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

[Indorsement.]

DEAR GENERAL: Having been placed in charge of this part of the coast defenses, I would add my strong solicitations to those of General Gatlin. There is much apathy among the people. They do not want to have their towns destroyed, neither are they disposed to do much for their protection. We are greatly in need of cannon powder. If I could get a supply from Norfolk (as none can be had in Richmond), I would be able to fit up enough of small craft for the effectual defense of the river. Our batteries, too, are badly supplied with that essential article. Anything that you could do for me would be most gratefully appreciated. I will send a machinist in two days to Richmond, to get models of rifle balls of different calibers to be sent here. I know that you will assist him in every way. A letter addressed to me at New Berne would reach me.

Yours, truly,

D. H. HILL.

NEW BERNE, N. C., October 2, 1861.

S. COOPER, Adjutant-General C. S. Army:

SIR: I find things here in much confusion, but I trust to be able to make an efficient defense if the enemy allow a delay of ten days. We need cannon powder badly, fuses, and friction tubes. We have no fuses at all, and the shells have to be loaded with sand. We also need a regiment of cavalry as pickets and scouts. As the enemy can land at so many points on this flat coast, it is impossible for infantry to give notice of his approach or reach with rapidity the point of landing. A thaw more regiments of infantry are also needed very much. If authority is granted to me to raise them and recommend to the President their field vesting of the appointing power in the State executive has been an obstacle in the way of raising troops, as many of these appointments have been of a political character. Again, the system of practicular individuals setting out to raise companies is also objectionable. The soldiers feel bound to vote for the men who raise the companies, though it may be that these men are least qualified to command. I am told that the troops to be raised would prefer for me to designate before-hand not only their field but also their company officers. Would this be legal?

There are quite a number of sailors of the merchant service here who are anxious to get guns on their small craft to operate in the sound. Could I muster these men into service?

Are the naval officers commanding the Beaufort and other Confederate vessels in these waters subject to my orders? This is a point of great importance, which the President ought to decide. The co-operation of the Navy is essential to the defense of the sound.

With great respect,

D. H. HILL, Brigadier-General, C. S. Army.

P. S.-I have omitted the most important matter. We need an experienced artillerist to command Fort Macon. It is at present in charge of Major Sloan, a merchant. I would be glad to get the services of three artillerists from the Confederate Army. If these cannot be procured, I would respectfully suggest that Lieutenant Pierson, of De Gournay's