Thomas W. Sherman to L. H. Pelouze, October 26, 1861

In eonsequence of the present unexpected delay in putting to sea, on account of unfavorable weather, It is considered indispensable to impress upon the minds of all commanding officers of troops on transports the strict necessity of conforming to orders heretofore given, respecting cleanliness and the economy in the use of water.

To still further secure the command from an eventual want of water, all steam transports will, whilst lying still, be occupied in condensing as much water as practicable.

It is probable that some of the transports will hold their troops from twenty to thirty days.

All commanding officers will see the necessity of having everything in readiness for a prompt debarkation. The field artillery particularly will have its guns, carriages, horses and harness ready to disembark without unnecessary delay. All obstructions on board preventing this promptness must be removed as soon as the transports get to sea.

Every transport, as well as the troops on board, must be ready to sail at any moment, when the proper signals are given.

By order of Brig. Gen. T. W. Sherman: