Quincy A. Gillmore to Rear-Admiral John A. Dahlgren, October 17, 1863

In the Field, Folly Island, 8. C., October 17, 1863. Rear-Admiral JOHN A. DAHLGREN, Comdg. S. A. Blockading Squadron, off Morris Island, S. C.:

Sir: In reply to your letter of the 15th instant, in which there is an extract from a communication from the Navy Department of the 9th instant, to the effect that it would be satisfactory to them to be informed of my views, as well as your own, as our movements proores ie this quarter, “‘in regard to future operations,” I beg leave

First. ‘That Iam now awaiting the repairs on the monitors, which, according to your letter of the 29th ultimo, were expected to be finished in a couple of weeks from that time.

You explained to me the day before yesterday, in an interview on board your ship, the reasons for the delay.

Second. When those repairs are completed, the monitors, agreeably to arrangement between us, and in fulfillment of that part of the oa programme to which they are supposed to be peculiar] adapted, are to enter the inner harbor, and Iam to keep down wit my batteries any fire, of whatever kind, from Sumter and from other sources, as much as possible, while the obstructions are being removed and passed. I have confidence in my ability to do this. I also believe the outer obstructions can be removed at night without drawing any fire from Sumter. My picket-boats pass around the fort frequently undiscovered.

Third. I have placed Morris and Folly Islands in such a condition of defense that they can be held by a small force, to enable me to spare from them enough men to take advantage of any success the iron-clads may achieve in the inner harbor.

This is as far as my plans have been reported to the War Department. They are merely details of the original project, as the authorities at Washington will doubtless remember. With yourself I have discussed matters more in detail, but I respectfully suggest that these details ought not to be reported to Washington, unless a special request is made for them by both War and Navy Departments. I have little confidence in the safety of important secrets at Washington.

tt would doubtless be proper for you to state to the Navy Department whether or not you have confidence in my ability to execute my plans of future operations, and whether, in their execution, you will secure the measure of co-operation you desire and have a right to expect.

In my opinion, the Department ought to be satisfied with that. Do you not think so, too ?

I have the honor to be, admiral, very respectfully, your obedient