and other interior masonry are of comparatively small account. Lay the traverse rails in the flank casemates as they are laid at Fort Morgan. Make the rampart and parapet as nearly continuous as possible, revetting the breast-height of the latter with planks, as in case of the covered way, if cement is not to be had.

At Fort Morgan the walls of the addition to the citadel (which was intended by me as a privy in case of siege) should be strengthened by an additional thickness of masonry at the northeast end and at the partition walls. A barrier gate of iron bars should be hung inside of the south postern gate, lest the existing gate there be blown in. The outer end of the passage leading under the glacis coupe into the open field should be bricked up just inside the gate by a 6-foot wall.

Of course many last things remain to be done-protecting the magazines with sand bags: substituting these for the board revetment of bomb-proof of citadel, and having arrangements for plenty of water to drink, and everywhere in vessels to extinguish fire. In the casemates the quartermaster’s stores should not be piled against the scarp wall. Leave a free passage for defense of embrasures and loop-holes.

General Withers takes command. Show this to him, or at least to Captain Lockett.

Very truly, yours,

D. LEADBETTER, Major Engineers, Acting Chief of Bureau.

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

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

SIR: I have the honor to submit the following copy of a letter just received at this Department:

Your compliance with this requisition would oblige, Very respectfully,

L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War.

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HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT No. 1, C. S. A., New Orleans, La., September 12, [861.

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

SIR: Mr. Ford, a citizen of Memphis, informs me that he met in Louisville a few days ago Mr. Walworth, son of Chancellor Walworth, {p.730} recently from Washington, and learned from him that he had been told by the Secretary of the Navy that a person near General Dahlgren, at Pass Christian, was in close communication with the powers at Washington, had given them all the information that they wished, and had told them of our want of guns and ammunition in and near New Orleans. From the same source Mr. Walworth knew that extensive preparations were making to invade Louisiana early this fall. General Dahlgren is in command of a camp of Mississippi troops at Pass Christian, and has a brother in Washington, an officer in the Black Republican Navy. The Secretary of the Navy seemed well aware of our position on Ship island.

Col. J. K. Duncan, whom I sent to Ship Island in the absence of Lieutenant-Colonel Allen, has made a lengthy report upon the importance and capabilities of the island, and declares the place wholly untenable. His report, together with the opinion of Maj. M. L. Smith, chief of engineers, is transmitted herewith.*

I hope to have in operation within two or three weeks a powder-mill, now erecting at the barracks. This is my only real dependence for powder, and yet its success hangs upon an uncertain promise of a supply of saltpeter. I have but 120 rounds for each gun on Ship Island; at the other fortifications not more than 40 rounds. To send this supply I have almost emptied the magazine. If I can obtain ammunition I have no doubts of the result of an invasion in this quarter. I would respectfully suggest, in view of a very probable necessity, that a camp be established near this city as a rendezvous for troops. The assembling of men from their homes is a work of much time.

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

D. E. TWIGGS, Major-General, C. S. Army.

* See inclosures to letter following.

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HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT No 1, New Orleans, La., September 12, 1861.

SIR: I have the honor to inclose herein a report by Col. J. K. Duncan upon the defenses of Ship Island, together with the opinion of Maj. M. L. Smith, Engineers. I have never been on the island, but every intelligent person whom I meet, acquainted with the locality, concurs with the views of Colonel Duncan, that there are several other entrances to the sound besides Ship Island Channel, and that small steamers and gunboats can pass through them without difficulty. I shall hold the island until ordered to relinquish it.

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

D. E. TWIGGS, Major-General, C. S. Army.

[Inclosure No. 1.]

NEW ORLEANS, LA., September 9, 1861.

Second Lieut. J. G. DEVEREUX, Louisiana Regt. Art., A. A. A. G., New Orleans, La.:

SIR: In accordance with Special Orders, No. 82, dated Headquarters Department No. 1, New Orleans, September 3, 1861, I proceeded to Ship Island, to take temporary command of that post, accompanied by four officers of the Louisiana Regiment of Artillery, to take charge of the {p.731} drills at the heavy guns, as called for by Special Orders, No. 81, from the same headquarters.

After a thorough examination of the island and the fortifications commenced at its westerly extremity, its capabilities for defense, character of the guns, implements, equipments, and ammunition, together with the condition and discipline of the troops composing the command, I have the honor to report thereon as follows, viz:

1st. The fortification is a half circle, or horseshoe, closed at the gorge with a half-bastion front, as a flanking arrangement for land defense. It was originally intended to carry up the walls sufficiently high for one tier of casemate and one tier of barbette guns, and to have a moat, with a glacis without, to protect the masonry.

The brick work generally was only found to be carried up as high as the soles of the embrasures, however, and in this unfinished state it has been attempted to complete the work for temporary defense.

This has been done by carrying up the piers between the embrasures by brick work in offsets from the outside, which is to be protected by sand bags. To complete the covering over the guns brick piers are being built within the work, and heavy timbers thrown thence to the walls, to be covered by 3-inch planking and sand bags. Hence, from every direction in which a shot or shell can reach the interior of the fort, they will be almost certain to strike one of the piers in question, and chances are that they will be brought down, together with the timber and sand bags over them, burying the guns and increasing the number of casualties from the splinters and scattering brick work.

To have much strength, or to be able to maintain anything like a determined attack, this fort must be completed after its original plans. If progressed with after the present method of temporarily completing it, a few heavy men-of-war will pelt it to ruins in a very short space of time. I regard it as affording the least possible protection to the men and guns, and totally incapable of resisting any formidable force.

If the island must be fortified, and if possible be held at all hazards, I would earnestly suggest that Fort Twiggs and all work upon it be abandoned at once, and that the only attempt made at fortification be the ordinary resort to sand-bag batteries. The embrasures of the latter can be carefully revetted with sand bags and the parapets carried up above the height of the tallest men. Bomb-proof shelters, built close up to the parapets, will afford ample protection to the reliefs and to the men not employed at the guns, who can crawl into them for protection and shelter during an actual engagement. Such a work can be constructed at one-tenth of the cost of the present work, can be completed within a very few days comparatively, and will afford ten times the resistance of the unfinished brick fort. All the labor can be done by the command, and the material is all ready to hand, excepting a few more sand bags.

2d. The present armament is composed of two 24-pounders in position on the flanking front and one 8-inch shell gun completely exposed on the same front; eight 32-pounders within the circular work and one 32-pounder and one 9-inch Dahlgren shell gun without the fort and behind a sand-bag parapet. The fire of the two latter is partially masked by the masonry of the fort, as is shown, together with the positions of all of the guns, by the following diagram.*

The guns are all good enough of their several classes, but the 32-pounders, being mounted upon barbette gun-carriages on casemate {p.732} chassis, the barbette wheels strike against the scarp walls, and materially interfere with pointing the guns, and intercept their full elevation in consequence.

But taking the 9-inch Dahlgren gun, however, the best gun, with full charge and elevation, its extreme range falls short of Cat Island about a mile and a half. Within this mile and a half of the channel, I am informed by pilots familiar with the sound, there is 18 feet of water. Hence, admitting that the fortification is completely defensible within itself and mounted with the best guns, yet nevertheless it could not prevent the passage of large-class ships through the very channel which it is built to guard. This, however, is but one passage leading into the sound.

Between Ship and Horn Islands there is another, with a depth of 14 feet of water, and between the eastern end of Horn Island and Petit Bois still a third, which several pilots agree in stating had deepened to 18 feet during the heavy storms of last year.

Now, the coast line is about 15 miles distant from these island keys, which partly lock and protect the main-land. About midway between them, a line drawn from east to west and generally parallel with the coast, will represent the 13-foot line of water, and from this line to the main-land the water shoals very rapidly, becoming extremely shallow as the coast line is approached.

It is hence evident that gunboats of light draught can alone be used by the enemy against the coast. Upon this coast there are only two points of so much consequence as to require a vigilant guard. These are, 1st, New Orleans, through the Rigolets, and, 2d, Mobile, through Dog and Pascagoula Rivers; for, if the war is to be prosecuted by the enemy regardless of all the rules governing civilized communities, it will be utterly impracticable without a navy to protect all the watering places and residences along the sound, and indemnity must be looked for either by the confiscation of Northern property within our borders or by a like retaliation across them.

But with the cities mentioned the case is different, as their possession by the enemy may change the destinies of the war. Through Dog and Pascagoula Rivers light transports and gunboats can pass to within 20 or 25 miles of Mobile, thus throwing men and material to within a single day’s march of that city, with fair roads leading thence through an open pine country. A few batteries erected at suitable points on those rivers can prevent this, and the guns used need only be of the caliber of 24 or 32 pounders.

In a like manner Fort Pike, on the Rigolets, can be strengthened and one or two other points fortified, which will prevent an entrance into Lake Pontchartrain. If the enemy obtains possession of Fort Pike, and thus a foothold on the lake, by operating thence as a base with the boats and material to be collected upon its shores, the capture of New Orleans becomes almost certain in time, and consequently Forts Jackson and Saint Philip and the control of the entire mouth of the Mississippi River, by starving those forts into capitulation.

The occupation of Ship Island even by the most powerful fortifications, fully capable of resisting a combined land and naval attack, does not benefit either of the two important points mentioned, nor yet protect them in the least. Neither does it protect the sound coast, as gunboats can pass between Ship Island and the main-land with impunity, passing thereto through any of the channels in and around the islands.

Nothing, for instance, would be more easy for the enemy than the capture of the small steamers and other craft now plying in the sound {p.733} by merely passing between any of the channels around the islands and heading them off with two or more gunboats. Again, it is perfectly practicable for the few hostile gunboats to lie off of Ship Island, and merely by preventing the landing of stores and material to starve them into capitulation without firing a single gun. Its present condition certainly makes it a temptation to a bold and active enemy where the prize is thirteen guns, seven companies, and the glory and éclat of the achievement.

If, however, our inferior gunboats had Fort Pike on the one hand and the forts proposed upon Dog and Pascagoula Rivers upon the other to act upon as bases, they would always have strong points upon which to retreat, and whence, working by combined movements, the sound might be kept comparatively free from the enemy’s gunboats, which alone can operate there, if, indeed, many of these boats could not be captured.

