CHAP. XIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-CONFEDERATE.

Ingraham, of the Navy, of six heavy 42-pounder guns, with their carriages, implements, and ammunition. I desire that these should be sent to Yorktown, to be transported thence at night by water to the mouth of the Poquosin River, below the blockading steamers, which can easily be done, and thence to Jamestown in a lighter or lighters, towed by a light-draught steamer, thence to the mouth of Warwick River.

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

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

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

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

NEW BERNE, September 8, 1861.

General COOPER, Adjutant-General:

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

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

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

General S. COOPER:

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

R. C. GATLIN, Brigadier-General.