J. R. Hamilton to Leroy P. Walker, April 15, 1861

Floating battery worked well for enfilading. Believe it good. Want Hamilton fora few days. Wehavearemarkable rifled cannon, 12-pounder, superior to any other here. Others ought to be ordered.

; CHARLESTON, S. C., April 15, 1861.

GENERAL: As the floating battery has to be removed from its present position, and as you are desirous of placing it at Wappoo, for defense against boats, I would suggest that the armament be changed to 8-inch Cuar. 1] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.—CONFEDERATE.

siege howitzers, to throw grape, canister, and spherical-case shot. The

‘ howitzers are at the Citadel, but the carriages will have to be made.

The detachment that fought the battery (a portion of Company D, of the artillery battalion) could serve it again, but as the company is well drilled at the exercise of heavy guns, you will, no doubt, require its services in the harbor. If authority could be obtained from the honorable Secretary of the Confederate States Navy for me to enlist twentyfive seamen, four of which to be rated petty officers, and Mr. Grimball and Ingraham could be assigned to me, I could take charge of the battery and perhaps make her useful.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,