Thomas Jordan to T. HoLcomBe, July 24, 1863

Mayor of Savannah, Ga.: Sir: Your communication has just been received and read, and I am instructed to reply as follows: The commanding general readily appreciates the solicitude which the city council, in common with all other citizens of Savannah, must feel for the future, but must recall to their mind that every effort made toward an effectual defense of Charleston is really the surest way to defend Savannah. A successful war cannot be carried on without a concentration, at the proper time, of all the available forces at command, on the decisive point.

By the concentration of the resources of this department for the defense of Charleston only can this city be saved from falling into the hands of the enemy, and were it to fall, the reduction of Savannah could not be far distant. It is in the division and dispersion of forces that our dangers lie. Our enemy, baffled before Charleston, will not be in condition to fall suddenly upon and take Savannah by acoup de main, even were her means of defense far less substantial than they actually are.

It is the wish of the commanding general that those defenses were more complete, and more up to the standard of his plans. If the city council of Savannah, however, will supply the labor, which he has sought in vain so often to secure, to complete the works under construction, he will engage, in due season, to furnish more troops and guns than have been withdrawn.

I beg that your fellow-citizens will be trustful that all things practicable shall be done for their defense.

At present there are no arms, but some have been sent for, the use of which is promised the commanding general.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,