OPERATIONS IN N. C. AND S. E. VA. [CHAP.XIII.
much better sources of information than you can possibly have. Be assured we are vigilant, and will use our utmost means for your defense.
J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NORFOLK, Norfolk, January 6, 1862.
HonorableJ. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War:
SIR: In obedience to the orders of the Department of War, Brigadier-General Wise has assumed command of the military department assigned to him, and left here on Friday, 3rd instant, to visit Roanoke Island and other points within his command.
As I have been fully occupied with my front, and the position of Roanoke Island has been without my control, I hardly know what to do the strengthen this important position (I consider it the key to Albermarle Sound), until I get the reports of General Wise.
All the work that has been done there has been done by my direction, and with the assistance of the Navy (Commodore Forrest, commanding dock-yard, and Captain Lee, the executive officer, having aided me most materially) all the batteries have been erected, gun carriages and ammunition supplied. I cannot see that any one else regiments of North Carolina troops there. Much of the work I recommended has been neglected. One very important thing-obstructing the channel-has yet to be done. I have not sent the means, and directed General Wise to prosecute the work with all vigor. I have none to send.
I regret I had not the preparation of the defenses of this place during the last few months. With the disposition to a panic apparent in that section of the country, if the flotilla of the enemy now assembling under the guns of Fortress Monroe makes a dash at Roanoke Island, I do fear a stampede. As soon as powder can be obtained I must beg you to send me some.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BENJ. HUGER, Major-General, Commanding.
P. S.-I beg to refer to my reports, concerning the part I took in occupying Roanoke Island from the 31st August last.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NORFOLK, Norfolk, Va., January 7, 1862.
HonorableJ. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War:
In reply to your letter of 25th ultimo, informing me of the passage of an act by Congress allowing army rank to be conferred upon such officers of the Navy as are commanding batteries on shore, I submit herewith the names and rank of such officers, viz: 1. Commander R. F. Pinkney, commanding Fort Norfolk and inspector of batteries, to rank as lieutenant-colonel.
2. Commander Charles F. McIntosh, commanding Fort Nelson, lieutenant-colonel.
3. Commander W. L. Maury, commanding Sewell's Point battery, lieutenant-colonel.
