Quincy A. Gillmore to H. W. HALurck, December 17, 1863

Maj. Gen. H. W. HALurck, General-in-Chief, U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.:

Sir: In my communication to you of the 15th instant, I stated that in order to operate against Charleston, under a new programme, either by way of James Island from the Stono or on the mainland from Bull’s Bay, “‘large re-enforcements to my command” would be required. To bemore definite, I would say that 10,000 or 12,000 good infantry would be sufficient, and my preference is for the route via James Island, for two reasons, viz, (1) all the garrison of Folly Island would be available for the work, and (2) the landing from the Stono is good at all the stages of the tide, and we already have control of the southern extremity of James Island, while there is no low-water landing in Bull’s Bay, and the enemy is known to be on the watch in that quarter. I respectfully submit that whatever operations may be attempted upon this coast during the present winter, they should be so managed that the forces may be held well in hand for a powerful demonstration in the interior, whenever the armies of the Cumberland and of the Potomac are ready to resume offensive operations. The aggregate available strength of this department and that of Virginia and North Carolina would doubtless be sufficient for such a purpose. I most earnestly urge upon the Department the adoption of such measures as will enable me to go to work at once. My command is eager for active service. Permission to act is all I ask, if the Department should not wish to give me any detailed instructions.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,