| Charleston, S. C. |
| January 2, 1863 |
| |
| Hon. James A. Seddon |
| Secretary of War
|
| Richmond, Va.
|
|
|
| I fear real point of attack is Weldon,
not Wilmington. Will render all assistance possible, but to send troops hence far
as Weldon {435 miles} might endanger Charleston. Enemy's troops once afloat can be landed anywhere. Railroad to
Wilmington
{Northeastern RR and Wilmington &
Manchester RR} in wretched condition; 1,000 men {probably
2 trains of 12 cars each} forty-eight hours on way. Please
see return, transmitted three days since, for effective force in
whole department.
|
| G. T. Beauregard
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