Lorenzo Thomas to Robert Anderson, April 4, 1861
Sir: This letter will be handed to you by Capt. G. V. Fox, ex-officer of the Navy, and a gentleman of high standing, as well as possessed of extraordinary nautical ability. He is charged by high authority here with the command of an expedition, under cover of certain ships of war, whose object is to re-enforce Fort Sumter.
To embark with Captain Fox you will cause a detachment of recruits, say about two hundred, to be immediately organized at Fort Columbus, with a competent number of officers, arms, ammunition, and subsistence.
The subsistence and other supplies should be assorted like those which were provided by you and Captain Ward of the Navy for a former expedition. Consult Captain Fox and Major Eaton on the subject, and give all necessary orders in my name to fit out the expedition, except that the hiring of vessels will be left to others. Some fuel must be shipped. Oil, artillery implements, fuses, cordage, slow-match, mechanical levers, and gins, &c., should also be put on board. Consult, also, if necessary, confidentially, Colonel Tompkins and Major Thornton. Respectfully, yours,
(Received A. G. O., April 6)
Col. L. THomas, Adjutant-General U. S. Army: