Jno. A. Dahlgren to Quincy A. Gillmore, July 20, 1863

Brig. Gen. Q. A. GILLMORE,

DEAR Sir: I hope our efforts will be more successful next time. Indeed, it is very important they should be, for each time we fail the enemy obtains some notice of a weak point and strengthens it, so that the whole ground from Fort Wagner will be intrenched eventually.

Permit me to suggest, therefore, that our trenches should be pushed to the nearest point deemed advisable, armed plentifully with artillery and pioneered by rifle-pits. When ready,I will support you with the vessels, and hope to quell the fire of the fort and drive the garrison to shelter. When the assault takes place in front, I would

22 Ss. C. AND G. A. COASTS, AND IN MID. AND E, FLA. {CHap. X. L.

propose to land from boats one of your best regiments, to assault the angle rearward and toward the water. I would also suggest a picked column of 300 or 400 men to attack the angle rearward and landward, passing up the rivulet that enters Vincent’s Creek. For this I would also endeavor to furnish boats.

Thus assaulted, and these men kept under shelter to the last moment, it seems to me that the gallantry of our troops cannot fail to carry them into the work.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,