At all events, Ship Island affords no protection to those boats now, their only point of refuge now being behind Fort Pike; but the fort on Ship Island is wholly incapable of resisting a combined land and water attack like that which the enemy threatens. The two detachments of regulars are more than sufficient to man all of the guns and afford the necessary reliefs. The other five companies should be deployed in open order without the fort and behind the line of sand hills, at from 300 to 400 yards from it, where they would be within good supporting distance of the regulars in the fort. Being in open order, they would be less liable to casualties from the enemy’s shells, and whence, from under cover, a heavy rifle fire could be opened upon a landing party above or they could-form and charge from behind the sand hills, as occasion might require. This would probably be the best plan of resisting an attack from an insignificant force. Should the enemy land 4,000 or 8,000 men beyond the range of the fort guns, however, and thence attack simultaneously with the bombardment of a considerable fleet, with the guns on every ship equal to the two best in the fort and superior to all of the rest, the result of the engagement would not differ materially from that at Cape Hatteras, and would not, in my opinion, last an hour.

In short, I consider the works now on Ship Island totally incapable of formidable defense, and feel confident that they cannot be made so within any reasonable period of time. Furthermore, I am satisfied that, however much they may be strengthened, they can still be starved into submission without firing a single shot.

The occupation of the island is objectless, as there is no control over any channel nor of the sounds at best. Hence great expense is unnecessarily incurred, besides the risk of the men and material now there in a shameful and humiliating manner, and all without even intimidating the enemy or of being productive of one particle of good in any direction.

Strongly advocating the superiority of land batteries over superior naval attacks, I cannot, nevertheless, without a strong protest, stand by and encourage an impracticable project, which has not a single object of importance to recommend it. Such an impracticability, aimless and objectless, is now being projected at Ship Island, and, if prosecuted to the end, I predict for it disgrace, from starvation on the one hand or butchery and capture on the other, in case of any considerable combined attack.

I would, therefore, most seriously and earnestly urge the immediate abandonment of the island. The troops, guns, and important material {p.734} can be removed in a single night, as the present enemy would probably prevent their removal in the day-time.

Instead of the useless occupation of this island, I would respectfully recommend that the smaller guns be taken and placed in intrenchments to be thrown up near the months of Dog and Pascagoula Rivers and the heavier ones to strengthen Fort Pike, for the reasons before given. These points are important and there is an object in holding them, whereas Ship Island has no object or importance, and its occupation is more likely to prove highly disastrous than to be productive of good.

I found at the island only about 15 rounds to each gun, but powder and cartridge-bags sufficient to increase the number to each gun to about 120 rounds. Lieutenant Devereux, an active and skillful officer, was appointed ordnance officer, and details were made from the several companies to assist him in making cartridges, lining the magazine, keeping the guns in order, and to look after the implements and equipments. The men of the several companies were drilled at the heavy guns by the officers of the Louisiana Artillery who accompanied me, and among them were found a number of detachments sufficiently well drilled to man the guns; besides, the regular detachments there are in command of Lieutenants Semmes and Barnes, from West Point, and as they requested permission to drill their own companies at the heavy guns I of course granted it, these officers being fully competent to the task. These two companies alone can furnish all the necessary reliefs and gun detachments to man and fight the battery at any time. In view of this I have directed the officers of the Louisiana Artillery mentioned to repair to their several posts, and they consequently accompanied me to town this evening. They are of much less use at Ship Island than at Forts Jackson and Saint Philip.

The sand-bag revetting in front of the five 32-pounder guns was carried up to the top of the wall, with proper embrasures left, the masonry and wood work not being quite ready for the sand bags at other points. The planking over the guns I directed to be parapeted around with sand bags and then the interior space to be filled with loose sand.

Colonel Barrow had improved the discipline on the island for the few days he was there before my arrival, and I am satisfied that he would get along very well shortly and as satisfactorily as circumstances admit of. He ran a sand-bag traverse in rear of the five 32-pounders looking to the westward on the line a b of great importance. Similar traverses will have to be thrown in the rear of all the guns for their protection. Both of the shell guns are very much exposed to be dismounted by the enemy’s fire, but especially the 8-inch gun, which is wholly unprotected. Trusting that the island will be speedily abandoned and the men and material moved elsewhere, I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. K. DUNCAN, Colonel, C. S. Army.

* Omitted, as of no present importance.

[Inclosure No. 2.]

ENGINEER’S OFFICE, New Orleans, September 11, 1861.

Maj. Gen. DAVID E. TWIGGS, Comdg. Military Department No. 1, New Orleans, La.:

SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the reference to this office of the report of Colonel Duncan upon the defenses on Ship Island, and return it with the following remarks:

The report discusses the defenses from two points of view: First, the {p.735} particular manner of fortifying the island; second, the policy of occupying it at all.

On the first point the views expressed in the report are not concurred in. First, I see no reason for abandoning a position inclosed by the heavy scarp wall of a regular fort and building up the same height of wall of sand bags, the embrasures in both instances to be made alike. Again it is not apparent to me that the labor required to protect a gun placed behind a wall capable of resisting shot can be less than if the same gun is placed on the open ground; hence, that a new work can be commenced as suggested and sooner finished than the present one. The timber bomb-proofs rest upon low piers built upon the scarp wall, protected on the outside by sand bags, and upon piers run up from the ground in rear of the gun carriages. It but remains to inclose the rear of these timber casemates, as they may be termed, by piling up sand bags to the height of the brick piers, and we have not only a perfect bomb-proof; but a comfortable place for the soldiers, inasmuch as the roof above has designedly been made water-tight.

In regard to the use of sand bags, it may be remarked that their efficiency is of a temporary character, five and six weeks being sufficient for them to become so decayed as to admit of little or no strain being put upon them.

But it is proper to remark here that the work at Ship Island has progressed unusually slowly, and that much remains to be done. The engineer office here has not from the first had one single dollar at its disposal to expend there, and has not up to this day ever teen able to get any funds. The few bills and laborers that have been paid the quartermaster department has provided for.

Owing to the impossibility of my being at the island after the first week of the occupancy, and there being no engineer officer to send, considerable work has been done having no special bearing upon the proper defense of the fort. This, under the circumstances, was doubtless unavoidable. The two guns remaining outside are the two rapidly pushed ashore under fire and mounted on our first arrival at the island, and bear so handsomely upon the entrance and sound that it has not been thought desirable to attempt their removal to the inside until more important work is finished.

In regard to the armament of the fort, I have but to remark that every available gun of any size has been sent there.

In respect, then, to the defense of Ship Island, if it is to be held, my opinion is decidedly in favor of continuing the occupation of the work, incomplete as it is, and for perfecting its interior arrangements. I believe the garrison can be more readily sheltered there than elsewhere. The work is, to a certain extent, ready for an attack at any moment, and I regard it as less liable to be taken by an assaulting force, consequently stronger than a work of the same size as suggested in Colonel Duncan’s report.

As to the policy of attempting to hold Ship Island at all, my views were officially given in a communication dated May 16, 1861, and forwarded to Montgomery by the commanding officer of this department. In a subsequent one, dated May 25 a course to be pursued to defend Mississippi Sound was recommended, and this also forwarded.

I have nothing to add to-day to the reasoning and conclusions of those reports, which were essentially the same as those now submitted by Colonel Duncan, and should the enemy appear in force at any time within the next three weeks the relative positions of the combatants will be as there indicated. But notwithstanding the views then expressed, {p.736} the occupation of Ship Island was understood to have been directed by the President of the Confederate States. The necessity that existed then for its occupation exists, as far as I am aware of; now, and I do not perceive how, under this condition of things, its abandonment can be determined upon without the express authority of the President himself. Should it be decided to vacate the island, then the proper defense of the sound is a question to be taken in connection with the gunboat force that is or will be available.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

M. L. SMITH, Major of Engineers.

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HDQRS. FIRST Div. LOUISIANA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, New Orleans, La., September 12, 1861.

Maj. Gen. DAVID E. TWIGGS, Commanding Department No. 1, C. S. Army:

GENERAL: In accordance with the wish expressed by you verbally, on the 9th instant (the day I visited you at your house), that I should proceed to Berwick Bay and examine the fortifications and other means of defense that could be made available in the event of an attack upon that place, I proceeded thither the next morning, accompanied by three of my staff, Majors Farish, Hyllested, and Fago. During my journey on the Opelousas Railroad I had every possible assistance from the gentlemen in the employment of the company, and, upon arriving at my destination, each seemed to vie with the other in the desire to afford me information. To Captain Carr my thanks are particularly due for the handsome and generous manner in which he placed not only his steamer, the Sigle, but his own valuable services as a pilot, at my disposal.

Immediately after my arrival I proceeded to inspect Forts Berwick and Chène. Fort Berwick is situated about 4 miles from Brashear City, at the junction of Wax Bayou and the Atchafalaya River. The depth of water on the bar of Wax Bayou, as I was informed, is about 7 feet. The fort is a common earthen one, quadrangular in shape, with earthen parapets 5 feet high on three sides, the rear being protected only by palisades about 7 feet high, loop-holed for musketry, the whole surrounded by a moat about 6 feet wide in front and 3 feet in the rear. On the front face two 24-pounder pivot guns are mounted, which command the outlet of Wax Bayou, where boats of only very light draught can be used, but which would be of little avail in protecting the Atchafalaya.

To render Fort Berwick capable of resisting only a moderate force the parapets would require strengthening. The magazine also requires protection, which can be done by covering the same with earth to the thickness of several feet. I would recommend three additional guns being sent to Fort Berwick, to arm the right and left parapets, which are at present defenseless; also a light gun (9 or 12 pounder) to aid in protecting the rear, which is open to attack by a land force.

The ammunition consists of 21 24-pounder cartridges, 200 shot, and 4,000 musket-ball cartridges. Rammers, port-fires, primers, and flannel for cartridges and swabs are much needed; but I do not enter into the particulars, as I am assured a list has already been furnished by the officer in command. The garrison consists of two companies, one of infantry and one of sappers and miners.

