Jno. A. Dahlgren to Quincy A. Gillmore, September 26, 1863

Maj. Gen. Q. A. GiLLMorE, U. S. Army, Commanding Department of the South:

Dear Sir: The rather limited means at my disposal for operating upon the interior lines of the harbor renders it very desirable that the enemy’s resistance should be reduced as much as possible by whatever means you may possess.

If, therefore, you can complete the reduction of Sumter by your batteries on Cumming’s Point, it would be of material assistance to me in the outset.

I have no doubt I could do this with the iron-clads, but so much of their power has already been expended, and so much will be required after passing Fort Sumter, that it will be highly important to spare them as much as possible.

With Sumter in our possession, the obstructions ranging from that work to Moultrie, whatever they are, would be removable with no great trouble and lttle risk, and I should advance upon the next series of defenses with the least possible expenditure of means, and with the iron-clads in the best condition.

May I ask, therefore, when your batteries may be able to operate on Sumter, and whether I may depend on your driving the enemy out-of it? I shall be glad to contribute any cannon you may need to complete your works.

I think you will agree with me that it is good policy to pursue this course, rather than to expend the monitors, of which I shall have only seven, and will need every one fully in attempting to make my way up the harbor.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,