| Hd. Qrs. Dept. S. C. & Ga |
| Charleston Aug 28th 1862 |
| |
| Alfred F. Ravenel |
| Pres N. E. R. R. Co.
{Northeastern RR} |
| |
| Dear Sir, |
| You must be fully aware of the
importance of completing the obstructions between Fort Sumter and
Sullivans Island before the enemy is prepared with his iron clad boats
to attempt to force a passage. I have good reason to believe that if I
succeed in laying these obstructions, covered as they will be by my
heavy batteries, he will either be deterred from making the attempt, or
be foiled should he make it. Without these obstructions, I have little
doubt he will at least try to run the gauntlet of our batteries, and it
is by no means improbable he will succeed. We have now in readiness
nearly if not quite sufficient chain to cross the channel twice;
heretofore the progress of the work has been delayed, almost defeated,
for want of the necessary labor which I have in vain endeavored to
procure; there is now however a reasonable prospect that it will be
furnished. I now Sir come to the point with you; equally necessary to
the completion of this indispensable work is the supply of timber for
the construction of the floats, this cannot be delivered in time without
the full and cordial cooperation of your road; it is mainly on your
route that the proper timber is to be obtained. Large quantities, I am
officially informed are now cut and lying by the road side awaiting
transportation. Much larger quantities still will be require. I
therefore ask you Sir to give your country all the assistance in your
power; you cannot more effectively do it at this time than by the
influence of your official position and authority to facilitate the
rapid completion of this work. |
| J. C. Pemberton |
| Maj. Genl Comdg |
|