Fort Chène is in all respects a counterpart of Fort Berwick, situated {p.737} at a point commanding two bayous, admitting only vessels of light draught of water, and consequently of much less importance than Fort Berwick. The armament is two 24-pounder pivot guns. The ammunition consists of 90 24-pounder cartridges, 193 shot, 30 charges of canister, and 3,000 musket cartridges. The garrison consists of one company of infantry.

My next visit was to Shell Island, which is 15 miles from Brashear City, and is at the junction of the main channel of the Atchafalaya River and Shell Island Bayou. The depth, as I was informed, of the former is 9 feet on the bar at high water and never less than 7 feet; and of the latter 6 feet on the bar at high water and never less than 4 feet.

Shell Island, as its name would indicate, is composed of shells, but only in part, raised about 2 to 3 feet above high-water mark. In the rear is an impenetrable marsh, but on its front, and facing Atchafalaya River and Shell Bayou, is a shell bank, extending 400 yards in length by 60 in depth.

I am of opinion that a strong fort ought as soon as possible to be constructed upon Shell Island, commanding, as it does, the most important channel to Berwick Bay, the main channel of the Atchafalaya River at this point being only about one-quarter of a mile wide, and consequently easily commanded by a battery. In urging the establishment of a fort on Shell Island for the protection of Berwick Bay I do not think I overestimate the value of the position, while it will render it unnecessary to maintain Fort Chène, the garrison and armament of which could be removed to Shell Island.

A fort situated upon Shell Island ought not to contain less than ten guns, some of heavy caliber. I am informed that the planters in this section of country will furnish any number of hands for works of defense.

I would also call your attention to the companies composing the garrisons of Forts Berwick and Chène. They are infantry, some of which, especially in Fort Berwick, are but imperfectly acquainted with the musket exercise, while all, both officers and men, are entirely ignorant of the management of heavy artillery. A competent instructor of artillery is a most pressing necessity.

The great number of fishermen, or men of doubtful avocations, who reside in the numerous bayous, quite out of reach of the forts, renders a coast guard necessary. The steamer Mobile, which is now being altered into a gunboat, will not be ready for two weeks, and I would recommend the employment in the mean time of Captain Carr’s steamer, the Teazer, and which, being of light draught of water, could act as a tender to the Mobile, and render effective service in clearing the bayous of all such as may be rendering aid and comfort to the enemy. I would also urge the employment of Captain Carr upon this service, for which his intimate knowledge of Berwick Bay and its bayous make him so well fitted.

The commanders of the forts have represented to me the necessity, to the proper carrying out of their duty in preventing the passage of small craft, that they each be supplied with a 6 or 8 oared barge, the small boats they are at present using being loaned them by citizens.

In laying before you the foregoing result of-my examination of the means of defense at Berwick Bay, permit me to again call your attention to the serious results that would arise from this point falling into the hands of the enemy. We should be completely cut off from the valuable supply of cattle from Texas, while 60,000 barrels of coal, which is an article of almost incalculable advantage to the enemy’s shipping, would {p.738} be sacrificed. No time or means ought, therefore, to be lost in properly defending a point of so much importance.

Respectfully submitted.

JNO. L. LEWIS, Major-General, Comdg. First Div. La. Volunteer Infantry.

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SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 151.}

ADJT. AND INSP. GENERAL’S OFFICE, Richmond, Va., September 12, 1861.

...

18. The State of Alabama and that portion of Mississippi east of the Pascagoula River will hereafter constitute a separate command, which is assigned to the charge of Brig. Gen. Jones M. Withers, Provisional Army.

...

By command of the Secretary of War:

JNO. WITHERS, Assistant Adjutant-General.

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RICHMOND, September 13, 1861.

General DAVID E. TWIGGS, New Orleans, La.:

Take immediate measures to evacuate Ship Island, and cause the guns to be removed at once.

S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General.

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HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT No. 1, C. S. A., New Orleans, September 16, 1861.

The Hon. SECRETARY OF WAR, Richmond, Va.:

SIR: There will no doubt be an invasion of this place by the Black Republicans early in the fall. I respectfully ask that two brigadier-generals be ordered to report to me at as early a day as possible. The works around the city are extensive, and it is impossible for one person to attend to all matters pertaining to the service.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

D. E. TWIGGS, Major-General, Commanding.

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MOBILE, September 16, 1861.

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

SIR: In view of the opposition manifested here to the assignment of Brigadier-General Withers to the command at Mobile, I deem it proper to state that in my opinion the public good will be promoted by the order which it is understood the Department has given to that effect.

I have just returned from a visit to General Twiggs at New Orleans. {p.739} I received official confirmation of an important fact, report of which had previously reached me; that is, that there are less than 50 rounds of powder at the three forts at the mouth of this bay. Two hours of active fighting will exhaust the supply, and then the repetition of the contretemps at Hatteras is open, and Mobile is at the mercy of a naval power holding these forts and commanding the bay.

General Moore is here, and I at once advised him of the fact. He appeared surprised. New Orleans is equally destitute of powder. If it be possible I trust that these works will be supplied at once.

Pardon me for expressing the opinion that the five regiments constituting the garrison at Ship Island may be cut off whenever the enemy commanding the sea wills it. The waters of the Mississippi Sound can only be defended by guns afloat, and without them the Ship Island forces are at the mercy of the Black Republican fleet. That garrison cannot command the Ship Island Pass. If it could, there are several others by which gunboats may enter. I am aware of the presumption of my opinion. A sense of duty prompts it, for after the misfortune shall have befallen us I should reproach myself if I remained silent.

I am greatly indebted to the Government for the presence and instructions of Captain Lockett. I am doing all in my power to aid him in carrying his plans into execution.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN FORSYTH, Mayor.

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NEW ORLEANS, September 17, 1861.

SECRETARY OF WAR:

Ship Island is evacuated. Two heavy frigates, two steamers, a brig, and two tenders were 8 miles off Ship Island at dark yesterday. As the last boat departed the steamers were bearing down upon the island.

D. E. TWIGGS.

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MOBILE, September 17, 1861.

Hon. SECRETARY OF WAR:

I am just informed that there is very little powder at Forts Gaines and Morgan, Ala. Have but little. It is of the utmost importance that cannon powder be sent immediately to these forts.

A. B. MOORE.

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RICHMOND, September 18, 1861.

His Excellency A. B. MOORE, Governor Alabama:

Supplies of powder will be sent to the forts designated as soon as possible.

J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War.

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NEW ORLEANS, September 18, 1861.

SECRETARY OF WAR:

The enemy’s fleet did considerable shelling yesterday at, as they supposed, a masked battery on Ship Island.

D. E. TWIGGS, Major-General.

{p.740}

ENGINEER BUREAU, Richmond, Va., September 19, 1861.

General JONES M. WITHERS, Mobile, Ala.:

GENERAL: At the last moment the Ordnance Department has laid hands on our big rifled gun and sent it to Memphis. The programme is that we are to have the next one. We are able, therefore, to send only a 10-inch smooth bore, with its appurtenances, carriage, implements, and a few shot and shells. Our main reliance for the present must be the seven columbiads at the two forts and the rifled 32-pounders. I am satisfied that these last will prove to be formidable guns. They weigh 7,000 pounds each, I think, and with a shell of about 50 pounds weight each of those guns should be better (more effective) than a 10-inch columbiad. Sights should be adapted to them. I had hoped to send some friction-primers, but they are not ready, and must be sent by express.

Lieutenant Withers has a list of the articles which you have asked for, with a note of the establishment from which they have been ordered by the Ordnance Department. Lieutenant Withers has been very active in his efforts to promote the interests of the public service.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

D. LEADBETTER, Major Engineers, Acting Chief of Bureau.

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HEADQUARTERS LOUISIANA MILITIA, New Orleans, September 20, 1861.

Hon. JEFFERSON DAVIS, President Confederate States:

DEAR SIR: I am now endeavoring to organize the militia of my State, in order that we may be in some state of preparation for an attack. The generals and some of their subordinates, at a recent meeting to concert measures to this end, adopted the following resolution, which at their request I forward to you:

Without sanctioning the request contained in the last part of the resolution concerning the board of defense, which appears to me not consonant to military usage or propriety, I have already represented to you the necessity of having an officer here who, with youth, energy, and military ability, would infuse some activity in our preparations and some confidence in our people. I hope ere this General Van Dorn has acquainted you with my views, which from motives of delicacy I preferred to deliver to him verbally in a confidential conversation.

The generals of my militia have designated the corps from which the officers to be sent here should be selected. I leave that to your good judgment, asking only that this city, the most important to be preserved of any in the Confederacy, and our coast, the most exposed of all the States, be no longer neglected.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

THO. O. MOORE.

{p.741}

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WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, September 21, 1861.

Hon. JOHN FORSYTH, Mayor of Mobile, Ala.:

SIR: In reply to your letter of the 16th instant I am directed by the Secretary of War to say that the Government is aware of the deficiency of powder at the forts below Mobile, and is using every effort to supply it as promptly as possible.

The garrison at Ship Island has been withdrawn, to prevent the possibility of its being out off by the enemy.

This Department will be pleased to receive your suggestions on all occasions.

Respectfully,

A. T. BLEDSOE, Chief of Bureau of War.

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HEADQUARTERS LOUISIANA MILITIA, New Orleans, La., September 21, 1861.

Maj. Gen. JOHN L. LEWIS, And the other Field Officers of the First Division of Militia of Louisiana:

GENTLEMEN: I have examined the proceedings of your meeting held on the 19th instant, of which a copy was presented to me by your committee. I immediately addressed a letter to President Davis, and inserted the resolution of request for the appointment of an additional engineer and artillery officer at New Orleans.

