Benjamnin F. Butler, Butler's Book: Autobiography and Personal Reminiscences of Major-General Benjamin Butler

[no. 98. see page 780.]

Brigadier-General Wild will hand you this note, and brings also orders to General Palmer about the matter of which we were speaking. Please give him an order, to be transmitted through him to the commander of your naval forces in the sound, to co-operate in the fullest extent with General Palmer, and to move with all promptness and celerity.

General Wild will show you the orders, which are unsealed for that purpose, which he takes to General Palmer.

If anything occurs to you which I have not covered in my instructions, please telegraph me, and I will reach General Wild by telegraph before he reaches Fortress Monroe.

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

[no. 99. see page 780.]

I have files of Savannah and Augusta papers by Colonel Mulford, from which I gather that Bragg has gone to Georgia, taking with him, I judge, most of the forces from about Wilmington. It is, therefore, important that Weitzel should get off during his absence; and if successful in effecting a landing he may, by a bold dash, succeed in capturing Wilmington. Make all the arrangements for his departure so that the navy may not be detained one moment for the army. Did you order Palmer to make the move proposed yesterday? It is important; that he should do so without delay.

[no. 100. see page 780.]

I feel great anxiety to see the Wilmington expedition off, both on account of the present fine weather, which we can expect no great continuance of, and because Sherman may now be expected to strike the sea coast at any day, leaving Bragg free to return. I think it advisable for you to notify Admiral Porter, and get off without delay, with or without your powder-boat.