Thomas W. Sherman to George B. McClellan, March 15, 1862

Major-General MCCLELLAN, Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Army: GENERAL: From information just received from our forces at North Edisto It is probable that gunboats, except such very small ones as would be of little use, cannot get into the Stono River by the way of the Wadmalaw, as there will be an obstruction found at New Cut, from the fact that even at high water this cut has not over 5 feet of water. There is a battery of six pieces at Church Flats and vessels sunk in the river atthat point. Quite a large force is also at this point, and somewhere near the junction of the Wadmalaw and Stono Rivers is another battery. The rebels are evidently pretty strong in defenses at this point and along the whole line of the Stono. This district is too far off to get very specific information, and what we have thus far gathered is from prisoners and short reconnaissances made by the Army and Navy. The rebel force is too strong in that vicinity to risk the small force we have up there very far from the Edisto. When the gunboats return from the south it is contemplated by Commodore DuPont to make a reconnaissance in that direction, and, if our affairs justify it, I propose sending a force with him.

From last aecounts from Fernandina the gunboats had not yet got into the Saint John’s. I hope to send a small force, say one or two regiments, and probably a section of light artillery, across from Picolata to Saint Augustine, and take the place in reverse. For this purpose all the troops sent down with General Wright are left there, one regiment, General Wright informs me, being with the gunboats off the mouth of the Saint John’s.

I am very anxious to raise our flag over Fort Marion and Saint Augustine Barracks, and, if the Navy are not too long in sounding out the channel, expect to do it without much resistance.

Very respectfully and truly, your obedient servant,