| Richmond, September 7, 1861 |
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| Hon. L. P. Walker |
| Secretary of War
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| Dear Sir, |
| ***** |
| The commissioners of the town of Wilmington, acting in conjunction with the committee of safety, beg me to lay
these facts before your Department and invoke its assistance. We
think we have men enough to protect the fort and batteries both at
the inlet and bar, thereby securing the safety of the town and the
surrounding country, if they were drilled in the use of heavy
artillery. Our soldiers are nothing but volunteers, and while they
have abundant courage they would be useless for an attack unless
instructed in the use of artillery. The above authorities, feeling
the force of this, jointly applied to the Governor of the State that
he would appoint Col. S. L. Fremont to superintend the erection of
coast batteries, and give such instructions as practicable to our
soldiers in the management of guns. The Governor complied with their
request; appointed him colonel of artillery. The captain having
obtained leave of absence from the road, immediately undertook this
responsible task, and has done much already to give us assurance of
safety. I will merely remark concerning his character that he was
born and educated at the North and is a graduate of the
West Point
Military
Academy. He early married among us, and ever since considers our country as
his home. Resigning his position in the Army, he for a few years was
engaged in the survey of the coast of North Carolina, from which
position he was removed to the superintendency of the Wilmington
& Weldon Railroad, and as president of that company for the last
eight years, I can confidently say that I know of no one with us who
could bring to our aid a better judgment or more energy than
himself. He has for the last several days been intrusted by General
Gatlin with the superior command of that part of the Government. The
commissioners and committee of safety would be gratified if you
could give him in the Provisional Army such rank as would carry with
it an authority superior to that of the colonels of the volunteer
regiments, as in business he must necessarily come at times in
collision with them. What rank it should be is left entirely to your
better discretion. |
| ***** |
| With great respect, |
| W. S. Ashe |
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