Thomas W. Sherman to Joseph Holt, March 9, 1862

To the ADJUTANT-GENERAL U. S. ARMY, Washington, D. C. :

SrR: From the reports of Brigadier-General Wright, copies of which I herewith inclose,! you will perceive that Amelia Island has been occupied by our forces without resistance.

It is my desire to carry out the views of the Government as to the occupation of this coast in the most judicious manner.

With the force now at my disposal, and without any plan of operations into the interior, I propose to occupy only some of the most important harbor outlets, to the end only, at this time, of preventing the

running of the blockade. Saint Simon’s, Fernandina, the mouth of the Saint John’s, and possibly Saint Augustine, would, I think, be sufficient. Other places of some little importance could be blockaded by the Navy.

The occupation of the towns on the main, such as Jacksonville, Saint Mary’s, Darien, Brunswick, would be injudicious with our present force, unless we are sure of being supported by a strong party of Unionists, and it is important to first ascertain whether such a party exists to much extent. The desertion of Fernandina and Saint Mary’s does not look very favorable.

I shall endeavor to rally the Union men to the support of their flag.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,