Unknown to DrmicK, December 31, 1860

Colonel DrmicK, or commanding officer, Fort Monroe:

Sir: Prepare and put on board of the sloop-of-war Brooklyn, as soon — as the latter can receive them, four companies, making at least two hundred men, destined to re-enforce Fort Sumter. Embark with said companies twenty-five spare stands of arms, complete, and subsistence for the entire detachment for ninety days, or as near that amount as your supplies may furnish. Communicate at once with the commander of the war steamer, learn the earliest moment at which he can receive the troops on board, and do not fail to have them there by that time.

Manage everything as secretly and confidentially as possible. Look to this.