J. H. Wilson to George B. Moclellan, U. S. A, January 2, 1862

: Port Royal, S. C., January 2, 1862. Maj. Gen. GEORGE B. MoCLELLAN, U. S. A., Washington, D. C.:

GENERAL: I ordered a dash on the enemy’s batteries opposite Port Royal Island, but no doubt you will have perceived the object of advancing no farther, which the publie will not. I want to make no real movement in that direction, yet I want the enemy to think I do, whieh he evidently does. I want to make a great dash on the north side of Savannah River, thus occupying the road to that city, the whole country between Broad River and Savannah River, and the southern end of the railroad, and at the same time, if found practicable, the islands in this river north of Pulaski.

But to do this I must have a regiment at least of cavalry and at least another strong battery of light artillery. Circumstances are developing themselves wonderfully here. The time has come to act; every day’s delay now is a sad loss.

Let me take possession of that country now, and the siege of the south of Savannah will be comparatively light and easy. I think Pulaski need not be shelled. I can cut it off, I think.

Important information has been obtained with regard to the topography of the country about Savannah River which we never knew before. I hope to lay the whole subject before you in an official and topographical form as soon as it can be prepared. But we are so hard pushed for proper engineers that they have no time for office work.

I think a terrible blow struck here will aid your important work most materially, but we must have cavalry and light artillery. You, general, are to be the savior of this country, if it is saved. Let me aid you in the work. But I must act militarily, and not to please the superficial and nonsensical views of the public press, by which I have been soundly berated for not playing the militiaman and egotistical soldier. 1 am, general, yours, truly,

OFFICE CHIEF TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEER E. C., Hilton Head, S. C., January 2, 1862. Japt. Louis H. PELOUZE, Fifteenth Infantry, A. A. A. G. Hdqrs. E. C., Hilton Head, S. C. :

SIR: In accordance with the verbal instructions of the general commanding I have made an examination of the land and water between the Cooper and Savannah Rivers, and have to report as follows:

The communieations between Cooper and New Rivers by the channel around the north side of Long Pine Island are practicable and comparatively easy at all times for vessels of 10 or 12 feet draught. Soundings to a distance of 2 miles beyond Box’s plantation were made, and show nowhere less than 18 feet water. From this fact and those referred to in my former report (evidence of the negroes, tides, &c.) there is no doubt that boats of the draught mentioned can pass up New River to or even beyond Red Bluff or Whitehead’s Landing.

From Bloody Point, the western extremity of Daufuskie Island, through Bull or New River to Wall’s Cut and thence both by Wright and Mud Rivers to the Savannah, accurate soundings were made. They show a sufficient depth of water through the lower entrance of Wright River for gunboats of 15 feet draught, but from the cut to the Savannah by the Mud River Channel only boats of 6 or 7 feet draught can pass at full flood tide. The former route conducts into the ship channel of the Savannah about 2 miles above Fort Pulaski, the latter about 6. Wall’s Cut is straight, about 250 yards long, and has a water-way of near 100 feet. At the distance of 120 yards from either-end a bark 90 feet long and 24 feet beam has been sunk; beyond her three rows of square piles have been firmly driven into the bed of the stream from side to side. Originally the bark was placed directly athwart the channel, completely obstructing it, but she is at present lying diagonally across it, with a water-way of 20 feet on both sides. An examination revealed the fact that there is but little mud or ballast in her, and, instead of being stationary, she swings and careens with the tide. When first visited she was at least 20 feet from the first line of piles, careened into the direction of the tide. When I returned four or five hours afterwards she was in the same place, but careened in the opposite direction. When visited the second time her stern had drifted against the piles, partly removing several. From these circumstances I conclude that little difficulty will be experienced in removing her entirely from the cut.

The piles, thirty-three in number, of squared timber, are on the farther side of the vessel, arranged in three rows, so as to com pletely close the channel, but from the softness of the soil into which they are driven they can be removed quickly and easily by attaching an anchor chain to each, hitching to a tug-boat, and running her at full speed from it.

All the islands between New and Savannah Rivers are low salt marshes, subject to overflow at full flood tide aided by strong winds, and are impracticable for the transportation of troops or stores. Long Island and all the other islands in the Savannah below Fort Jackson are of the same character.

Wright River, although navigable for some distance, has no other practicable communication with the Savannah than those described above. It runs throughout its entire course through the marsh and finally becomes lost. I am, sir,

very respectfully, your obedient servant,