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December 20, 1860 - Colonel René De Russy to Secretary John Floyd

Click for full-sized scanned image Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc. ENGINEER DEPARTMENT, Washington, December 20, 1860. Hon. JOHN B. FLOYD, Secretary of War: SIR: In reply to so much of the resolution of the Committee on Military Affairs of the House of Representatives, which you have referred to this office, as relates to matters instructed to this Department, I have the honor to present the following report: In regard to the condition of the defenses at Fort Moultrie, I have to state that, according to the latest report of the Engineer officer having charge of the construction of the defense of the harbor of Charleston, everything practicable has been done to place the work in an efficient condition, and that with a proper garrison it is susceptible of an energetic defense. There were then employed at that work one officer and one hundred and twenty workmen, independent of the regular garrison. Castle Pinckney was in good condition as regards preparations, and, with a proper garrison, as defensible as it can be made. One officer and thirty workmen were engaged in the repair of the cisterns, replacing decayed banquettes, and attending to other matters of detail. Fort Sumter, which is entirely surrounded by water, is prepared for the guns of the first and third tiers, many of which are mounted, and the rest may be on short notice. The working force is now engaged in putting in the embrasures of the second tier, which have been left out till recently on account of an apprehended settlement of the work. One officer and one hundred and fifteen workmen were employed at this work at the date of the last report. Of all the fortifications in the harbor of Charleston, Fort Sumter must be looked upon as by far the most important, and it is now in condition, as regards its state of preparation, to resist any attack that will be made upon it, provided it be furnished with a proper garrison. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R.E. DE RUSSY, Lieutenant-Colonel, Engineers, Commanding. (To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2)