J. Johnston Pettigrew to D. F. Jamison, March 7, 1861

Sullivan’s Island, 8. C., March 7, 1861.

Hon. D. F. Jamison, Secretary of War: A ag

Sir: In compliance with the order of yesterday, I left a detachment of forty-seven men, of the Regiment of Rifles, at Secessionville, to keep open communication with Morris Island. I would respectfully request that they be ordered to join the regiment again. They will be of little or no service for this purpose. Five ordinary employés of the quartermaster’s department would answer the end quite as well. Furthermore, Secessionville is not the proper point for the mere purpose of communication. The point should be Clark’s Landing, and the route from Dill’s Landing direct, thus avoiding a long detour. There is yet another ,

Pi reason. Every post should keep open its own communication. They _ will feel far more interest in the work than the members of another regiment, who are to have no share in the honors of the contest. If your excellency agrees with me, I would suggest that orders to that effect be f issued immediately, so that they can make use of the means of transportation now engaged in transferring the commissary stores. .

Very respectfully, your obedient servant.