I must decline complying with the request contained in your first resolution. Passing by the consideration of the question of my power or right to declare martial law, I cannot perceive, in the present state of public affairs, any justification for the adoption of so stringent a measure. Martial law suspends the functions of the civil magistrate, and makes the will of him who declares it the supreme and only law. If he has the power-the military force-to compel subjection to his will, no one can question the propriety or necessity of any of his orders. It is true it may be restricted in its operations as to locality, but it cannot be modified as to character. It may be declared in a district or portion of country, and has in some instances been accompanied with qualifications of its operation; but these qualifications may be altered or dispensed with at the pleasure of the person who has the supreme power. It is therefore the substitution of the uncontrolled rule of one man for the government of law as administered by civil officers. I do not think the exigencies of the State and its people at the present moment demand or require the assumption and exercise of such power. I have in contemplation issuing general orders for the enrolling and organization of the militia, in the enforcement of which I shall expect, and know I will receive, your active co-operation.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

THO. O. MOORE, Governor of Louisiana.

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NEW ORLEANS, September 22, 1861.

J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War, Richmond, Va.:

DEAR SIR:... I am looking anxiously for the officers you promised to send us. A gentleman by the name of Smith, I believe from New {p.742} York, is much desired here, or Captain Boggs, at Pensacola. I have felt considerable anxiety (but never have mentioned it except to Moise) about assistance here when it should be required. You are now in a situation not to send off a man from Virginia, Kentucky, or Missouri. What should we do in Louisiana if we should be attacked by even 30,000 men when all are gone and arms too? Our fortifications are very backward. We have but one engineer here (Major Smith), and he is not an active one, according to my judgment. I am not satisfied with our situation-not at all; and, should we be attacked by any strong force, I am fearful of the result. My arms have all been given out and all gone. We could get the men, but they would be of no use. I sent to Cuba for guns long since and made a failure. I have now 1,800 there if I could get them; besides I have sent a considerable amount to another point, but whether I shall ever get them or not I do not know, and as for our reliance on the assistance of any volunteers now in those States where hostilities exist, whether from our State or others, it is very poor.

It is high time ample provision was made for the reception of our enemies. If they cannot raise soldiers rapidly, they can, it is said, raise any number of sailors and marines. Dr. Mackie writes from Nashville (just arrived there from the North) that gigantic measures are being adopted at the North for a move on Louisiana, and no secret in the matter, and that he believes it will be made soon. Now, my dear sir, do at once what may be necessary for our State. I can’t say any more, as my office is filled with talkers.

I am anxious for saltpeter. I am alarmed to death for want of powder. Aid us in these materials, as we could fight but a short time with present supply.

By the very earnest solicitations of General Polk, General Twiggs has consented to send the Third Regiment to him, so you can, if agreeable. Leave the Fourth here; but if it remains across the lake it would do no good for the defense of the city.

General Dahlgren is over the lake with 1,500 or 2,000 men. Is that force not sufficient? I desire to write you relative to the gentleman above and may do so. If I do not, another will.*

Yours, very truly,

THO. O. MOORE.

* Some matters of detail omitted.

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NEW ORLEANS, LA., September 22, 1861.

Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN, Richmond, Va.:

Letters of the 16th received. Third Regiment ordered to Columbus. Cannot the Fourth remain? Send officers at once. I dispatched you for saltpeter. None yet received.

THO. O. MOORE.

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RICHMOND, VA., September 23, 1861.

Gov. THOMAS O. MOORE, New Orleans, La.:

I shall not move the Fourth Regiment from Louisiana without the most urgent necessity. Shall send one or two brigadier-generals to New {p.743} Orleans this week. Two tons of saltpeter were ordered from Augusta to New Orleans on the 19th instant.

J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War.

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NEW ORLEANS, September 23, 1861.

SECRETARY OF WAR:

I have countermanded the movement of the Third Regiment to General Polk at the wish and with the concurrence of Governor Moore.

D. E. TWIGGS.

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ENGINEER BUREAU, Richmond, Va., September 23, 1861.

Hon. SECRETARY OF WAR:

SIR: The defensive works for the protection of Mobile Bay and city consist of Forts Morgan and Gaines, a battery at Grant’s Pass, and other batteries now under construction in the immediate neighborhood of the city. Fort Morgan has five 10-inch columbiads, two of them known to be mounted; two others probably so; the fifth on the way, not arrived. Some ten other heavy guns (rifled) and columbiads ordered by Mr. Secretary Walker are anxiously expected, and are believed to be under fabrication in this city. There are also about thirty-eight 32-pounders mounted on the work, which are now being rifled. From these last we cannot expect the full range and power of guns made for rifling, but when the full armament shall have been received it will be formidable. Two redoubts are under construction on the land side in advance of Fort Morgan. Present garrison, one regiment.

Fort Gaines is opposite Fort Morgan, 34 miles distant, and the two are required to protect the intervening channel. This work was intended to mount one columbiad in each bastion (five of them) and fifty 32-pounders in barbette on the curtains. It has two 10-inch columbiads, probably not yet mounted, as their carriages (new iron) do not fit the old and usual form of traverse circle. The alteration is being made. Two rifled guns and one 8-inch smooth bore are required there, and will be made in this city. Ten 32-pounders are mounted on the curtains. Four of its flanking guns have been received, and are probably mounted. Sixteen more of the last-named guns (howitzers) are required, and are being made at Florence, Ala. The present garrison of Fort Gaines is supposed to be three companies.

Fort Morgan and Fort Gaines are permanent works, with walls of brick masonry. The battery at Grant’s Pass mounts three 32-pounders, which will soon be rifled; garrison, one company. Near the city, in the neighborhood of Choctaw Pass, a battery is being built in the water to command the channel in case small vessels should run past the forts or armed launches be hauled across the peninsula of Mobile Point. Some batteries are being thrown up on the land front of the city, for which guns were ordered by Mr. Secretary Walker. The labor for this last work is understood to be furnished gratuitously by the citizens.

The great want of Mobile Bay is an armed steamer, to cope with any armed small craft which might steal into the bay at night or be hauled over land, as already mentioned. A single armed launch could cut off communication between the city and the forts, for there is literally nothing in which to make head against such an invader. A steamer {p.744} like the Miramon should be immediately bought for that service, and be armed with one or two heavy guns.

Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,

D. LEADBETTER, Major of Engineers, Acting Chief of Bureau.

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RICHMOND, September 23, 1861.

General DAVID E. TWIGGS:

Will send you an active and competent brigadier-general this week. Will send you powder as fast as we can procure it.

J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War.

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RICHMOND, September 25, 1861.

JOHN FORSYTH, Mayor, Mobile, Ala.:

I have ordered 50 barrels of cannon powder sent from Nashville to Mobile, also 100 barrels to New Orleans, also 12 tons of saltpeter to New Orleans for immediate manufacture. Further supplies will be sent at the earliest possible moment.

J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War.

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HEADQUARTERS TROOPS CONFEDERATE STATES, Near Pensacola, Fla., September 25, 1861.

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

SIR: You will pardon me for the freedom of addressing you, but the subject is of vital importance, and requires prompt attention. For some time a growing dissatisfaction has existed here among the regular officers of the Army from the old United States service, which has culminated in a number of resignations. They have seen themselves overlooked by their Government, while their juniors in years and service, and I think their inferiors in many cases, were put over them in rank in other armies. To this they submitted without a murmur, and labored incessantly, doing what their superiors in rank here could not do, but for which they were receiving the credit. The last feather, however, has broken the camel’s back. The Department, just before your entrance on its duties, came into their midst, and selected one of the very youngest of their number for the grade of colonel. Lieutenant (Colonel) Wheeler is a very excellent officer, and none envy him his good fortune, but they cannot see the justice of the apparent reflection on themselves. The jealousy with which professional soldiers look upon military rank is second only, my dear sir, to that of honor. For whatever success I have attained in my efforts for the organization and instruction of this army I am indebted to these officers. You can see, then, how keenly I may share the mortification which has been inflicted on them, and I sincerely trust the Department will be able to assist me in averting the calamity which threatens, for they clearly see that my personal influence heretofore exerted has availed them nothing.

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

BRAXTON BRAGG.

{p.745}

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RICHMOND, September 25, 1861.

General DAVID E. TWIGGS, New Orleans:

I cannot spare any rifled cannon for New Orleans. You have one transferred from Hollins. Have the others rifled as fast as possible at the New Orleans founderies. There are but two large-sized rifled guns received at Savannah and twelve rifled field pieces. The coast of Georgia will be attacked in a few days, and I cannot withdraw guns. I have appointed Mansfield Lovell a brigadier-general, and ordered him to New Orleans. He will be with you this week. Have ordered 10 more tons of saltpeter from Augusta to New Orleans, and 100 barrels of cannon powder from Nashville to New Orleans and 50 barrels to Mobile.

J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War.

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NEW ORLEANS, LA., September 25, 1861.

Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN, Richmond, Va.:

General Twiggs requests me to seize all the pork in the city, about 2,500 barrels. Shall I do it?

THO. O. MOORE.

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RICHMOND, VA., September 25, 1861.

Gov. THOMAS O. MOORE, New Orleans, La.:

I know of no necessity for seizing the pork. Do you see any need of it?

J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War.

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ENGINEER BUREAU, Richmond, September 26, 1861.

SECRETARY OF WAR:

The letter of Hon. F. B. Shepard, under date of September 4,* has been referred to this office for information. At that date the condition of Fort Gaines in the matter of armament and munitions was very unsatisfactory. The fort itself was scarcely defensible with any armament, though all the guns available had been mounted. Two 10-inch guns had been received, but not mounted for want of carriages. These have been supplied, and it is hoped that these guns are now mounted. The bastions are now finished, their traverse circles laid for a columbiad in each; the scarp wall by this time must be everywhere to its proper height; the magazines are undoubtedly available; the rampart and parapet are rapidly approaching entire continuity, and the glacis wants but little to give efficient cover to the masonry. There are still wanted three heavy guns for the three bastions now unarmed and sixteen flanking howitzers. These guns have been ordered by the Hon. Secretary of War, and are supposed to be under fabrication. They are urgently needed, as well as others, at Fort Morgan. The lack of munitions and implements at Fort Gaines lies between the commander of the post and {p.746} that of Fort Morgan. The latter place, though insufficiently supplied for the exigencies of war, can well spare more largely to the other. Most likely General Withers, now in command, has corrected the unequal ratio of distribution. At Fort Gaines the guns are supplied with friction-primers. There are six 32-pounders bearing favorably on the land. The Fort Gaines channel is from 9 to 10 feet deep.

