T. W. Sherman to M. C. Meigs, October 27, 1861

Hampton Roads, October 27, 1861.

General M. C. MEIGS, Quartermaster-General U. 8. Army, Washington, D. O. :

The unexpected delay of the expedition at this point, owing to the stormy and unfavorable state of the weather for our light vessels and tugs, will, it is very much to be apprehended, produce a failure in our supply of water. j

Our horses have already been on board some thirteen days and men à week. Although all the vessels were loaded with all the water they could carry, some of the transports are already reduced to a supply for nine days.

Major Belger has been written to, with an urgent request for him to forward immediately to this place 200,000 gallons, and as we shall leave here the very first favorable moment, the post quartermaster will have gealed instructions for the water transports, directing to what point they shall proceed. Y ^

The resources of Fort Monroe are not at our disposal, even if they had more water than they want themselves.

Will you please to instruct Major Belger to promptly send forward the water asked for? The weather is such that Commodore DuPont decides it yet unsafe for our fleet to put to sea.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.