George B. McClellan to George B. McClellan, September 6, 1861

SIR:

I have the honor to suggest the following proposition, with the – request that the necessary authority be at once given me to carry it out. To organize a force of two brigades of five regiments each of New England men for the general service, but particularly adapted to coast . service. The officers and men to be sufficiently conversant with boat service to manage steamers, sailing vessels, launches, barges, surf-boats, floating batteries, &c. To charter or buy for the command a sufficient number of propellers or tug-boats for transportation of men and supplies, : the machinery of which should be amply protected by timber, the vessels to have permanent experienced officers from the merchant service, -but to be manned by details from the command. A naval officer to be – attached to the staff of the commanding officer. The flank companies of each regiment to be armed with Dahlgren boat guns and carbines with water-proof cartridges; the other companies to have such arms as I may hereafter designate, to be uniformed and equipped as the Rhode Island regiments are. Launches and floating batteries, with timber parapets, of sufficient capacity to land or bring into action the entire. force. The entire management and organization of the force to be under my control and to form an integral part of the Army of the Potomac.

The immediate object of this force is for operations in the inlets of Chesapeake Bay and the Potomae, by enabling me to transport and land troops at points where they are needed. This force can also be used in conjunction with a naval force operating against points on the sea-coast. This coast division to be commanded by a general officer of my selection. The regiments to be organized as other land forces. The disbursements for vessels, &c., to be made by the proper departments of the Army, upon the requisition of the general commanding the division, with my approval. . : .

I think the entire force can be organized in thirty days, and by no means the least of the advantages of this proposition is the fact that it –

TA e a will call into the service a class of men who would not otherwise enter the Army.

You will readily perceiye that the object of this force is to follow up, along the coast and up the inlets and rivers, the movements of the main army when it advances. –

very respectfully, your obedient servant,