D. LEADBETTER, Major Engineers, Acting Chief of Bureau.

* Not found.

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NEW ORLEANS, September 26, 1861.

To SECRETARY OF WAR:

We are ready to make powder at once if we get saltpeter.

D. E. TWIGGS, Major-General.

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RICHMOND, VA., September 26, 1861.

Gov. THOMAS O. MOORE, Louisiana:

SIR: Yours of the 20th instant, containing a copy of a resolution which you informed me was adopted by the generals and some of the subordinates of the militia of Louisiana, has been received. I concur in your objection to a proposition for a board of defense; and in relation to the other point would say that long since one of the best officers in the Engineer Corps, and of superior rank (Maj. M. L. Smith), was sent to Louisiana to perform the duties of chief engineer there. If from any cause he has been found incompetent, I regret that the evidence was not laid before me, so that he might have been removed.

General Van Dorn has not communicated to me the views which you intrusted to him to be orally delivered; but from various sources I have learned that General Twiggs has proven unequal to his command. As in his selection I yielded much to the solicitation of the people of New Orleans, I think they should sooner have informed me of the mistake they had made. Your own recent letter was the first information received by me. I have, however, directed Mansfield Lovell, who is no doubt known to you by reputation, to be appointed a brigadier-general, and assigned to duty in connection with the defenses of New Orleans and the adjacent coast. It is some weeks since I met a committee from your city, charged with propositions for the defenses of New Orleans, and had hoped the needful works for defense were under construction and repair. In the mean time I have endeavored to provide the necessary armament and munitions.

Should your worst apprehensions be realized-which I cannot bring myself to believe when I remember how much has been done for the defense of New Orleans since 1815, both in the construction of works and facilities for transportation-I hope a discriminating public will acquit this Government of having neglected the defenses of your coast and approaches to New Orleans.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JEFFERSON DAVIS.

{p.747}

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MONTGOMERY, September 27, 1861.

General S. COOPER:

There is misapprehension as to my requisition for troops. It was for three regiments, independent of Mobile organizations, which were only considered for an emergency. If governor of Alabama cannot furnish the three, have I authority to accept deficiency from Mississippi if tendered? Answer to Mobile.

J. M. WITHERS, Brigadier-General.

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NEW ORLEANS, September 27, 1861.

To SECRETARY OF WAR:

Mississippi troops on lake shore will muster in for eleven months only. Hollins has orders from Secretary of Navy not to turn over the guns to me. Can Colonel Duncan be appointed brigadier-general, to report to me?

D. E. TWIGGS.

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NEW ORLEANS, LA., September 27, 1861.

Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN, Richmond, Va.:

No pork here except amount mentioned. What are we to do for our volunteers here? Answer.

THO. O. MOORE.

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NEW ORLEANS, LA., September 28, 1861.

Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN, Richmond, Va.:

My guns are gone-are all distributed. Can any be had? I telegraphed you about pork I seized. Answer.

THO. O. MOORE.

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WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, September 28, 1861.

His Excellency THOMAS O. MOORE, Governor of Louisiana, New Orleans:

SIR: In reply to your letter of the 22d instant I am directed by the Secretary of War to say that 12 tons of saltpeter and 100 kegs of powder have been ordered to New Orleans, in compliance with your request for those articles. The President has written to you relative to the other points touched upon in your letter.*

Respectfully,

A. T. BLEDSOE, Chief of Bureau of War.

* Mr. Davis’ letter not found.

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NEW ORLEANS, LA., September 29, 1861.

Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN:

MY DEAR SIR: I have about 3,500 men in camp, organized into companies, and three regiments formed, including the Thirteenth, Colonel {p.748} Gibson’s, and have not arms for them all. I am now sorry that I ever sent off so many, as they, with the volunteers who took them off are so occupied I fear I shall not get them back when needed. It seems that all will be wanted that are in Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Missouri, where they are; if so, we are here certainly in rather an unpleasant situation, for if we could raise the men we could not arm them. Our fortifications have progressed slowly, it having rained almost every day since they were commenced, but now we are getting on more rapidly, the weather improved, and more force put on the works. We are much in need of engineers and other officers, as I before wrote you. I see the necessity for them daily. General Twiggs’ age precludes the possibility of his doing the labor necessary to a command of the magnitude and importance of this, and an officer here should be able to visit and inspect every place. Even were I possessed of the military qualifications, with my present official duties I could do nothing in that way. The raft was placed across the river at the forts on yesterday, I think; it was all ready, and the engineer went down to place it three days since, so I trust nothing can pass the forts.

We have not heard of the fleet that has left with the 20,000 men, but I have no doubt, and that is the impression generally, that it is destined to other points besides Brunswick. We can be greatly harassed here on our entire coast, and no doubt will be, and I am kept constantly distressed at the incompetency, as I consider, of our commander. If anything is to be done here you must send us officers and more arms. The Fourth Regiment, I trust, will not be sent off, but that it will be brought over. Cannot General Dahlgren take care of the lake coast? I fear he is not the man that should be there.

I am now waiting for the saltpeter, as I am informed the mill is ready, but everything by rail moves so slow, so slow. I have had Major Ramsey to dispatch the whole line to forward it as fast as possible. The amount of powder here is very small compared to what is necessary, and a knowledge of that fact keeps up a constant excitement among our people.

I, notwithstanding your advice to the contrary, seized the pork in the city, and telegraphed you (but have had no reply), and shall hold it, unless requested by you to act otherwise, as I see no way to feed our troops without it, but hope you do, as your advice was to that effect. Write me fully on that point.

Is the Government doing anything to clothe and shoe our troops? I do not learn that it is. I have sent a suit of clothes and underclothes, blankets, and shoes to our regiment in Missouri, and blankets for our entire force in Virginia, and clothing for the First and Second Regiments, with shoes also for the whole force, but provision ought to be made for another pair of shoes, as some of those I sent I fear will not last very well, but they were the best to be had.

Have arrangements been made by the Government for arms in Europe? Certainly arms ought to have been procured before this. I have about 1 600 in Havana, and have $150,000 in England to purchase more. The only trouble is to get them here. Cannot Mr. Slidell, who leaves soon, give some aid and advice in the matter? He knows the parties acting for me. I expect something done, indeed everything that is necessary for us, for I have tried to do so for the Confederacy. I hardly know what I have written, I am so constantly troubled by visitors on business.

Yours, truly,

THO. O. MOORE.

{p.749}

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NEW ORLEANS, LA., September 29, 1861.

Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN, Richmond, Va.:

I seized pork against your advice. Will release if not wanted. Generals not arrived. Have not arms for volunteers in camp. Have you any? What am I to do? Answer.

THO. O. MOORE.

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RICHMOND, VA., September 30, 1861.

Gov. THOMAS O. MOORE, New Orleans, La.:

I can conceive no possible reason for seizing pork and cannot approve it. There is an abundance of food in our country, and private rights ought not to be invaded except in cases of necessity for public defense.

J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War.

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RICHMOND, September 30, 1861.

General DAVID E. TWIGGS, New Orleans:

Do not accept the Mississippi troops for less than twelve months, unless they are simply for local defense, under law passed last session. Captain Hollins was only ordered to turn over to you a single rifled gun as a model for rifling other guns at the foundery. If he refuses this, let me know. Terry has already been ordered to join General Johnston with his regiment. Do as you please about assigning Higgins to ordnance duty. It is said here that young Palfrey, recommended by you for your staff, is not twenty-one years old. If this is so he cannot be appointed an officer in the Army.

J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War.

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RICHMOND, VA., September 30, 1861.

Gov. THOMAS O. MOORE, New Orleans, La.:

Your several dispatches about arms and generals received. Pray have a little patience. I am doing the best I can with the means at my disposal, and you do not allow me time to concert the arrangements necessary to satisfy you. In two or three days I will inform you fully of what is to be done.

J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War.

{p.750}

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Abstract from field return of troops of the Confederate States near Pensacola, Fla., Maj. Gen. Braxton Bragg commanding, for October 1, 1861.

Commands.	Present for duty.		Aggregate present.
	Officers.	Men.
lst (Ruggles’) Brigade	150	2,778	3,686
2d (Anderson’s) Brigade	125	2,061	2,698
Alabama Mounted Rifles (Jenkins)	2	76	94
Walton Guards (McPherson)	4	51	55
Total	281	4,966	6,533

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NEW ORLEANS, October 4, 1861.

To SECRETARY OF WAR:

Black Republicans assembling a fleet at Head of Passes. The Richmond, a sloop of war, a schooner, a captured pilot-boat, and the Water Witch were there yesterday evening. I will send some powder and re-enforcements to Colonel Duncan immediately. I do not think Fort Jackson is the point that will be attacked. I will try to be ready to meet them at all points.

D. E. TWIGGS.

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ENGINEER BUREAU, Richmond, Va., October 7, 1861.

Capt. S. H. LOCKETT, Corps of Engineers, Mobile, Ala.:

SIR: Your letter of the 1st instant has been received.* The commanding general being responsible for the defense, he decides what works shall be built and when. Your own responsibility ends when your views have been made known to him officially.

With regard to armament, I had supposed that having the Secretary’s order for thirty guns from North Carolina we were sure to get them, but there is no hope in that quarter. From present appearances I would not recommend you to rely on getting any more heavy guns or carriages from this quarter. The demands from all directions are urgent, and the Secretary says he cannot give what he has not got. If you do not get heavy guns for the remaining bastions of Fort Gaines-and I see no probability of getting them-you will have to mount a rifled 32 in each. If the flank guns fail (and I can gain no information of them) you had better fasten the embrasure shutters firmly, and make a loop-hole for musketry in each. Of course you will have the guns rifled for Grant’s Pass, and another gun ought to be added there. When I left, the magazine at that place was not sufficiently covered.

I see you have had a broadside. One heavy rifled gun left on the 3d.

Very truly, yours,

D. LEADBETTER, Major Engineers, Acting Chief of Bureau.

* Not found.

