WAR DEPARTMENT,
Washington, April 4, 1861.
Capt. G. V. Fox, Washington, D.C.:
SIR: It having been decided to succor Fort Sumter you have been selected for this important duty. Accordingly you will take charge of the transports in New York having the troops and supplies on board to the entrance of Charleston Harbor, and endeavor, in the first instance, to deliver the subsistence. If you are opposed in this you are directed to report the fact to the senior naval officer of the harbor, who will be instructed by the Secretary of the Navy to use his entire force to open a passage, when you will, if possible, effect an entrance and place both troops and supplies in Fort Sumter.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
SIMON CAMERON,
Secretary of War.
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WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJUTANT-GENERAL’S OFFICE,
Washington, April 4, 1861.
Col. D. D. TOMPKINS, A. Q. M. G., No. 6 State street, New York:
SIR: By direction of the Secretary of War you will charter such vessels as Capt. G. V. Fox, the bearer of this, may designate; for such time and with such supplies as he may indicate.
I am, sir, &c.,
L. THOMAS,
Adjutant-General.
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HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
Washington, D.C., April 4, 1861.
Lieut. Col. HENRY L. SCOTT, A.D.C., New York:
SIR: This letter will be handed to you by Capt. G. V. Fox, ex-officer of the Navy, and a gentleman of high standing, as well as possessed of extraordinary nautical ability. He is charged by high authority here with the command of an expedition, under cover of certain ships of war, whose object is to re-enforce Fort Sumter.
To embark with Captain Fox you will cause a detachment of recruits, say about two hundred, to be immediately organized at Fort Columbus, with a competent number of officers, arms, ammunition, and subsistence. A large surplus of the latter–indeed, as great as the vessels of the expedition can take–with other necessaries, will be needed for the augmented garrison of Fort Sumter.
The subsistence and other supplies should be assorted like those which were provided by you and Captain Ward of the Navy for a former expedition. Consult Captain Fox and Major Eaton on the subject, and give all necessary orders in my name to fit out the expedition, except that the hiring of vessels will be left to others.
Some fuel must be shipped. Oil, artillery implements, fuses, cordage, slow-match, mechanical levers, and gins, &c.; should also be put on board.
Consult, also, if necessary, confidentially, Colonel Tompkins and Major Thornton.
Respectfully, yours,
WINFIELD SCOTT.