Unknown to DaBney H. Maury, June 24, 1863

Maj. Gen. DaBney H. Maury, Mobile, Ala. : DEAR GENERAL: Yours of the 20th instant has just been received. I am aware of the defenseless condition of New Orleans, but the difficulties of getting there and of remaining there without iron-clads to support us are insurmountable obstacles. At present, a concentration of forces should be made, either against Grant or Banks, so as to relieve Pemberton or Gardner. The true motto of every general should be, ” United we stand, divided we fall,” and the essence of the art of war is ” to concentrate on the proper point at the right time.” You understood correctly my instructions about going west. I will only leave here when the emergency contemplated shall have arisen; otherwise I must remain a silent but anxious spectator of the struggle going on elsewhere. I thank you for the kind wishes contained in your letter, but I feel confident the defense of Mobile can be in no better hands than in those which now have charge of it. Yours, very truly,

Hpagrs. Depr. SouTH CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA,