Quincy A. Gillmore to Henry W. Halleck, October 17, 1863

Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief, Washington, D. C.:

GENERAL : I have the honor to report that I am organizing a brigade of boat infantry, and deem it of the utmost importance, to secure their efficiency, that the men should be armed with the Spencer rifle.

Requisitions for 500 of these pieces have been made, but so much delay has occurred in obtaining any information on the subject or of the prospect of getting the guns at an early date, that I have taken

110 S. C. AND G. A. COASTS, AND IN MID. AND EK, FLA. — (Caar. X. L.

the liberty of sending Colonel Hawley, Seventh Connecticut Volunteers, to Washington to hurry the matter forward.

The Spencer rifle possesses so many advantages over every other arm that I am acquainted with, that I desire especial pains taken to secure it. Weshall require about 2,000 of them, and I have directed Colonel Hawley to make requisition for the additional 1,500,

Colonel Hawley will command the brigade, his own regiment being at the present time engaged in the boat drill. I have procured some boats from New York ; henceforth I shall manufacture all that I require here.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,