Lg: Arnold to Lorenzo Thomas, January 1, 1861

Srmr: I have the honor to report for the information of the Cenisrale in-Chief that I found on my arrival here, notwithstanding the energetie, well-directed, and highly- commendable efforts of Captain Meigs, the Engineer in charge, that Fort Jefferson could not be successfully defended from a judiciously-planned and concerted attack with a formidable foree without having each front of the work and each bastion armed with artillery. ‘

By the advice of Captain Meigs I dispatohed the steamer Joseph Whitney, with Captain Meigs, Engineers, and Lieutenant Benson, Seeond Artillery, to Key West, where there is an abundance of guns and munitions, with a letter to Captain Brannan, commanding Fort Taylor, directing him to confer with Captain Meigs, and to send me such guns, &e., as Captain Meigs might deem necessary for the immediate defense of Fort Jefferson, in order that the honor of the Government and the defense of both forts might be maintained.

Lam happy to report that Captain Meigs has returned from Key West in the steamer Joseph Whitney with six 8-inch columbiads and four field pieces and an ample supply of ammunition, which, with the two field pieces I brought from Fort Independence, will enable me as soon as they are in position to make a strong defense, most probably to hold this important position—the key of the Gulf—against any force that is likely to be brought against it.

I herewith inclose a copy of Captain Meigs’ report, and I will here ne ee eee, ey, i — 7 take occasion to express my high sense of the services of Captain Meigs to render this fort defensible. I am,

very respectfully, your most obedient servant,