Unknown to Mrics, U. 8. Engineers, January 4, 1861

Captain Mrics, U. 8. Engineers: : Sir: With this letter you will receive one hundred muskets and accouterments complete, with one hundred rounds of cartridges for each

4) Omar. I. V., CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.—UNION. 351 [3

musket, to be used in defense of Fort Jefferson if you can find hands to use them. Major Arnold with his company will probably sail from Boston on the 7th instant to garrison your work. In the mean time it is quite possible that some attempt may be made to seize the fort by an expedition sailing from Charleston, say in the Isabel, and secessionists from Florida. All that it is possible for you to do without troops we know will be performed.

SENATE CHAMBER, January 7, 1861.

Srr: We addressed a letter to your Department a week past, asking certain information interesting to be known to us in connection with our public duty, and not having received a reply we beg leave to call your attention to it, and to ask as early an answer as may be convenient to you.

Respectfully yours,