Horatio G. Wright to Louis Bell, March 27, 1862

Lieut. Col. Louis BELL, . Saint Augustine :

COLONEL: I have to acknowledge the receipt this evening of your two letters of the 26th and 27th instant, respectively ; also yours of the 23d, forwarded by the dispatch schooner Azalea.*

I much regret that at present I do not see how any of the force at this post or at Fernandina can be spared tore enforce your command. Here our force is not too great for our own security against the force the enemy could readily bring if he were disposed to attack us, unprovided as we are with defenses of any kind and with a long line, which we must picket for our own safety. Neither is the force at Fernandina too large, seeing that the fort at that point is of little moment.

I look upon your position as the most secure by far of either of the three posts, even with your present small force, in view of the defensible condition of Fort Marion, now that you have so successfully established the heavy ordnance on the work.

It is no doubt true that you cannot with your present strength sue. cessfully defend the town from any attempt in force against it; and 1 should therefore advise that you confine your undertakings mainly to the fort and its surroundings, leaving the defense of the place, to some extent at least, to the inhabitants. Give the people to understand that they are to help themselves, and that you will then aid them. This, at any time, is all they could demand. In their present attitude, judging from your views as to their want of loyalty, it is more than they have a right to expect.

* None of these found.

Desirous. however, of strengthening you as soon as possible, shall send to General Sherman a copy of your letter of the 26th instant, and ask that more troops be furnished, if they have them to spare.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant