A. B. Ely to Egbert L. Viele, April 2, 1862

Brig. Gen. EGBERT L. VIELE, Commanding U. S. Forces, Daufuskie Island, S. C.:

GENERAL: The general commanding the district (Benham) has learned from General Sherman that there is at Turtle Island, nearly opposite and above Bloody Point, a small dry ridge, upon which there is a probability that à mortar battery could be placed to aet effectively against Fort Pulaski at a distance probably of not more than 2 miles, and which would of course take in reverse the faces exposed to the direct fire from ‘Tybee.

All those large mortars are already landed at Tybee for service there, but there are at this place two of 10-inch and two of the 8-ineh columbiads, which it is believed can be effectively used as mortars for the purpose indieated, and that those guns, with such other materials as you may require, can be sent to you at Daufuskie Island—for the latter part of the distance at night, if necessary.

Will you please to give your early attention to this matter, reporting as early as possible your opinion of its feasibility, and, if favorable, what material you will require, as it is now of the utmost importance to our plans that this work, if undertaken, should be completed at the earliest possible moment; your estimate of which time you will please report in your reply.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,