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

situations, I am led to believe that the late storm wa some of unusual severity, and that similar effects are not likely to be produced for a long interval of time. There is a possibility that the cut between the two forts may soon be closed by the operation of natural causes, and if it remains open, the point on which Fort Hatteras stands may remain an island instead of being entirely washed away, as General Williams seems to anticipate. If it remains as island, I would suggest that measures be taken to prevent the washing away of its site in ordinary weather by means akin to those used in protecting the dikes of Holland. If the point should be entirely washed way, it will teen be necessary to select a new position for our batteries.

The accompanying tracing will serve to explain the views I entertain as to the disposition of the troops and the arrangements that should be made to resist an attack coming from the direction of the light-house.

I would suggest that a line of defenses he thrown across the narrow neck near the head od Duncan's Creek. By using abatis and stockades freely no great amount of earthwork need be done. A few guns placed in battery there will effectually cover the approaches by land.

From the description I have received of the ground int he vicinity of the church, it would appear that suitable locations can be selected there for huts for the mass of the troops. I suggest the propriety of constructing huts for the troops there, retaining in the batteries only men enough to guard against surprise, and relieve these every day. I have given instructions that the quartermaster at Baltimore forward at once to Fort Monroe, for shipment to Hatteras, lumber sufficient to hut two regiments and for the necessary storehouses.

The landing of supplies can be much facilitated by building a wharf ont eh inner side of the island, and their transportation by making a corduroy or plank road, or by coating the sand with mud from the marshes.

You will please send Captain Stewart or some other competent officer of engineers to Hatteras for a few days to select the position for the new defenses, roads, camps, &c., and to commence their execution. I would also be glad to have you send a fresh regiment to replace the Indiana, and within a reasonable time one to relieve the Ninth New York. It would be good policy to change the regiments at this rather disagreeable station every one or two months.

The huts should be constructed to accommodate about half a company each, or at least 20 men. If stoves are necessary for the comfort of the men, they will be ordered on your requisition. Until the Navy is prepared to control the sound, it seems inexpedient to hold the light-not been replaced. Assistant Secretary Fox informs me that in thirty-five days at most they will be prepared to throw an effective force of suitable gunboats into the sound. We may then venture to re-establish the light, and I shall then be glad to concert with yo offensive measures of some importance in that inland sea.

Will you b good enough, general, to give me somewhat in detail an account of the condition, position, &c., of your own troops and defenses-as well as those of the enemy-together with your views as to offensive operations from the base of Fort Monroe. Have the enemy any defenses at Lynn Haven bay and Little Inlet?

I am, general, very respectfully, &c.,

GEO. B. MCCLELLAN, Major-General, Commanding U. S. Army