Winfield Scott to Thomas W. Sherman, October 14, 1801

Washington, October 14, 1801.

Brig. Gen. THOMAS W. SHERMAN,

U. S. Volunteers :

SIR: You have been selected to command the land portion of a joint expedition with a naval squadron, and selected on account of its importance. A short letter of general instructions you have already received from the War Department, and are fully impressed with the prineipal objects of the expedition. Wishing to leave you a wide margin of discretion, I have but little to add, and that little relates to the principles which govern co-operation in joint expeditions. No land officer can be subjected in strictness to the orders of any sea officer until placed on ship to serve as a marine, and no sea officer under the orders of a land officer unless placed in some fortification to assist in its defense or before it to assist in its capture. But land troops embarked in vessels of war for transportation merely will be considered, in respect to naval commanders, a8 passengers, subject, of course, to the internal regulations of the vessel.

Cordiality and deference on the part of our land forces towards those of our Navy in the service in question need scarcely to be urged. Hearty reciprocity cannot fail to be the result. To this end free and frequent conferences between the joint commanders are recommended. Accordingly the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, requires and expects the most effective and cordial co-operation between the commanders of the expedition, their officers and men, and will hold all, in proportion to rank, to a strict and severe responsibility for any failure to preserve harmony and to secure all the objects of the joint expedition.

You will take care to maintain strict order and discipline among your troops, not to neglect opportunities of making the prescribed returns to the Adjutant-General, and to report to him every incident of importance that may occur to your command.

with great respect,