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

forced to the conclusion that but little dependence can be placed upon land batteries for its defense. After a careful reconnaissance I am persuaded that the defense of this sound must be made at the marshes, 7 miles below, with floating batteries and gunboats, there being no soil wherewith to construct redoubts. But, general, if my information be correct, there is another point demanding immediate and serious consideration.

The fortification at Oregon Inlet, being on the south side thereof, was of course untenable, with Forts Hatteras and Clark in the possession of the enemy; but if, as pilots represent to me, a fleet outside can sail within a mile of the beach, thus covering an advancing force towards Norfolk, it seems to me important that the northern side of the inlet be fortified, with a strong sustaining force at hand, and the troops upon this island be held in constant readiness ot be conveyed across Roanoke Sound, to re-enforce the former.

I respectfully suggest, if the information I have received be confirmed by experienced pilots, that you send an officer, in whose judgment you confide, to accompany me to the inlet.

Before this I would have made a reconnaissance of that locality, but that I had not a vessels of sufficiently light draught at my command.

I have the honor to be, &c.,

W. F. LYNCH, Flag-Officer, Commanding Naval Defenses of N. C. and Va.

HEADQUARTERS OF THE FORCES, Norfolk, September 18, 1861.

Flag-Officer W. F. LYNCH, &c.:

SIR: I have received your letter of the 17th instant, and am obliged for the suggestions. As Colonel Custis Late, aide-de-camp to the President, has been to Roanoke Island especially to examine it and the defenses, and I hope to see him to-morrow, I will defer immediate action until I consult with him. It does not appear to me possible for any large body of men to advance on Norfolk by the sand-spit along the coast.

I remain, very respectfully,

BENJ. HUGER, Brigadier-General.

RICHMOND, September 19, 1861.

General B. HUGER, &c., Norfolk, Va.:

GENERAL: Lieutenant Sinclair left a verbal message from you to the effect that six rifled cannon were much needed at Sewell's Point. The Secretary of the Navy has directed all the rifled cannon at his disposal to be sent South, but Lieutenant-Colonel Gorgas, Chief of Ordnance Bureau, informs me that he will send you two 8-inch rifled cannon at an early day. These seem to be all the rifled pieces which can be sent you for some time to come.

I am, sir, respectfully, &c.,

R. H. CHILTON, Assistant Adjutant-General.