{p.751}

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SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 173.}

ADJT. AND INSP. GENERAL’S OFFICE, Richmond, Va., October 7, 1861.

...

IX. The command of Maj. Gen. Braxton Bragg, Provisional Army, is extended to embrace the coast and State of Alabama.

...

By command of the Secretary of War:

JNO. WITHERS, Assistant Adjutant-General.

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GENERAL ORDERS, No. 110.}

HEADQUARTERS TROOPS OF C. S., Near Pensacola, Fla., October 12, 1861.

I. Brig. Gen. Daniel Ruggles, Provisional Army, is relieved from duty with this command, and will proceed to New Orleans, and report to Major-General Twiggs, in conformity to special orders from the War Department.

The regret of the commanding general in parting with General Ruggles, whose labors have been so untiring and efficient with this army, is lessened by the knowledge of his transfer to a more extended field in Louisiana, where he is commended to the confidence of many friends.

II. Brigadier-General Gladden, Provisional Army, is assigned to the First (Ruggles’) Brigade. Col. J. Patton Anderson is relieved from the command of his regiment, the First Florida, and will relieve Brigadier-General Gladden in command of the Second (Anderson’s) Brigade.

III. The habit again growing up in the army of an indiscriminate waste of ammunition must be discontinued. No guns will be loaded except on the advanced and beach picket guards, and their guns will be discharged at a target the next morning at sunrise under their respective officers. The discharge of a gun at any other hour will subject the offender to arrest and trial. Captain Jenkins’ company, mounted volunteers, will patrol the camps of the whole army for the enforcement of this order, and all officers will be held accountable for any infringement. Not only our success but our safety depends on a preservation of our very limited supply of ammunition.

By command of Major-General Bragg:

GEO. G. GARNER, Assistant Adjutant-General.

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WAR DEPARTMENT, Richmond, Va., October 13, 1861.

Gov. THOMAS O. MOORE, New Orleans, La.:

MY DEAR SIR: I snatch a moment this (Sunday) evening to answer your favor of the 29th ultimo. Matters have been so changed since the date of that letter that it is scarcely necessary to do more than say that I have used every effort in my power to put [you] in such a position as shall allay all fears relative to the defenses of New Orleans.

Maj. Gen. Mansfield Lovell, a brilliant, energetic, and accomplished officer, has been assigned to the command of your department. Powder, saltpeter, and cannon have been forwarded, and will be still further supplied as fast as they can be possibly spared, and the recent gallant dash {p.752} of Captain Hollins at the blockading fleet must have infused new life and spirit into our people.

The Government is fast providing, to the extent of its ability, shoes and clothing for our troops, and is greatly relieved in this herculean task by the patriotic and generous aid of just such governors of States as our own Tom Moore.

I am sure you will be persuaded that nothing I can do shall be left undone for the defense of Louisiana, while you would not wish, I am equally sure, that I should neglect the defenses of other points of importance in order to concentrate all our resources in New Orleans alone.

Yours, very truly,

J. P. BENJAMIN.

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GENERAL ORDERS, No. I.

HDQRS. DEPT. OF ALA. AND WEST FLA., Near Pensacola, Fla., October 14, 1861.

I. The command of Major-General Bragg, extended by Special Orders, No. 173, Adjutant-General’s Office, October 7, 1861, to include the coast and State of Alabama, will be known as the Department of Alabama and West Florida. All returns and reports from troops stationed therein will be rendered to the headquarters, near Pensacola.

II. The following officers compose the staff of the major-general commanding:

1. Maj. George G. Garner, assistant adjutant-general.

2. First Lieut. Towson Ellis, aide-de-camp.

3. First Lieut. J. E. Slaughter, acting inspector-general.

4. Capt. W. R. Boggs, chief of engineers and artillery.

5. Capt. H. Oladowski, chief of ordnance.

6. Maj. L. W. O’Bannon, chief quartermaster.

7. Capt. Thomas M. Jones, chief of subsistence and paymaster.

8. Surg. A. J. Foard, medical director.

9. First Lieut. H. W. Walter, acting judge-advocate.

III. Brig. Gen. J. M. Withers will continue in the execution of his present command, to be known as the District of Alabama.

...

By command of Major-General Bragg:

GEO. G. GARNER, Assistant Adjutant-General.

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NEW ORLEANS, LA., October 14, 1861.

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

We want muskets without delay. Send us some.

THO. O. MOORE.

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RICHMOND, VA., October 18, 1861.

Gov. THOMAS O. MOORE, New Orleans, La.:

Will send you the very first muskets that I can dispose of.

J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War.

{p.753}

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ENGINEER BUREAU, Richmond, Va., October 18, 1861.

Col. J. GORGAS, Chief of Ordnance:

DEAR SIR: Fort Gaines, at Mobile, Ala., yet requires for its armament sixteen 24-pounder howitzers and carriages for flank casemate defense. Three of its bastions are yet without guns in barbette, and require a columbiad in each-say three 8-inch columbiads, with barbette carriages.

Very truly, your obedient servant,

D. LEADBETTER, Major Engineers, Acting Chief of Bureau.

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HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT No. 1, New Orleans, La., October 18, 1861.

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

SIR: As this city, the first in importance in the Confederacy, has been greatly drained of arms, ammunition, medical stores, clothing, and supplies for other points, I would respectfully suggest that the heads of bureaus be requested to order nothing further of that description to be forwarded from here until we have provided ourselves with a fair supply for the force required for the defense of this city. Anything that in my judgment could be spared I would readily send forward; but it will require great exertions to put ourselves in a proper state of defense, and nothing should be diverted from that purpose until the object is gained. The actual state of preparation I shall not put on paper.

When companies or regiments enlisted for twelve months have been in service under State authority for a portion of the time and are then transferred to the Confederate service, persistent objection is made in some instances to being mustered for a longer period than the balance of the original twelve months. Most of these have fully nine months to serve, and as the fate of New Orleans for this season must be settled within that time, I shall not stand upon that point, unless you direct me by telegraph to do so.

I am greatly in need of two things, viz, an assistant adjutant-general, acquainted with the details of office matters, forms, &c., who can instruct the volunteers and keep the records in such shape that claims may be settled at some indefinite future period, and some saltpeter for the manufacture of powder. While the first would greatly facilitate matters here, it is not indispensable; the latter is.

We are daily expecting funds, without which we cannot get on a great while.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

M. LOVELL, Major-General, Commanding.

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GENERAL ORDERS, No. 120.}

HDQRS. TROOPS CONFEDERATE STATES, Year Pensacola, Fla., October 22, 1861.

The major-general commanding, intending to be absent for a few days on a tour of inspection, the command of the troops at and near Pensacola {p.754} will devolve upon Brigadier-General Gladden, pending the disability of Brig. Gen. R. H. Anderson.

The official designation of the forces at and near Pensacola will in future be, “Army of Pensacola.”

By command of Major-General Bragg:

GEO. G. GARNER, Assistant Adjutant-General.

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NEW ORLEANS, LA., October 23, 1861.

Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN:

Is it impossible to give us powder or saltpeter in quantity immediately?

M. LOVELL.

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RICHMOND, VA., October 23, 1861.

General MANSFIELD LOVELL, New Orleans, La.:

We calculate that we have sent in powder and saltpeter to New Orleans within the last month the equivalent of 500 barrels of powder, to be added to the stock previously on hand. We can spare no more at present without urgent necessity. Telegraph me what your whole supply is.

J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War.

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HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT No. 1, C. S. A., New Orleans, La., October 25, 1861.

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

DEAR SIR: I have received your telegram relative to the amount of powder and saltpeter sent to this point within the past month, but think it hardly advisable to make known our deficiency through the telegraph office.

Your dispatch says that “the equivalent of 500 barrels of powder has been sent here within a month.” I find no correct returns of ordnance and ordnance stores from the various posts, but have sent a circular calling for them, and am getting them in. I know that the acting ordnance officer has several invoices of powder which have not yet come to hand. Admit, however, that we have 500 barrels. We have now at the various forts and approaches 210 guns in position and about 100 more that we shall soon have in place, giving in all 310 guns of the caliber of a 24-pounder and upwards. The average charge, large and small, will be 8 pounds for each gun, or 2,480 pounds for a single round apiece. Five hundred barrels contains 50,000 pounds, which would give us 20 rounds per gun, not more than enough for an hour’s fight; but the powder received from Memphis was quite worthless. More than 30 barrels invoiced to us have not arrived, and we loaned Commodore Hollins the powder with which he made his attack upon the vessels above the passes a few days since. We have therefore less than 20 rounds per gun.

I am hurrying into operation two mills which will give us 6,000 or 8,000 pounds per day if we can get saltpeter, and have sent an agent {p.755} to contract for working some of the idle saltpeter caves in the adjoining States. Of sulphur and charcoal we have a supply.

The want of powder is our only glaring deficiency. I do not allow an ounce to be burned unnecessarily, and am straining every nerve to add to our supply. If I can get saltpeter, and the enemy will give us a few weeks, which I think he will do, we shall be pretty well prepared to defeat him. With 100 rounds per gun I should feel pretty safe.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

M. LOVELL, Major-General, Commanding.

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HDQRS. DEPARTMENT ALABAMA AND WEST FLORIDA, Mobile, October 25, 1861.

ADJUTANT-GENERAL C. S. ARMY, Richmond:

SIR: As indicated in my dispatch of the 22d, I left Pensacola that night, and arrived here on the 23d. After a long and free interview with General Withers on the state of his command, it was arranged to visit the defenses, which was done yesterday.

A small battery is being erected on piles at the junction of Mobile and Tensas Rivers, not far from the city, which may have a beneficial effect in preventing boat expeditions should the enemy enter the bay.

At Grant’s Pass a small earthwork has been erected, and furnished with three guns and a garrison of one company. This is probably sufficient for the purpose of keeping this pass open to our steamers still allowed to run to New Orleans. As the place is not susceptible of successful defense against any large attacking force, I directed the hull of an old vessel we own here to be heavily ballasted and anchored there, ready to close the pass at a moment’s notice, and a practicable ford to be staked out by which the garrison can reach the main-land.

