[440] ‘In consequence of the great deficiency of iron and the large demand for it in mooring the boom, it is proposed, at the suggestion of his Excellency Governor Pickens, to use granite rocks of three or four tons weight, there being much of this at Columbia, and the transportation of the same being represented to me as quite practicable.’ It is the wish of the General Commanding to be informed of your views as to the feasibility, at this time, of getting the granite here and in position. Respectfully, your obdt. servt.,Thomas Jordan, Chief of Staff.
Headquarters, Department S. C. and Ga., Charleston, S. C., Sept. 30th, 1862.General,—In view of the probable inefficiency of the boom to prevent a fleet of steamers from passing the works defending the entrance of this harbor, it becomes as urgent as it is indispensable to increase the heavy armament of the works intended to command the archorage in the harbor, and the entrances into the Ashley and Cooper rivers, to the utmost possible extent. Hence I have the honor to request that I may be furnished, as soon as practicable, in addition to calls for ordnance already made on the Department, with twenty 10-inch columbiads, five banded rifled 42-pounders, and five banded rifled 32-pounders—or, fifteen of the first quality, ten of the second, and five or more of the third. A greater number of each quality could be advantageously located, if they could be obtained. I shall submit within a day or two for the information of the War Department a detailed report, showing the exact defensive condition of this harbor at present, and the extreme necessity for the additional heavy ordnance now called for. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Genl. Samuel Cooper, Adjt. and Insp.-Genl., Richmond, Va.:
Headquarters, Department S. C. and Ga., Charleston, S. C., Oct. 2d, 1862.General,—Should the Ordnance Department be otherwise unable to furnish me with the heavy guns essential for the proper armament of the defensive works in Charleston Harbor, I beg leave to suggest that some of those now in position at Over Bluff, on the Tombigbee River, and at Choctaw Bluff, on the Alabama River, may be prudently removed and sent here, unless they shall be necessary for the immediate defence of Mobile Bay. They cannot be required in their present positions until those rivers shall have been again swoollen— that is, in the latter part of the coming winter, or early part of the following spring, by which time other guns may be provided in their stead. I cannot place before the War Department in too strong language the vital importance to us—if the harbor is to be retained—of increasing the armament of heavy guns to the greatest possible extent, as soon as practicable, in all possible ways. Respectfully, your obedient servant,
Genl. Samuel Cooper, Adjt. and Insp.-Genl., C. S. A., Richmond, Va.:
