| Headquarters, Wilmington, N. C., November
18, 1862 |
| |
| Maj. Gen. Gustavus W. Smith |
| Commanding, &c., Richmond, Va. |
| |
| General, |
| It appears now to be pretty
certain that the enemy have withdrawn from their late movement
toward Tarborough and Weldon. What may be their next move is only
matter of conjecture. Early in the fall, as we have definitely
ascertained by spies in New Berne, an expedition against Wilmington
was organized, the attack to be made from the direction I have
always been apprehensive of -- to land with transports at Topsail
Inlet, 22 miles from the city; there at high water (10 to 12 feet)
[troops] may enter and march by the plank road directly on the city.
This plan of attack is the most to be feared, and the one of all
others which promises success to the enemy, if in force. Unless we
are able to meet and beat them in battle all the forts and batteries
on the river fall, without the necessity of firing a gun, with the
fall of the city. After these movements commence it will be too late
to re-enforce. Within 10 or 12 miles of the point of landing they
would cut the railroad bridges on the northeast branch of the Gape
Fear, a wide and deep river; that gone, while succor is cut off,
retreat is also, and the garrison of Wilmington must either conquer
or surrender. My want of troops you know. I hope at least six field
batteries may be spared me, which I think might be done from the
immense reserve artillery of the Army of the Potomac, a train
seldom, if ever, used in our late campaign. I have also great need
of cavalry. A very large extent of country has to be picketed and I
have not exceeding 100. They are especially necessary to prevent
communication with the enemy's blockaders, who skirt the coast daily
20 or 30 miles on each side of the harbor. A regiment would be none
too many. I have already represented the number of infantry which I
think is the least should be on hand. I will forward you as soon as
possible a report and sketch showing our means of defense and their
location. I find everything in confusion, owing to the pestilence,
and works in many cases stopped or left unfinished. |
| It is a matter of great
importance that a telegraph office should be established at
Magnolia, half-way between Goldsborough and Wilmington; this on
account of running the trains with troops over the Wilmington &
Weldon Railroad (the distance to Goldsborough from here being 82
miles, too far without a station), and also because at this point
(Magnolia) we can procure from the pickets the earliest information
of the movements of the enemy from New Berne and Beaufort. Will you
ask accordingly? |
| Very respectfully, |
| W. H. C. Whiting |
| Brigadier-General, Commanding |
|