War of the Rebellion: from the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies and Navies
    

Arrangements to Re-enforce Fort Sumter.—Operations in Charleston Harbor

HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
Washington, January 2, 1861.

Memorandum of arrangements ¹

Telegram sent to Mr. A. H. Schultz, 64 Cedar street, P.O. box 3462, New York City, that his propositions are entertained, and that a staff officer will be in the city to-morrow evening to conclude arrangements.

Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas is directed, first, to satisfy himself that Mr. Schultz’s agency is reliable, then to cause the steamer to be prepared for sea as soon as practicable, provided the terms be reasonable; then to cause two hundred well instructed men with, say, three officers, to be embarked from Governor’s Island, with three months’ subsistence, including fresh beef and vegetables, and ample ammunition; also, one hundred extra stand of arms. Instructions to be sent by Colonel Thomas in writing to Major Anderson that should a fire likely to prove injurious be opened upon any vessel bringing re-enforcements or supplies, or upon her boats, from any battery in the harbor, the guns of Fort Sumter may be employed to silence such fire, and the same in case of like firing upon Fort Sumter itself.

The orders to the steamer and the troops on board will strictly enjoin Complete concealment of the presence of the latter when approaching the bay; Major Anderson to be warned to stand on his guard against all telegrams, and to be informed that measures will soon be taken to enable him to correspond with the Government by sea and Wilmington, N.C.

Colonel Thomas is further directed to inform Major Anderson that his conduct meets with the emphatic approbation of the highest in authority; Major Anderson to be also informed that further re enforcements will be sent him if necessary.

Lieut. Col. LORENZO THOMAS,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Washington, D.C.

__________

¹In the handwriting of General Scott.

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