| Richmond, Va. Feby 11th 1862 |
| |
| To His Excellency |
| Jefferson Davis |
| |
| Dear Sir, |
| Not being able to have a personal
interview with you, I will reduce to writing what I desire to say. The
imminent danger of our affairs in North Carolina requires that I
should be at home. My feelings will not justify me in staying away,
occupying a quasi civil position; therefore, with your consent, I will
be absent from Richmond until the enemy cease to give us alarm. If you
should not deem my absence compatible with the public interest, as my
duty is to assist in defending North Carolina, you will please accept
my resignation of the position which I, under your pleasure, hold. It
is with great reluctance that I consume more of your time, all of
which I know is devoted to an arduous care of public affairs, but you
must bear with me a moment, or two. I consider Wilmington and New Bern
as now in a good state of defense, but the rest of the seacoast, which
embraces the best and most productive portion of the State, is
entirely without defence, and at the mercy of the ruthless invader. I
fully appreciate the pressing wants of thee Country, and its inability
to defend every portion of an extended sea coast, but you will permit
me to say that a small additional force, under a Competent Commander,
would in a short time erect on the rivers leading from Albemarle and
Pamlico Sounds such works as would put them in a proper state of
defence. We want an active, vigorous, and well informed officer in
command. Without any personal predilection, allow me to suggest
to you the name of Col. S. L. Fremont of Wilmington. Educated at West
Point, he was for a number of years in the Federal Army, artillery
arm, but for ten years past has been a civil resident of our town.
Under a temporary leave of absence from his duties as Superintendent
of the Wilmington & Weldon Rail Road, he has succeeded in placing the
Cape Fear River, and the adjacent coast, in a fine state of defense. I
feel satisfied, that unless you could withdraw from his present
position some one of the Brigadiers from the Potomac, you will not be
able to select a more competent person to superintend the defense of
the line of Rail Road from South Carolina to Virginia. Col. Fremont is
a Yankee by birth, but in every other respect he is a true and staunch
Carolinian, and entitled to confidence. I am willing to contribute to
the defense of our State and our Common Country by raising a command
of one or two Regiments for service during the War, if the Government
will arm and equip them. Of course I feel my incompetency to command
them, but suitable officers can be found to do so if the Confederate
Government can arm and equip them. |
| With due respect, I am |
| Your Excellency's Obdt Sev't |
| W S Ashe |
|