Alfred Roman, The military operations of General Beauregard in the war between the states, 1861 to 1865

[443] the enemy makes the attempt to cut the railroad, in my opinion it will be at some point between Grahamville and the bridge over the Combahee River. It is the line most accessible and farthest removed from succor. There is reported by my pickets an increase of the force of the enemy on the south side of Coosa River. On account of the peculiar topography of the country between the Coosawhatchie and Combahee rivers, the cavalry will have to operate on foot to avail themselves of the natural and artificial positions of defence. There are very few points at which it would be practicable or advisable to operate mounted. I should have bayonets for a stubborn resistance. I would inform the General Commanding that I have had a secure boat-bridge built over the Salkahatchie River, five miles north of where the railroad crosses. This gives me a safe line of retreat and concentration towards Walterborough, should the railroad be taken.

I judge that the force west of Broad River should serve for the flank defence of Savannah. I am informed that the only practicable point for crossing the Coosawhatchie River, north of the railroad, is eighteen miles north, at Hickory Hill Post-office. There is a crossing practicable for cavalry and infantry at the point where the Coosawhatchie and Tulifinny separate, and a crossing lower down practicable for infantry only.

I will send you in a short time a connected sketch of the lines of defence and the detached works thrown up in this District. I would observe, however, that these works were made for the occupation of 10,000 men, which was the force assembled in this District during last winter, with artillery in proportion. The change of the policy of the Government in abandoning the defence of the coast by heavy artillery, and reducing the force to a corps of observation (composed largely of cavalry) rather than defence, renders a large part of these works comparatively useless. They can be used for retarding the advance of the enemy, but the final stand should be nearer the line of the railroad, to give time for reinforcements to arrive.

In that connection I need not call your attention to my dependence upon the rapid transmission of troops, in case of an attack in force. My desire is to inform the General Commanding fully on all matters of interest to the defence of this District. I shall take pleasure in carrying out any instruction he may think proper to send.

I respectfully forward the instructions furnished to the commanding officers at Hardeeville.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. S. Walker, Col. Comdg.

Headquarters, Department S. C. and Ga., Charleston, S. C., Oct. 3d, 1862.
Capt. W. H. Echols, Chief of Engineers, Charleston, S. C.:

Sir,—You will order Captain F. D. Lee, of the Engineers, to advise with Doctor Cheves as to the best method of modifying the construction of the floating boom, so as to dispense with the railroad-iron bars suspended from the timber floats, and to connect the latter directly with the iron links or chains.