L. P. Walker to There is much alarm here about the coast. Stronger force and vigorous action absolutely necessary. Will you increase the force and quicken, September 6, 1861
Richmond, September 6, 1861.
Brigadier-General RIPLEY, Commanding Charleston, 8. O. :
SIR: A copy of your letter of September 1 to Adjutant-General Oooper has been submitted to this Department. In view of its importance I take the earliest opportunity to reply.
The authority for which you ask, “to muster into service for the war, for special duty on the coast, a force not exceeding 1,500 men,” is granted, but at the same time I take occasion to say that, as Governor Pickens is already organizing a force for home defense, it will be proper for you, so far as practicable, to act in concert with him, to avoid both unpleasant eomplieations and unnecessary expenses.
2d. The authority asked for “to establish a recruiting service for the enlisted troops now on duty,” &c., as proposed, is also granted.
3d. With regard to the proposal *to provide means of transport, armed, if necessary,” &c., this Department must be, to a great extent, guided by your own view of the actual necessity of your position. The Department is, therefore, unwilling to refuse any means of defense which you recommend as necessary, and such armed transports as you propose will be allowed within the limits of as reasonable expenditure as may be rendered necessary. All requisitions made in consequence of this expenditure within the limit of necessary defense will be granted promptly, and the difficulties which you suggest as likely to arise in the execution of these plans, and in view of which you ask a departure from the usual rule, may, it is hoped, be without necessity of such departure, easily and satisfactorily obviated, without the necessity of such arrangements as you propose.
The requisitions inclosed by you have been sent to the proper bureaus, and will doubtless receive prompt attention.
your obedient servant,
Secretary of War.
SAVANNAH, September 8, 1861.
Hon. L. P. WALKER:
There is much alarm here about the coast. Stronger force and vigorous action absolutely necessary. Will you increase the force and quicken
the energy, or will you furnish funds to support troops and approbate
prompt State action for that purpose? I wish to avoid all conflict of
een but prompt action is indispensable. Please answer immediately. –