HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY
Washington, January 4, 1861.
Captain MEIGS, U. S. Engineers:
SIR: With this letter you will receive one hundred muskets and accouterments complete, with one hundred rounds of cartridges for each 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.
WINFIELD SCOTT.