Benjamin, Judah Philip, 1811-1884 to Henry Toole Clark
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01353.01 Author/Creator: Benjamin, Judah Philip, 1811-1884 Place Written: Richmond, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: February 3, 1862 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses the defense of North Carolina. Will send reinforcements, but cannot send as many as he would like, which he blames on the shortness of enlistment terms. Lack of men is not his real concern though, "I am sure I could organize the defenses of our country, wherever attacked, if I only had munitions." Overall assures him North Carolina will be safe, "Your people may suffer somewhat at points where the enemy's superior water forces enable them to ravage the country within reach of their guns, but I do not fear, and am sure you need not, that they can do more than this and even this shall not be done if every possible precaution in our power can suffice to prevent it." Of the Union fleet "the enemy's fleet has been crippled much more seriously than you seem to be aware, and we are thus allowed some time for preparation beyond what we could otherwise have hoped." Postscript notes "I was compelled by stress of occasion to send 1,000 flintlocks to your last two regiments, but will immediately replace them by better arms." Written on Confederate States of America War Department stationery.
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