Benjamnin F. Butler, Butler's Book: Autobiography and Personal Reminiscences of Major-General Benjamin Butler

[1105] Beaufort for her destination. I think the Louisiana will carry the three hundred tons. She has now two hundred on board, and room for two hundred more, though that would sink her too deep. She has delayed us a little, and our movements had to depend on her.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

[no. 117. see pages 787 and 807.]

General:--I take advantage of the tug Du Pont, going out, to write you a few lines.

I think all the vessels will leave here to-morrow morning for the rendezvous, and if the weather permits, I think we will be able to blow up the vessel by the next night. In talking with engineers, some of them suggested that even at twenty-five miles the explosion might affect the boilers of steamers, and make them explode if heavy steam was carried; and I would advise that before the explosion takes place, of which you will be duly notified, the steam be run down as low as possible, and the fires drawn.

I hear the rebels have only a small garrison at the forts at New Inlet. I don't know how true it is.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

[no. 118. see page 787.]

General:--The powder vessel Louisiana has gone in to attempt the explosion. The weather looks threatening; the wind may haul to the west, but it is not likely. The barometer is high yet, though the weather does not please me.

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

The powder vessel is as complete as human ingenuity can make her — has two hundred and thirty-five tons of powder, all I could get, though she would not have carried much more.

I propose standing in, the moment the explosion takes place, and open fire with some of the vessels at night, to prevent the enemy repairing damages, if he has any.

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,