Feb. 8, 1861
The proposition which I had the honor to submit to you fully
in person is herewith presented in writing.
Lt. Hall and myself have had several free conferences and if
he is permitted by the South C. authorities to reenter Fort Sumpter, Major
Anderson will comprehend the plan for his relief.
I consider myself very fortunate in having proposed a
project which meets the approval of the Genl in Chief and I ask no reward but
the entire conduct of the part exclusive of the armed vessels. The Commander of
these should be ordered to cooperate with me by affording protection and
destroying their naval preparations near the bar, leaving to me as the author
of the plan the actual operations of relief.
I suggest that the Pawnee be immediately sent to the
Delaware breakwater to await orders. The H. Lane to be ready for sea, and some
arrangement entered into by which the requisite stmr and tugs should be
engaged, at least so far as not to excite suspicion.
I should prefer one of the Collins stmrs. They are now being
prepared for sea and one of such a size and power as to be able fearlessly to
run down any vessels which might attempt to capture us outside by coup de
main. I could quickly engage one & have her ready to start on 24 hours
notice without exciting suspicion.
I shall leave for N. York at 3 P.M. to-day and any
communication previous will find me at Judge Blairs.
G. V. F.
P.S. If the Pawnee Pivot gun is landed it should certainly
be remounted.
Address Lowe & Blunt
F
SOURCES: Robert Means Thompson & Richard Wainwright,
Editors, Publications of the Naval Historical Society, Volume 9: Confidential
Correspondence of Gustavus Vasa Fox, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, 1861-1865,
Volume 1, p. 7-8; The War of the
Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate
Armies, Series I, Volume 1
(Serial No. 1), p. 203
No comments:
Post a Comment