John C. Pemberton to Joseph E. Johnston, July 18, 1861

Sir: [have the honor to report that I yesterday completed a personal © examination of the country embraced within the limits of this brigade, the neighborhood of Suffolk excepted. Commencing eastward, I find — the battery at Cedar Point unfinished. The guns, implements, and © ammunition were hourly expected, but, in consequence of changes made in the plan for carriages, several of the platforms now finished must be taken up, and others more complex laid. This seems to me an un-— necessary delay, when the guns may at any hour be needed. The battery at Barrel Point still needs at least one 9-inch shell gun, which will render it much more effective. The neck on which these batteries are located is very thickly wooded, and susceptible of defense by a com- — paratively small force.

I have placed one company of infantry (and a cavalry picket advanced) near the causeway connecting Ragged Island with the mainland. Another cavalry vedette patrols from Soddin’s Point eastward. The headquarters of this company (Captain Gillett’s) is near the post marked ” Store.” Seven companies of Colonel Pender’s regiment, with headquarters, are, I think, well located at the cross-roads marked “Isle of Wight Church.” It affords support to Old Town battery, on Jones’ Creek, which was previously entirely isolated. All the roads towa

. wie iG i : r ~ the shore from the church are good, and no distance exceeding six miles. A road opened by Colonel Pryor brings it within seven or seven and a half miles of his headquarters. The battery at Old Town (four short 32s) is in good condition, and served by two companies of Colonel Pender’s regiment, under the lieutenant-colonel. One long 32 or a shell gun would be valuable at this point. Ihave directed one of these companies to be relieved every fortnight, that all may be instructed in battalion drill. Colonel Pryor’s headquarters, with seven companies, is on Day’s Neck, one-half a mile or less fram the Back Wharf battery. Of six 32s, weighing 6,000 pounds, five only were mounted on the occasion of my visit. The sixth carriage was, however, at hand. Lieutenant Poindexter, in charge of this battery, has gone to Norfolk for the complete equipment of this battery. It is served by companies of Colonel Pryor’s regiment near by. This battery commands the inner channel only. Burwell’s Bay may be reached by the outer channel. I have stationed a company of Colonel Pryor’s regiment at the Stonehouse Wharf Landing, and have directed a breastwork to be thrown up, which will command the shore, accessible on either side of the wharf. I think it very desirable that one or two field pieces (two of the old iron ones in the old custom-house at Norfolk or the iron gun on navy carriage in the same yard, would answer) be sent to this point. Another company of Colonel Pryor’s regiment guards two landings near by, both of which are only available by narrow causeways. Two companies of cavalry guard and patrol the coast to Day’s Point. The roads in this neighborhood are very numerous, and all have strong, defensible posts. I consider it absolutely necessary that a stronger force be posted in this vicinity, and urgently request either that Daniel’s regiment be advanced or that another regiment be sent forward. I understand that Colonel Daniel’s regiment is to be held in reserve at Suffolk. It is of little or no use to me there, unless to fall back on, which I hope not to be compelled to do.

I request authority to establish a quartermaster and commissary depot at this point or near by. The troops here have not been supplied with fresh meat for six weeks. On the representation of the surgeon of Colonel Pryor’s regiment, I have to-day ordered mutton or other meat to be supplied.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,