Boston November 23^d 1861.

 

Sir.

            I desire very respectfully to urge upon your attention the expediency of a more speedy & thorough armament of Fort Warren in Boston Harbor and of the maintenance there of a large and well instructed garrison of artillerists

 

            I do this in view of the fact that, Mason and Slidell being confined there, it would be quite after the British Style to send a naval force, such as is now quite conveniently at hand, to obtain possession of those persons, as a species of reprisal and without notice or declaration of war; and the post in its present condition as to garrison & armament could not sustain such an attack as the English fleet in our waters is prepared at any time to make.

                                               

Very respectfully

Yours &c &c &c

Fran^s J. Parker

 

H. E.

Hon. John. A. Andrew.

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