Thomas W. Sherman to Lorenzo Thomas, December 4, 1861

Port Royal, S. 0., December 4, 1861. General LORENZO THOMAS, Adjutant-General U. S. Army, Washington, D. O.:

SIR: Since my letter of the 27th ultimo Tybee, Island has been thoroughly examined, and I inclose herewith a copy of the report of the engineer, Captain Gillmore, whose opinion is in accordance with my own as to the feasibility of shelling Fort Pulaski, and, if not demolishing it, of rendering it untenable. I am about occupying that island with a regiment, and as soon as practicable shall mount some sea-coast guns in the work near the light-house, so as to secure the channel entering the river in the absence of naval vessels.

The reduction of Fort Pulaski will require an armament from the North, and I inclose herewith the amount of ordnance we shall require, which I beg may be forwarded to Tybee Island at the earliest practicable moment, in charge of an active and experienced ordnance officer, if a suitable artillery officer cannot be obtained; for I repeat from former communications that, this command being composed of raw volunteers and a dearth of experienced and instructed officers, an impossibility now exists of obtaining proper hands to direct.

The shelling of Pulaski may have an important effect in favor of some other movement that it might be possible to carry on at the same time.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,