David Hunter to Edwin M. Stanton, April 3, 1862

Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War : SIR: I have the honor to report my arrival here on the 30th ultimo. I address you by the first opportunity since my arrival.

I find about 17,000 troops scattered along the coast from Saint Augustine, Fla., to North Edisto Inlet, South Carolina, distributed as follows: At Saint Augustine, Fla ……………….-….-. oes eer eee cone eruere ones At Jacksonville, Fla……………….. isse At mouth of Saint John’s River, Fla Sos ` oe At Fernandina, Pilas te cee ses se eaer ote nee: tae caeu caom e ee aene Sea cere At Dy bee Island, Gas —….-:.-…-21.2– 5 ICE oaa e ae a e a At Dautuskienislands B Oa can cece o de san ces aa odo lere ao ia ee AUbBirdisland S OP aeae ee aas e sape oaa eaae e as ae a aeoiee se merece Av Jones island SA more de eee eseoecsccasecmceesesecescsescteccacosets INDAS RIKE Dd a KSET S ROA ome occas scot sceces snes es sine sconciece se uiceccheset ATIBA YARON ANAON ecciors eela ta ae Aa ee a a a N a a e e a semi rE ACPI SCC ur Sh rese o oa oa O a db DOdO e O OOO OO ODO EA AUtObterIaland; S. 04… 06-32… -teieesee aeee seras en e’s « ene dlae oase adre ANSA r A A E a a E AE A RE S

It is my opinion that this force is entirely too much scattered and is subject to be cut off in detail.

I shail order an abandonment of Jacksonville, Fla., and the re-enforcement of Forts Marion and Clinch. From later accounts I may add the Union feeling in Florida is not so strong as we were first induced to believe.

The batteries for opening on Fort Pulaski have been retarded by the non-arrival of the necessary guns, ammunition, &c. But Captain Gillmore, who deserves great credit for his untiring and scientific exertions, is now nearly ready, and by the next steamer I hope to be able to announce to you the fall of Pulaski. We then shall be able to hold the Savannah River with a small force and to concentrate on Charleston.

General Sherman made a requisition in December for five steamers drawing not more than 6 feet each. He informs ine that they were purchased for him and sent from New York, but put into Hatteras in a storm, and are there detained by General Burnside. We are still very much in want of these light-draught boats, and, as we have but three wagons to a regiment, they are absolutely essential.

On my leaving Washington you had the kindness to promise me whatever force I might ask. We shall do all that men can do with the small force we have; but it distresses me to be in such a beautiful situation for striking strong blows without the arms to strike. I beg that you will send us at once as many men as you think we can use to advantage, as all the officers in command report the re-enforcement of the enemy on their respective fronts.

I most earnestly request that 50,000 muskets, with all the necessary aecouterments, and 200 rounds for each piece, may be sent to me at once, with authority to arm such loyal men as I can find in the country, whenever, in my opinion, they can be used advantageously against the enemy. >

It i important that I should be able to know and distinguish these men at once, and for this purpose I respectfully request that 50,000 pairs of scarlet pantaloons may be sent me; and this is all the clothing I shall require for these people.

I believe the rebel regiments as they retreat from the Army of the Potomac come directly to their respective States, and that in this way the force opposed to us here is becoming considerably augmented.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,