[544] Colonel Elliott, P. A. C. S. Arty., Colonel D. B. Harris and Captain John Johnson, of the Engineers—three officers who are fully entitled, by their zeal, bravery, and intrepidity, to further promotion. In conclusion, I must be permitted to give, although just entering on my duties, what I consider the smallest movable force of all arms required (until reinforcements could be obtained) to protect this Department against the attack of an enterprising and determined enemy, to wit:Respectfully, your obedient servant,
In the First Military District, infantry, cavalry, and light artillery, about 10,000 Second 8,000 Third 5,000 ——— Total of all arms 23,000
P. S.—Since the above was written I am informed that Brigadier-General Hoke has been promoted to the rank of major-general for his gallant attack on Plymouth. He would, no doubt, be a good commander for the proposed Second Military District of this Department.G. T. B.
Telegram.
Order General Clingman to make a reconnoissance, with one strong regiment of infantry, three or four companies of cavalry, and a battery, in the direction of Suffolk and Portsmouth, with a view of obtaining positive information of the enemy's movements and intentions. He must be absent few days, for his services may be required soon.
Telegram.
Gunboat in Neuse hopelessly aground or useless until river rises. Albemarle still at Plymouth. With its assistance I consider capture of Newbern easy. Without it sacrifice of life must be very great, unless regular approaches are resorted to. I will leave General Hoke, however, to carry out his instructions, and will afford him all the aid and advice in my power.
General,—Having no authority to interfere in your proposed movement on Newbern, your instructions having been received direct from General Bragg, I avail myself of your desire that I should command the expedition to offer you the following suggestions, resulting from information received or collected since my arrival here. It appears that the enemy's forces (reported to be about six thousand men of all arms) in and around Newbern are distributed nearly as follows:
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