Fort Gaines is rapidly approaching a condition for strong defense, but is almost destitute of guns and ammunition. Demands long since made for both meet no response. It is of little or no importance except to prevent the enemy from using the island against us, being about 2 1/2 miles from the channel. With a view of preventing a landing on the island an outwork is in progress, some 3 miles off, and masked by intervening woods. Deeming this a weakness, by dispersing our forces and armament, I directed its discontinuance. The completion of the fort will be pushed vigorously, and the armament increased as rapidly as possible. Two large brick buildings, three stories high, built inside the fort, apparently as a mark for the enemy’s fire, to mask the field of our guns, or to furnish splinters and brickbats for the destruction of the garrison, I have directed to be demolished at once. The temporary quarters, of wood, badly located and much dispersed, are to be concentrated in a proper position.

Fort Morgan is in a better condition, though not half armed, and with a very limited supply of ammunition. In rough weather, and especially during the north winds of winter, boats cannot land at the wharf at this post. Another wharf is being constructed some 3 miles off, at Navy Cove, and a railroad laid to it from the fort. Three sand batteries are being constructed for the defense of this position. Fort Morgan is the key to Mobile Bay, and must be held with a heavy armament and ample supplies. I shall at once reduce my position at Pensacola to one of {p.756} defense strictly, and send what can be spared to this point, though it will be totally inadequate to the wants here.

The safety of this position is in the enemy’s ignorance, if he be ignorant, for they seem to get late and correct information from us by illicit means through our own people. It may be that the very state of affairs so long existing on the Gulf has called out his heavy expedition not yet heard from, and which may strike us at any moment without warning. We must at every hazard force him to land and fight us in the open field. For this we are well prepared at Pensacola, except in light artillery, for which the Ordnance Department has persistently promised and as persistently withheld all supplies. Here we are equally deficient in that and not very well off with infantry, but in both we possess some elements of improvement not heretofore available to me. I shall at once commence the manufacture of artillery harness, carriages, guns, and ammunition at this point, and hope soon to increase our efficiency-or rather decrease our inefficiency-in this essential arm. We need more cavalry for defensive operations at both points, but it is useless to call for them unless we are assured of arms.

A recent order from General Pillow, if we are correctly informed, will paralyze this arm of our service, if it does not starve us all out. A heavy rise in the provision market is already the result of this unfortunate move. With a rigid blockade in front and a stringent embargo behind on both provisions and munitions we occupy rather a perilous position. It may be well to inform the author of this move of our presence here and of the fact that we are engaged in the same cause with himself. I inclose the report of Mr. Hessee, quartermaster’s agent here, on this subject. We are confidently assured of railroad connection within three weeks hence to Pensacola. This will greatly increase our ability to meet an attack on either place. With unity of sentiment and concert of action between the commanders mutual aid could be received and given with great celerity between this and the department west; but one common superior if the Government has an officer of the requisite rank, would more effectually secure the same object, and greatly strengthen the defenses of the whole Gulf coast. On this point I submit a communication, indorsed by Brigadier-General Withers, in regard to a telegraph line on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad. I shall encourage its construction. Our lines on the coast can be destroyed at any time by the enemy.

Would it not be more healthful and comfortable, and equally as cheap, to concentrate near this place and Pensacola the unarmed regiments in Alabama in suitable camps of instruction, where they could be ready to receive the arms of the twelve-months’ men soon to be discharged? They might be learning the artillery drill, too, which they cannot do where they are. The discharges will commence in three months, and the subject is worthy of early attention. The effort to raise troops here for local defense, sedentary militia, is working badly, and should be abolished everywhere. Whenever we can get arms we can get men for the war unconditionally. The two regiments of Colonels Buck and Crawford have consented to change their times and tenure of service, and are mustered in for twelve months.

Brigadier-General Withers is laboring hard and successfully. He has very properly suspended the grand scheme for squandering money by digging ditches around the city, which would have required 40,000 men to defend them, and has concentrated his means and labor on important points requiring the promptest attention and all his resources.

{p.757}

I shall have to spare him a part of my regular officers from Pensacola, as his need is great and pressing. I shall return to Pensacola to-morrow.

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

BRAXTON BRAGG, Major-General, Commanding.

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HDQRS. DEPARTMENT ALABAMA AND WEST FLORIDA, Year Pensacola, Fla., October 28, 1861.

ADJUTANT-GENERAL C. S. ARMY, Richmond, Va.:

SIR: I arrived here yesterday from Mobile, and find no change to report. The enemy is in a constant state of excitement on Santa Rosa, and has frequent alarms. He has moved artillery up the island to our landing place of the late expedition. General Withers’ command needs much to put it in an efficient condition. He has about 4,200 troops which should be increased to 6,000-mostly raw, and inefficiently organized, armed, and equipped, and very destitute of military instructors. The positions of Forts Morgan and Gaines and Grant’s Pass are occupied by his best troops, about 2,000, and in close proximity. The two senior officers commanding at the forts are very competent, but sadly addicted to drinking, and therefore unsafe for those exposed positions. The General cannot remain there and discharge his other duties, though he will visit them frequently. The remainder of his command, except two detached companies, will be concentrated in a suitable camp on the west of Mobile Bay and some 15 or 20 miles below the city, where they will be away from dissipation, can be cheaply supplied, and will be available for any attack. These two positions require commanders of military knowledge and experience and capacity for command.

First Lieut. J. E. Slaughter, acting inspector-general; Capt. W. R. Boggs, Engineers; Lieut. Col. J. B. Villepigue, Georgia and Mississippi regiment, and Maj. L. W. O’Bannon, quartermaster, furnish material from which the President might select two brigadiers for those important positions, I can very well fill the vacancies on my staff from well-instructed volunteers, except in the Engineers. Should Colonel Villepigue receive one of the appointments, one of the others might fill his vacancy. I shall order First Lieut. G. W. Holt, C. S. Army, to report to General Withers, at Mobile, as depot quartermaster there, and discharge the agent now on that duty. Lieutenant Holt deserves and should receive promotion. First Lieutenant Hallonquist, U. S. artillery, will also be ordered to report to General Withers, as chief of artillery. As that command has several companies of light artillery, I suggest his appointment as major of them. Promotion could not fall on a more gallant or efficient officer. If it could be arranged so that Brigadier-General Ruggles could be my second in command here, or could assume my local duties, my services could be much more efficient, and from the hold he has on the confidence and affection of the troops here I know the consequences feared by the Department in my removal would not ensue. I should still be much with them.

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

BRAXTON BRAGG, Major-General, Commanding.

{p.758}

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O’BANNONVILLE, October 29, 1861.

General S. COOPER, Adjutant-General:

In view of the heavy expedition now on its way South, we should develop all our resources. One regiment here and one at Mobile can be armed by using arms of the sick and disabled. Can they be sent from Huntsville? We have efficient light artillery. For want of supplies we have less than 2,000 effective men at Mobile outside of the forts.

BRAXTON BRAGG.

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

Maj. Gen. MANSFIELD LOVELL, New Orleans:

SIR: Your letter of 18th instant was not received till yesterday, 28th. I telegraphed you to-day that we have no power to receive troops for less than twelve months, but where troops offer themselves specially for local defense they may be accepted in any proportion and for any term, as they are a mere improvised militia, not entitled to pay or subsistence except during actual service. (See act of 21st August, No. 229, of third session.)

I cannot restrain the heads of bureaus from purchasing or forwarding supplies from New Orleans. This interference with commerce exceeds my power except in case of extreme urgency. I much prefer that you should make requisitions for everything in the way of supply that you need, and have your purchases made in New Orleans, and thus it is easy to prevent the removal from the city of what is required for its defense without infringing on the rights of any one.

I anxiously await your letter about the supply of powder and saltpeter. I cannot conceive what has become of the quantity recently sent to New Orleans, say within the last six weeks. I hope your demand for supply was based on erroneous information from persons who did not know the facts.

I have ordered a young officer, said to be of high merit as an engineer, to report to you-First Lieutenant Cunningham, just appointed in artillery, with a view to assign him to Engineer Corps if he proves as competent as represented.

I am much gratified to learn from different sources that you have succeeded in inspiring general confidence in New Orleans, thereby justifying the confidence reposed by the Government in yourself.

Your obedient servant,

J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War.

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HDQRS. DEPARTMENT ALABAMA AND WEST FLORIDA, Near Pensacola, Fla., October 30, 1861.

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

SIR: On the receipt of your letter of the 6th instant a short reply was made to the first point and a further one promised on the main subject.

Though very grateful to my wounded feelings, yours was not entirely satisfactory to me, nor to those on whose behalf I had presumed to complain. {p.759} I now propose to controvert your positions, knowing the danger I encounter.

Nothing, it seems, can be done for my neglected officers under the legislation as it now exists. How does it happen that so much has been done for others, their juniors, under this same legislation? You acknowledge this in your letter. You admit one case in Colonel Wheeler. Others present themselves to my mind. A private in one of my companies, a gentleman of high attainments and merit, only equaled by his modesty, was offered the colonelcy of a regiment. He declined it in favor of one of my regular officers, but saying, “If civilians must be appointed then I will accept.” He was at once commissioned, and removed from a position he adorned on my staff to one he was unprepared to fill. He will in time make a fine officer, but those he preferred seeing appointed were already made. Other regiments raised at the same time were officered by civilians in the same way. All of my staff officers here of the old Regular Army, the first to quit it, some even before their States seceded, were allowed to rest in subordinate positions, while their inferiors in rank, of the eleventh-hour converts and civilians, were placed over their heads. Certainly the legislation of Congress never required this. You now propose that whenever I can spare them you will find means to give them increased rank in the Provisional Army. I will not spare them if I can help it, nor are they desirous of leaving me, but I claim consideration for them equal to that accorded to their inferiors in other armies. My officers and myself have remained at our posts faithfully laboring in the cause we so early espoused. We have not united in the “Onto Richmond,” seeking high places. We considered it unmilitary and unbecoming. We were ardently serving the cause, not ourselves, but, nevertheless, we did not suppose our Government would so soon forget we were in its service and degrade us. This state of things, my dear sir, we believe has been brought about to some extent without the knowledge of the President and against his wishes, but it is nevertheless a rankling sore, which he only can cure. I am candid, perhaps harsh, but I am doing him more service than by permitting the evil to grow while he is in ignorance. I do not hesitate to say, “I impugn the action of your predecessor.” He has done the service more harm in the Cabinet than he will ever repair in the field.

