Dabney H. Maury to Samuel Cooper, August 8, 1863

General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va.:

GENERAL: Since I last wrote, no development of the enemy’s plans against this place has been made. Returned prisoners from Vicksburg, Fort Pickens, and other points occupied by the enemy report that the operations of the armies of Grant and Banks will not be extended in this direction before the fall. Meantime I am pushing rapidly the defensive preparations here. The necessary labor, which has been withheld until recently, is coming in freely. It is hoped that the supply of ammunition which I shall be able to provide will suffice for a siege, if necessary. Subsistence stores are coming in plentifully. It is my intention to hold here six months’ supply for 10,000 men. The naval force here is very important, and, as a successful defense of this place will depend in great measure upon it, I think it appropriate for me to urge upon the Department the necessity of aiding the admiral of this

Cuar; XXXVIIL] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.—CONFEDERATE.

station in procuring men for his ships; and I hope that the applications for transfer from the army to the navy, which Admiral Buchanan has from time to time forwarded to the War Department, will receive early and favorable consideration.

I shall be able to make a great deal of my own ammunition, if I can get coal and iron. The foundry here turns out one banded 32-pounder or 42-pounder per week, and I expect to be able to have as many Cohorn mortars cast as I shall need. I have recommended the reopening of another foundry here which has been closed for some time.

I beg that you will feel sure I do not desire troops to be prematurely ie from any other portion of the Confederacy to defend this place.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,