Harvey Brown to Erasmus D. Keyes, April 22, 1861

Lieut. Col. E. D. KEYEs, Secretary to the General-in-Chief, Washington, D. C.:

COLONEL: I wrote you on the 19th, detailing my proceedings to that time. Having sent my dispatches by a sailing vessel, I herewith inclose duplicates.

Since my last the weather has been generally favorable, and we have been busily employed in putting the fort in a condition of defense, and in landing provisions and other stores. I have made quite as good progress as I could have expected. The steamship Atlantic will be discharged to-day, when ‘I shall send her to New York. The Illinois arrived yesterday, and landed Brooks’ and Allen’s companies, Second Artillery, and a detachment of recruits, so that I have now at this post nine full companies; aggregate about eight hundred and sixty men. I have also sent to Key West for the two ‘infantr y companies there. My present command is more than sufficient to repel any assault that may be made on the fort, but the holding the western portion of this island and preventing the rebels making a lodgment on it is of vital importance, and to do so effectually a larger force than I now have is required. If the assistance of the ships could always be insured, my present force might perhaps suffice, but they are constantly liable to be blown off, and may be so for several days, of which an enterprising and numerous enemy might and probably would avail himself. The presence of a large foree here also prevents the secessionists from weakening their force, and thus prevents diversion to other places where their presence would be more unwelcome. I propose, as soon as I can put the fort in a defensive state, to throw up field works. No. 1, about one and a half miles from the fort, to be garrisoned by Barry’s battery and two foot companies; No. 2, about the same distance in advance, to be defended by two or three foot companies, leaving five or six for the garrison of the fort. I shall then strongly urge on Captain Adams, commanding the naval forces, the necessity of keeping his ships, or at least two of them, so close to the shore as to be able to rake the island. I have already so requested, and it has been in part complied with, but great reluctance is felt in placing sailing ships so near the shore. It gives me pleasure to state that I have received from the Navy very valuable assistance, which has been cheerfully and cordially rendered.

The work in the fort is progressing rapidly under the supervision of Major Tower and Captain Vogdes. Having now established something like system, I hope very soon to have it in fighting order. Guns are now being mounted, and traverses for the protection of the works and men being made; but there is an immense work to do. Our prospects are daily brightening, and I hope very soon to be in a situation to act both offensively and defensively. My command is in excellent health, and the men cheerful and in fine spirits. With such officers and such men I have nothing to fear from any number of rebels. Although most of my stores have been landed in full view and within range of the guns of Fort McRee, yet no hostile demonstration has been made; all has been quiet. I cannotat all account for their not taking possession of the island during the term of Lieutenant Slemmer’s command, its importance being so great and so evident; nor can I account for their abstaining to take the fort, their number rendering its success almost certain, unless from a reluctance on their part to commence hostilities, or their not being prepared for it. I think their present peaceful attitude arises from a consciousness of our ability to greatly distress them by destroying the navy-yard and by closing the port, while they can only hope to do us partial injury by a long and fruitless bombardment. 1 am, sir,

very respectfully, your obedient servant,