CHAP.XIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-CONFEDERATE.
defeated by our comrades there, as well as the state of the works here, justifies the confident expectation of the commanding general of a result still more glorious to our arms. Should this fleet turn its guns against another point, our brother soldiers elsewhere will esteem themselves' fortunate in having the opportunity to drive them from our waters.
At the signal which has been fixed upon by Captain Rains, the commanding officer of the garrison, the men will repair promptly to their several posts. The batteries will be kept in a constant state of preparation, shot will be ready heated in the furnaces, and those intrusted with the important duty of ascertaining the approach of an enemy and giving the alarm will exercise the utmost vigilance to insure its successful performance. It is recommended to the commanding officer of the post to cause the men to retire at an early hour, for a few nights at least, and to a be stationed at their posts one hour before daylight. This arrangement is suggested to avoid, as much as possible, fatiguing the garrison.
The commanding general will station himself inthe midst of his troops, and, having the greatest confidence in their gallantry, again congratulates them on their approaching triumph.
By command of Major-General Magruder:
HENRY BRYAN, Assistant Adjutant-General.
YORKTOWN, December 20, 1861.
General S. COOPER:
SIR: In answer to my application to him, Major-General Huger informs me that he has referred to you the whole matter of my calling out the militia in the counties on the south side of James River. I have now the honor to state that as this militia is required to defend the works at Jamestown Island and Williamsburg, which they can quickly reach, I have directed that, by virtue of the authority granted me by the governor of Virginia, I will order the commanders of this militia to hold their forces in readiness to march at a day's notice to the above-named posts, which are almost without garrisons. I understand from Colonel George W. Randolph that the President has sanctioned the ordering out the militia for the purpose above mentioned. This will make those works secure, I think, against any attempt by James River.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER, Major-General.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE PENINSULA, Yorktown, December 20, 1861.
General COOPER, Adjutant-General C. S. Army, Richmond, Va.:
SIR: I have the honor to report that I have been able to strengthen this work (Yorktown) greatly within the last week by bringing guns from other points where they were in my opinion less needed. I stated by telegraph, as I state to the troops in the inclosed order,* that I think
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*See p. 712.
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