Isaac I. Stevens to Thomas W. Sherman, December 9, 1861
December 9, 1861.
Beaufort, S. 0., December 9, 1861. Brig. Gen. THoMAS W. SHERMAN:
GENERAL: I have received information that since my visit to Port Royal Ferry yesterday the Confederates have commenced the erection of a battery on the main near by, and at a distance of about 1,000 yards from the firm land on the island. I shall at daylight to-morrow morning have the two guns of Hamiltonâs battery in position, aud J shall open fire upon the Confederates. In the event they persist in the construction of the battery I will most urgently ask that a gunboat be sent to the same general vicinity, to co-operate with the land force. It is the manifest purpose of the Confederates to close the passage. Shall a movement be made with the re-enforcement, or perhaps with troops which they can replace, to seize the railroad erossing on Broad River and silence it by works? This would involve crossing the Port Royal Ferry and occupying the main. I will, at all events, stop further proceedings in the defense of the passage between Port Royal and the main, and await your further instructions.
very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.