J. P. Benjamin, December 20, 1861

December 20, 1861. Sır: It has been reported to me by General Ripley that the enemy brought his stone fleet to the entrance of Oharleston Harbor to-day, and

Cmar XY] SINKING STONE FLEET IN CHARLESTON HARBOR.

sunk between thirteen and seventeen vessels in the main ship channel. The North Channel and Maffit’s Channel are still open. This achievement, so unworthy any nation, is the abortive expression of the malice and revenge of a people which it wishes to perpetuate by rendering more memorable a day hateful in their calendar. It is also indicative of their despair of ever capturing a city they design to ruin, for they can never expect to possess what they labor so hard to reduce to a condition not to be enjoyed. I think, therefore, it is certain that an attack on the city of Charleston is not contemplated, and we must endeavor to be prepared against assaults elsewhere on the Southern coast.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,