P.G.T. Beauregard to W. H. C. Whiting, April 11, 1861

Assistant Adjutant-General, Morris Island, 8. C.:

Mason: Your letter and note of this day are just received. Things always appear worst at first sight when not perfect. We cannot delay now. I think you will have all day to-morrow to organize. I am, however, surprised that Lieutenant-Colonel De Saussure should not have men enough, when ten days ago I told him to call for any number he

might require. General Simons must supply that deficiency; but I am

of the opinion that two thousand: Americans ought to beat, on favorable ground, twice that number of troops landing. Remember New Orleans. Moreover, to-morrow you will have another regiment. I send you Captains Winder and Allston, and tivo of the best men as clerks from Winder’s company. Call on Colonel Cunningham for one or more men from his regiment as clerks. Major Trapier has been ordered as chief engineer on Morris Island, to relieve you of that duty. Colonel Gregg has more ammunition than you ean all require.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,