Henry W. Benham to Quincy A. Gillmore, April 1, 1862

Hilton Head, S. 0., April 1, 1862. Brig. Gen. Q. A. GILLMORE, Commanding U. S. Forces, Tybee Island, Ga.:

My DEAR GENERAL: Upon reflecting upon your proposition to prepare a scow as the basis of another battery above the mouth of Lazaretto Creek, and, looking upon your sketch map, I would suggest if it would not be best to take it up that creek and prepare the battery there, as it appears that it might be at nearly the end of the first angle to the north and on the prolongation of the gorge wall of the fort. This last line I would by all means select as the line of fire, if the battery can be placed as well or nearly as well in that position, as it cuts off the cover the gorge might afford, gives more complete reverse fire on the north face, and nearly as well a sufficient reverse fire on the northeast face. If you can as securely, and with as much concealment, which would appear to me doubtful, place this battery on the south channel, which, however, appears but a short distance nearer, say 200 yards, it will perhaps be best. .

I would like the sketch of your proposed arrangement, with the guns, &o., of the scow, as I would desire, if found feasible, that General Viele, if no better means offers, should prepare one or two batteries of the same kind to take the faces next you or reverse. Please have every means continued to cut off communication and another field piece sent up to the upper batteries.

I expect we shall re-enforce you before the actual commencement of the fire, but rest assured that, even if a senior should necessarily be sent with such troops (General Wright), General Hunter and myself will see (as he said to me) the fullest justice done to your labors and efforts.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,