W. H. C. Whiting to P.G.T. Beauregard, April 15, 1861

General BEAUREGARD, Commanding Provisional Forces, Charleston, S. C.: GENERAL: Having posted the troops on the island, with such gen_ eral directions in case of action as I am able to give, I must eall your attention to the danger which they may suffer should the enemy cover the main line, and keeping out of the close fire of the Dahlgren battery, string along the beach to shell the troops. I propose to take two of the o 316 OPERATIONS IN CIIARLESTON HARBOR, 8. C. [Cuar. I. mortars from Stevens’ battery and place them behind Gadbuy’s during the night, and one just below the Dahlgren. Sturgis will never venture under vertical fire. The enemy will know nothing of the move. No epaulement is necessary, nature having provided that. The weak point of the island is the low flat between Vinegar Hill and Gadbuy’s, affording, as it does, no cover to the troops, and a point of attack by which the enemy might endeavor to separate or cut in two our line. I have issued the orders for this move, but will hold their execution for your approval. I would like also to have the Dahlgren (used by Hamilton in the late action) immediately, for placing at Light-house Hill (Battery Huger). These movements should be commenced, if decided upon, at once. We require, also, more artillerymen. The Palmetto Guards should return to the island to man their mortars. Perhaps some could be spared from Pleasant and Johnson. I would respectfully indorse the remounting of a few 24s (now in the city) on Pinckney, and a mortar to besent there. The channel defenses must beimmediately increased by more columbiads; three from the iron battery, two 42s from the Point, and five 42s from Sumter (lying on the parade). The three 8-inch columbiads, half buried, to be used as mortars in Sumter, can be made available, if quickly done; the 10-inch on a mortar carriage also. The serviceable battery of Sumter should be put in order and supplied without delay. Had not Major Trapier better attend to these constructions ? The pintles can be placed at once; the carriages have been ordered; perhaps there are some extra ones at Sumter; the epaulements to be constructed at leisure. A traverse breastwork, three hundred yards, running back from Vinegar Hill, is directed to be constructed. Please visit this post. Very truly,

W. H. C. WHITING,