| Head Quarters Dept Cape Fear |
| Wilmington N. C. February 15th 1864 |
| |
| Genl. S. Cooper |
| Adjt. & Inspt. Genl. |
| Richmond |
| |
| General, |
| There is one thing in connection with my
request often urged lately for another brigade at this place, which is
very important. This is the rapidly deteriorating condition of our
transportation. To move troops now to my aid if attacked, requires now
twice the time it did one year ago when I was threatened by Foster's
Expedition from Beaufort, & three times as long as was needed in the
beginning of the war. Twenty four hours at any time suffices to put the
enemy in front of me by sea. As to land my column from this place
captured the enemy's positions at Shepardsville 110 miles from here
equidistant with Newbern, crossing two rivers on the 4th day of their
march. It is reasonable to suppose the enemy can move by land as fast as
we can. Last year when 5000 men were sent me from Genl. Beauregard, they
were one week in arriving from Charleston 200 miles by R. R. Wilmington
was saved then by the diversion of the enemy's attack to Charleston due
altogether to the feeling produced by Flag Officer Ingraham's attack on
the enemy's squadron off Charleston, their expedition, as is now well
ascertained, having been intended for this place. |
| In our present condition, the length of
time taken to concentrate at Goldsboro for the late expedition, shows I
think conclusively that we ought not to trust entirely to our ability to
relieve this place by R. R. in case of emergency. It must be recollected
further that this place has now become the great cotton depot & the
entreport for a very large part of the supplies of the Army of Virginia.
In case of emergency, then all transportation, but that of troops must
cease, which will greatly embarrass the situation. |
| This added to the fact that reinforcements
can hardly arrive in time & that my force is entirely inadequate to hold
the enemy at bay is surely a strong reason for placing beforehand a
brigade at my disposal. I will not discuss the vast importance of this
command, every one is aware of that. The single brigade asked for now is
very far short of the forces which will be required & that indeed
together with the one now here will make a less force than what I have
always considered necessary as a permanent garrison for so vital a point
as this. |
| Will you be good enough to lay these
considerations, which I do not think have been heretofore urged,
especially the means of transportation, before the President. |
| Very Respectfully |
| W. H. C. Whiting |
| Maj Genl |
|