Let me now appeal to you for an old brother soldier, who is more aggrieved and with more cause than any of us. Brigadier-General Ruggles first reported to me as second in command under the impression derived from the Adjutant-General, and I believed it from the precedence given his name in his order. We soon learned that Brigadier-General Anderson, his junior by many years in the old service, and it is no disparagement to say very far his inferior as a soldier, was his senior in rank. General Ruggles, soon after raising this question, was ordered to New Orleans, as a means, we hoped, of removing this cause of complaint. What was his and our dismay, then, to learn that another junior, just from the enemy, who had been up to a late hour lecturing them on the art and science of war, was promoted over his head, and assigned to a command the highest and most important in the Southern country. That command includes my home and fireside, and all that is dear to me in life. I can appreciate the feeling of sullen dissatisfaction which pervades my neighbors. The appointee is competent, but he does not and cannot possess the confidence of many who look with distrust on his eleventh-hour conversion. A great element of strength is thus lost to us. You will never preserve the morale of this army by thus degrading the commanders they so much admire and love. The feeling of discontent {p.760} has reached the rank and file intelligent enough to read and digest these things, and where I expected to re-enlist hundreds for the war tens cannot be found. They will not abandon the cause, but will try and find a service less obscure and more appreciated-one in which their commanders possess sufficiently the confidence of the Government to justify them in expecting more consideration.

The result of all your deliberations has not been to preserve the morale of this army. Soldiers who have confidence in and respect for their commanders are never demoralized by seeing them advanced in rank or command or by seeing their sphere of usefulness increased, nor will you encourage the zeal of those commanders by making known to them that success in their arduous labors of organization and instruction is to consign them to inferior positions, as mere drill-masters.

Feeling so deeply it was due to myself, to you, and the President that I should give free expression to my sentiments, it is done in no spirit of insubordination. All that I have, all that I am shall remain in this cause whenever and wherever it may please the Government to employ me.

I am, sir, very respectfully and truly, yours,

BRAXTON BRAGG, Major-General, Commanding.

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HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT No. 1, New Orleans, La., October 31, 1861.

His Excellency President DAVIS:

DEAR SIR: The works for the defense of this city are progressing rapidly, and I think in a couple of weeks we can defeat any force that shall attempt invasion, if we can provide ourselves with powder. I have now one mill in operation which will turn out 1,200 pounds per day, another which can make 1,500, and in two weeks hope to have a third in full blast which will make 3,000 or 3,500 pounds per day. I have your dispatch about saltpeter and am looking for it daily; but we ought to have to-day 50 tons of cannon powder on hand besides what we can make.

My letter to Mr. Benjamin of the 25th instant will give you an idea of what we require to serve our guns.

I think we can fix the raft between Forts Jackson and Saint Philip so as to make a complete obstruction under the fire of those works. I send you inclosed a sketch of the works and raft.* The dotted black lines above the latter, running diagonally to Saint Philip, represent an arrangement which I propose to shed the drift over towards the opening in the raft on the Fort Jackson shore.

With your permission I will urge strongly upon you the appointment of Col. J. K. Duncan as a brigadier-general; he is worth a dozen of Ruggles, and has rendered most efficient service with a zeal, untiring industry, and ability which entitle him to your high consideration. Had he more rank he could be of great assistance to me in organizing and giving directions, and I can assure you that help would not be unacceptable, as I have to keep driving all day and frequently the larger part of the night. If you have serious objections I will not press it, but the public service would be advanced by giving him rank enough to direct, and if necessary order, the colonels of volunteer regiments in this department, who require a great deal of dry-nursing.

{p.761}

General Bragg consents to the removal of Major Lovell to service here. I have two armed boats which he could use to material advantage on the coast of Mississippi, where, I am sorry to say, there are many disaffected persons, who will communicate with the enemy at every opportunity.

I receive every assistance here, except from some of the speculators, who endeavor to secure materials that the Government must have. The first operation I can fix upon them I shall publish their names to the community.

I am inclined to think that the attack on this coast will be on Mobile from East Pascagoula by land, with a strong demonstration by water. Is that city defended by intrenchments on the land side?

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

M. LOVELL.

* Not found.

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O’BANNONVILLE, October 31, 1861.

General S. COOPER, Adjutant-General:

Does my command include General Walker’s brigade at Huntsville? In an emergency I might use a part of it with the arms of my sick and wounded. The measles at Mobile has disabled many.

BRAXTON BRAGG, Major-General Commanding.

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RICHMOND, October 31, 1861.

General BRAGG, Pensacola:

You are authorized to take two of the Alabama regiments from Huntsville, to be armed with the spare arms at Mobile and Pensacola. If the expedition should make its attack elsewhere you must not expect to retain them with you.

J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War.

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BOWLING GREEN, October 31, 1861.

J. P. BENJAMIN:

By special messenger General Lovell writes from New Orleans, October 24:

The messenger of General Lovell is waiting, and I wish for instructions. Can the 20 tons of saltpeter from Georgia expected be sent to New Orleans?

A. S. JOHNSTON, General.

{p.762}

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RICHMOND, November 1, 1861.

General A. SIDNEY JOHNSTON, Bowling Green, Ky.:

Your dispatch received. Send nothing to General Lovell without orders from this Department. I have ordered 10 tons of saltpeter sent to him from Augusta.

J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War.

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O’BANNONVILLE November 1, 1861.

Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN:

I shall be ready to spare the two regiments and a considerable portion of my other force for any point the enemy may assail. My railroad connection with Mobile will be completed in twelve days.

BRAXTON BRAGG, Major-General, Commanding.

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SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 200.}

ADJT. AND INSP. GENERAL’S OFFICE, Richmond, Va., November 1, 1861.

...

17. The two Mississippi regiments, known as or called the Fourth Mississippi Brigade now at Camp Pettus, near Enterprise, Miss., will proceed to Pensacola, Fla., and report to Major-General Bragg, commanding.

By command of the Secretary of War:

...

JNO. WITHERS, Assistant Adjutant-General.

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Abstract from field return of the Army of Pensacola, Maj. Gen. Braxton Bragg commanding, for November 1, 1861.

Commands.	Present for duty.		Aggregate present.
	Officers.	Men.
1st (Gladden’s) Brigade	167	2,970	3,813
2d (Anderson’s) Brigade	135	2,063	2,639
Alabama Mounted Rules (Jenkins)	4	87	99
Walton Guards (McPherson)	4	51	55
Total	310	5,171	6,606

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WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, November 4, 1861.

Major-General BRAGG, Pensacola:

MY DEAR SIR: I have ordered two and shall probably order a third Mississippi regiment to Pensacola. These regiments are not yet organized {p.763} with field officers. The men are recovering from measles, and it is thought imprudent to send them north at this season. This will give you an opportunity to reward such of your officers as you may think most worthy with field appointments. Send in a list of recommendations for appointments of field officers for these regiments, and I doubt not the President will be glad to avail himself of the opportunity of testifying his sense of the merits of those officers who have cheerfully borne with you the dull routine and cheerfully watch at Pensacola without a murmur. You know that such appointments are made under act No. 155, second session, and are temporary in their character. They expire at the end of the war, and the officers then resume their regular position in the permanent Army. As soon as it is ascertained that no attack is to be made on you by the enemy’s naval expedition, I hope you will send us in the place of those new regiments those of your present forces who have served longest and seem to you best to merit removal to more active field service.

Yours of 25th ultimo* to Adjutant-General, with its inclosures, is received. I have written to General A. S. Johnston on the subject of the interference by General Pillow with the forage collected for General Withers’ command. I recognize the justice of his complaint, and trust that no further occasion of like character will require action on the part of the Department.

I fully concur in your strictures on the local-defense system, but you are mistaken in supposing that the Confederate Government can do anything to prevent it. The difficulty lies with the governors of the States, who are unwilling to trust the common defense to one common head. They therefore refuse arms to men who are willing to enlist unconditionally for the war, and put these arms in the hands of a mere home militia, who are not bound to leave the State. It is a very untoward condition of things, but as we have no arms, and the State authorities will not give us the control of the matter, we are forced to accept from them just what they choose to give. Still worse, they are accepting and arming men for local defense for six or twelve months, and thus breaking up our volunteer regiments that were offering for the war, in order to get from us such arms as we could supply. All this is sad, but I know not how to avoid it. Each governor wants to satisfy his own people, and there are not wanting politicians in each State to encourage the people to raise the cry that they will not consent to be left defenseless at home. The voice of reason, which would teach them that their home defenses would be best secured by a vigorous attack on the enemy on his own frontier is-unheeded, and a clamor is raised against us for not attacking the enemy in front by the very men who are depriving us of the possibility of such a movement, by withholding the arms necessary for re-enforcing our little Army, that is so fearfully outnumbered that I dare not give you the figures. I have entire confidence that you will do all that skill and energy can effect with your own insufficient means, and will to the utmost of my power aid in all measures that you may devise for the security of the department committed to your charge.

I am, your obedient servant,

J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War.

* Not found.

{p.764}

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NEW ORLEANS, LA., November 4, 1861.

Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN:

Will the Secretary of the Treasury allow us to use the Marine Hospital for military purposes? Shall I recognize foreign consuls?

M. LOVELL.

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RICHMOND, VA., November 4, 1861.

General MANSFIELD LOVELL, New Orleans, La.:

Foreign consuls are recognized by our Government in all commercial matters. What kind of military use do you propose to make of the Marine Hospital? Answer, and I will apply to the Secretary of the Treasury. I ordered 10 tons of saltpeter sent to you by express from the Augusta Arsenal.

J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War.

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HUNTSVILLE, November 4, 1861.

J. P. BENJ