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

the muzzle of the piece. It was so at Bethel. I at first thought it was owing to the cement between the fuse and shell, and had that carefully removal, but with the same result. I think, therefore, it must be in the composition. I cannot remedy that, and, as I except to meet the enemy soon, must beg you to send me the proper quantity of good fixed ammunition. I have ordered my ordnance officer to make out the necessary requisition. The friction tubes also are worthless; not those made of brass, but those of lead or mixed metal. I think they came from the Virginia Armory. I tried many, and not one would explode. We shall be ruined unless you can send me good shell and spherical-case shot and good friction primers. Please let me know, on receipt of this, if you can send them.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE PENINSULA, Yorktown, Va., October 8, 1861.

His Excellency JOHN LETCHER, Governor of Virginia:

SIR: I have examined into the state of the defenses on the north side of the York River, and found that on the coast of Gloucester, Matthews, and Middlesex Counties about 180 militia troops, under Colonel Jones; in Matthews, about 500 volunteers, with four small pieces of artillery, and a small force of volunteers in Middlesex.

Colonel Crump commands at Gloucester Point, and I propose to place all these troops under his immediate command, in order that i may have one head to carry out my orders in relation to the defense of these counties. I have already caused an inspection to be made of this coast by Colonel Crump, and have received his report. I have also sought and obtained an interview with Colonel Jones, commanding the militia Glucester, and be seems to agree with me as to the best available means of defending this coast. That there will be a descent upon in sooner or later by the enemy I do not entertain a doubt, and I think it will be in the course of this autumn or the ensuing winter. The enemy will attempt to get a foothold to operate upon the many slaves in these counties, and will then be guided by circumstances. If he be repulsed in his first attempt, he will probably abandon it. To prevent his success, it is necessary to fortify the mouths of the rivers leading into these counties. This can be done rapidly and easily by building inclosed redoubts, and placing in them guns of long range. But as, from these not being deep water in these rivers, his vessels must be of very light draught, I am of opinion that ten 4-pounder rifled guns, one or two in each fort, will be sufficient to repulse him or to deter him from making the attempt.

The forts will be good substitutes for a large number of men requiring more small-arms than we can spare. As it is obvious that the enemy will make his great attack autumn and winter, I think all the militia of Glucester, Matthews, Middlesex, King and Queen, and King William Counties should be called out and ordered to report to Colonel Crump at Gloucester, if arms of any king can be furnished them. At all events, the ten rifled guns (4-pounders, of which Virginia, I am told, has for) cannot be better employed than in the manner here indicated. I beg, therefore, that you will cause that