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

the defenses of this place will be successful against any ships the enemy can bring to attack it. At the same time I think it proper for me to state, in order that the Department may not misunderstand me, what I could not state in orders or by telegraph, that I think the enemy, if he be persevering, may dismount some of the guns and may exhaust our ammunition, and therefore may pass up the river; but he cannot take the place by water, even if he silence our guns by exhausting our ammunition or by dismounting them, if the men will fight to the last, as I have no doubt they will. I therefore say, that whilst I hope guns and ammunition may be sent as soon as they can be spared, I entertain a confident belief that, strengthened as the works have been within a few days past, they will resist successfully any naval attack the enemy can bring against them at this time.

I have also strengthened my advanced line and left flank, caused the sick to be sent to the rear, established depots forte heavy baggage on the second line, and ordered all my available troops to the front line in light marching order, to give him battle there, without yielding an inch of ground to the west of that line. This is the line I originally intended to defend, and this decision is taken in opposition to the advice of some of my best officers. I believe it affords, however, a grater chance of success, as the country east of that line affords better fighting ground than that west of it. I have ordered the troops into winter quarters on this advances line, and will keep them there, I hope, whatever may happen. Bethel, the most advanced position, is held by about 1,000 men. Two regiments, looked upon as part of the garrison of Yorktown are on the left flank of the second line, and one regiment on its right, where it has always been. If it had been convenient to have sent more troops it would have been safer; indeed, it would have only ordinary prudence to have done so. But I am satisfied that the Government has done its best to sustain me and I will omit no effort to insure success, whether the enemy attacks mew now or hereafter. I send a copy of my order of battle, which I have only communicated to the commanding officers and directed them to keep as private as possible; also a copy of an order to the troops of the garrison here. As I expect the attack here first, I reaming here. When it is repulsed, should there be a land force, I shall command inthe field. I learn that the militia from the vicinity , especially form the south side of James River, can soon be brought to Williamsburg, where the works are without a garrison, and I shall, therefore, content myself with directing them to be held in readiness to march, if necessary, to that place, the commanding officers to report the number of the militia and the number of arms they can bring with them. In the mean time I shall cause such arms as are not in use in regiments to be deposited there, with ammunition and provisions, to be in readiness for them. I have armed some militia under Colonel Hill Carter, and stationed them at Jamestown Island. As soon as the sick sent to Richmond shall be sufficiently recovered I will thank you to have them sent in squads of 8 or 10 or join their regiments. I learn this morning, since writing my order of battle the day before yesterday, that 6 regiments left Fort Monroe very recently-destination unknown. There are now forty-three guns at this place and Glouncester Point bearing on the water side, being seven less than the minimum prescribed by the engineers.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER, Major-General, Commanding.