CHAP.XIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-CONFEDERATE.
berry Island Point with the heavy gun and land it there. I will leave orders with Colonel Hodges, commanding the troops at Land's End, to send for it, put it up, and then to send over to the fort at Mulberry Island Point the two light guns, or, should the Secretary of the Navy or yourself prefer it, I will send the two light guns to Mulberry Island Point at once. I will mention that I informed Captain William Blair, of the Navy, by note, of my having taken the two light 32-pounders, Captain William Blair being in charge of the naval defenses of James River. They were not in position, and were entirely useless where they lay. I heard nothing more on the subject, and presumed everything was satisfactory.
I have the honor to send a report of Colonel Randolph, chief of artillery.* I beg that an indorsement be made on this report directing that the ammunition which will be required by Colonel Randolph for this battery be furnished without delay.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER, Major-General, Commanding.
[Indorsement.]
Referred to HonorableS. R. Mallory. I will issue such order as he many desire.
J. P. B.
Let General Magruder retain the guns.
S. R. M.
HDQRS. OF THE DISTRICT OF THE CAPE FEAR, Wilmington, N. C. October 18, 1861.
HonorableJ. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War, Richmond:
SIR: There are two good gunboats here, the Uncle Ben and Mariner. The former has been purchased and prepared for service, wanting only a good rifled gun for her bows, which I understand will come from the Norfolk navy-yard. The Mariner, supposed to be worth about $16,000, could be purchased, and I understand from the Secretary of the Navy he would like to purchase her. These two boats, with a powerful forward gun and one young, energetic Navy officer on each, would, in my opinion, be of great service here, cruising at and near the month of the river. There are constantly hovering on this coast vessels of the enemy of various descriptions, some streamers and others said to be sailing barks. Two days ago a very large steamer came near to the beach, with a great many men on board. Occasionally they entire pilots on board, and sometimes negroes. I am of opinion that these gunboats, commanded by suitable officer, by watching an opportunity, could occasionally run astern of some of these vessels and capture them. They could also daily visit the various forts, carrying supplies, and exert a good moral effect. I therefore suggest to the Department that it would be well to ask the Navy Department to put them both in service.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
J. R. ANDERSON, Brigadier-General, Commanding.
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*Not found.
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