J. H. Wilson to Flag-Officer S. F. DuPont, April 3, 1862

CAPTAIN : In reply to your letter of this date, requesting a report of my reconnaissance of Turtle Island, with a view to its occupation by a battery to aid in the reduction of Fort Pulaski, I have the honor to report as follows:

I have twice visited and earefully examined that side of the island lying next to the fort, and am convinced that it is possible to erect batteries thereon, taking advantage of high tides for landing guns and material But the labor would be exceedingly heavy, and the difficulties to be overcome in transporting the guns from the landing place over the marsh, a distanee of about 500 yards, would be greater than any yet encountered in erecting batteries on the Savannah.

Considering the faet that the nearest point of fast land in Turtle Island is 24 miles from Fort Pulaski, the battery, although mounting the heaviest guns, would necessarily be inefficient. The inclosed sketch, taken from the Coast Survey charts, shows the topography of the island.

The only point at which guns can be landed and removed to ground hard enough to support them is near the mouth of Wright River, marked A. From there to the head of the woods, the nearest point to the fort and the only one where cover can be obtained, is about 500 yards. The ground is comparatively hard, and by. the use of corduroy road would allow the passage of the heaviest guns.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,