Horatio G. Wright to Thomas W. Sherman, March 8, 1862

General THOMAS W. SHERMAN, Hilton Head:

GENERAL: By the steamer McClellan, which left for Hilton Head this morning, I informed you of the expedition fitted out for the Saint John’s River. It started about 11.30 a. m. to-day.

No very reliable information in regard to the whereabouts of the rebel force which left this place has yet been procured, though am induced to believe that a part, perhaps the whole, have stopped at Baldwin, the junction of Florida and Cedar Keys and the Jacksonville and Tallahassee Railroads, 47 miles from this place. The enemy, in his retreat, ourned the bridges of the railroad, making the approach from this isl- , and to the main quite diffieult; and I have not therefore considered it judicious, or indeed important as yet, to send any reconnaissance In that direction, as I am not in condition to move in force to any distance inland. ,

Bearing in mind your instructions to return as Soon as praeticable to Hilton Head any portion of the force not indispensable for the defense of this place, I have given much consideration to the question of the minimum garrison which would render the position secure, and have concluded that two regiments ought to be ample, provided a naval force

16 R R——VOL VI of two vessels remains in the harbor. After a short time this force might, I believe, be still reduced, but for the present I cannot think it advisable. »

Ishall therefore, unless instructed to the contrary, send one regiment back to Hilton Head as soon as the Saint John’s expedition returns, and other projects, if determined upon, shall be accomplished, remaining here myself till I hear from you that my services are needed elsewhere.

The people still remaining generally express their gratitude for the unexpected good treatment they experience at our hands and for the protection extended to their property, and profess a desire to have friends return to their homes.

Perhaps a liberal course toward these people may have a happy effect in the State at large, in proving to the inhabitants that we do not come amongst them with the designs against their persons and property which their leaders and their publie journals have so falsely charged against us.

In pursuing this course I shall be careful to omit no precaution necessary to the full security of the command against any aets of the people by which intelligence can be conveyed to the enemy to our injury.

I desire to be distinctly understood that, while I propose to remain here in command till I receive your orders, I shall be much disappointed if I am kept here while active operations are being prosecuted elsewhere. Forty-eight hours will suffice to bring me to Hilton Head, or any intermediate point, after your orders are issued.

I inclose a copy of a report from Lieutenant Tardy * in regard to the condition of Fort Clinch, which agrees perfectly with the results of my own hasty examination of the work. I will call upon him for estimates for its improvement to the extent he suggests. The batteries on the seaward side of the fort, containing places for ten guns, need not be oceupied by us.

I also send a copy of the report of a reconnaissance made by Captain Sears* of the enemy’s defenses on the southern end of Cumberland Island. I have not had time to give them a personal examination.

I propose sending back one section of Captain Ransom’s battery, perhaps both.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,