OPERATIONS IN N. C. AND S. E. VA. [CHAP. XIII.

I said yesterday in my communication addressed to you, "no time is to be lost" for its defense and protection.

A word now in regard to Fort Monroe and Hampton Road,s the most important position on the coast, and from which the Southern States can be menaced and assailed more effectually than from any other, and without running our heads against fortifications or masked batteries. The colonel can explain in detail.

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

JOHN E. WOOL, Major-General.

WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, September 5, 1861.

Major General JOHN. E. WOOL, Commanding Fort Monroe, Va.:

SIR: Your letter of September 4 is received. The position at Cape Hatters must be held, any you will adopt such measures, in connection with the Navy Department, as may be necessary to effect the object. Your letter has been referred to the Commander-in-Chief, who will give detailed instructions.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA, Fort Monroe, Va., September 6, 1861.

Colonel E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General:

SIR: Your letter of the 4th instant, written at the dictation of Lieutenant-General Scott, has been received this morning. The suggestion of Lieutenant-General Scott in relation to sending a company or larger detachment of regulars to serve as a basis of discipline for the principal work at Hatters Inlet, will be acted upon as soon as practicable. It is my intention to send down a larger force to Hatters Inlet upon the arrival of the additional regiments.

The news from North Carolina is highly favorable. It is said that the residents are coming in by hundreds to take the oath of allegiance to the Government.

I am advised this morning from Hatters Inlet that the forts at Ocracoke and other inlets, but not Beaufort, have been abandoned by the rebels.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN E. WOOL, Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA, Fort Monroe, September 10, 1861.

Colonel R. C. HAWKINS, Commanding Ninth New York Vols. and Hatters Inlet, N. C.:

SIR: By the steamer Spaulding you will receive five companies of your regiment; the other two will be sent to you on return of the steamer. Captain Taylor, commissary of subsistence, will accompany the troops for the purpose of making arrangements for his department, and for building a store-house, &c. Colonel Weber's regiment will return and