Thomas W. Sherman to George B. Moclellan, March 8, 1862

Maj. Gen. GEORGE B. MoCLELLAN, Commanding U. S. Army:

GENERAL: Yours of February 14 was received on the 3dinstant. Pulaski is thoroughly cut off, and the batteries are being erected on Tybee as rapidly as the rough weather for landing the ordnance will permit.

Agreeably to your instruction no further preparations will be made for the attack of Savannah.

Before the expedition sailed for Fernandina I ascertained that Brunswick and its dependencies had been evacuated for the re-enforcement in men and guns of Savannah, and though I have not yet received any positive information from Fernandina, there is but little doubt but it was occupied without the firing of a gun.

From information we have gathered since I wrote you on the subject – of Charleston, I have arrived at the conclusion that that city and its defenses can be carried with much more ease than I anticipated in that letter. Our occupation of Edisto Island and some reconnaissances made by the Navy convince me that Charleston can be beleaguered in a very happy manner without having to carry the forts near the mouth of the Stono, and indeed by turning them. Gunboats can ascend the North Edisto and Wadmalaw Rivers, and possibly into the Stono itself, which would bring them within 5 miles of the city. There is a good road all the way from North Edisto River to Charleston, and so situated that a land force can co-operate with the gunboats and be at hand to assist removing any obstruetions found in the river or reducing any works that may be found in approaching the city. To ascertain precisely where these obstructions and works are situated will require a reconnaissance in force preliminary to any grand movement. It is much more practicable a route than the one to Savannah. The route proposed will ina great measure turn all the defenses of the enemy on James Island and effectually cut off all approaches to the city by land from that quarter. The demonstration, if successful, will produce the evacuation of Charleston, or, should it not, the city can be shelled at leisure from the right bank of the Ashley. The forts in the harbor would probably fall of themselves, but, if not, Sumter can be shelled and possibly reached from James and Morris Islands. To make matters still more sure, a demonstration and indeed a real attack on Point Pleasant from Bull’s Bay would probably produce the fall of Moultrie. Indeed I think Moultrie could be easily carried by a coup de main, if thought necessary.

I will endeavor to give this subject a very early attention and promptly inform you of all I can gather. Inthe mean while, general, please furnish me with your general idea of what harbors South should be garrisoned. I have no doubt but all down.to Augustine will be at once at our disposal (including Saint John’s River). Fernandina and Brunswick are harbors of importance, but are Augustine, Jacksonville, Darien, &c., sufficiently so to absorb our forces ?

Very respectfully and truly, yours,